Condensed guide. Read the full UAE visa photo (ICP) requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 43 × 55 mm (1.69 × 2.17 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 508 × 650 px / 1016 × 1299 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–40 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | allowed as an opt-in |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | no printed photo |
| Digital upload | 1016×1299 px JPEG, 0–2 MB (ICP smart services / sponsor or airline visa portal) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | none |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The ICP site lists services but no photo specification on the page fetched. The 43×55 mm format on a white background is the standard quoted by ICP smart services and typing centres; head band and digital limits are estimates. Confirm with the sponsor, airline or typing centre handling the application.
- Confirm the 43×55 mm size with whoever lodges the application.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. The portals accept any clear photo in the right proportions; the typing centre or sponsor uploads it for you. The 43×55 mm format differs from both 35×45 mm and 2×2 inch, so a passport photo is the wrong shape. A white background by any means is accepted by the UAE portals, so a white replacement is offered as an opt-in for this document. Because the ICP specification page could not be re-checked, confirm the size with whoever is lodging the application.
Why UAE visa photos get rejected
- Wrong proportions (passport-style crop). Use the 43×55 mm preset.
- Background not white. Retake against white or use the permitted replacement for this document.
- Shadow behind the head. Light from the front, step away from the wall.
- Glare on glasses. Remove them.
- Low resolution or screenshot. Use the original photo file.
UAE visa photo FAQ
What size is a UAE visa photo?
43×55 mm proportions on a white background, as used by ICP and GDRFA smart services. Confirm with your sponsor as the page could not be re-checked.
Can I use my passport photo?
Only re-cropped to 43×55 mm; 35×45 mm and 2×2 inch are the wrong shape.
Do I need a printed photo?
No. The application is digital.
Can the background be edited?
A white background by any means is accepted, so a replacement is offered as an opt-in.
Are glasses allowed?
Only without glare; better removed.
Is the same photo used for the Emirates ID?
Residence applications reuse the photo for the ID card, so a clear, well-lit face matters.
Related documents
Last verified 2026-10-28 against Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Spotted a mistake? Report an error.