Applying For A New Passport? UAE Passport Photo Rules Have Been Updated

With each passing day, UAE keep coming up with projects and changes in an effort to make things easier for its citizens. And just like that, traveling to and from the UAE is getting easier, too.

It’s clearly popular too, with passenger numbers at Dubai DXB returning to near pre-pandemic levels.

If you are planning to renew your key documents to have the best travel opportunities that the UAE presents, you have come to the right place.

That’s because The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has updated the personal photo rules we must follow.

As the guidelines are written to ensure your photo falls in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s standards.

The guidelines are clarified in a Twitter post:

Learn about the criteria for inserting a personal photo through the smart services system⁣.
____⁣#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #eServices #GoDigital pic.twitter.com/oakeH4qZCJ

— Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) December 27, 2022

• The image itself must be high quality. It must be coloured and cannot be older than six months.
• The background of the image must be white.
• The dimensions of the photo must be 35mm X 40mm.
• Neutral, natural expressions must be maintained. They must not be exaggerated.
• The head must be straight, not tilted, and must be parallel to the photographic lens.
• Eyes should be open towards the camera and without coloured lenses.
• Glasses are acceptable as long as they do not obscure the eyes and do not reflect light.
• The dress code must be in line with the official dress of the UAE (for citizens).
• Head coverings are allowed, according to national dress or religious belief.
• Resolution must be at least 600 dpi without ink traces or shrinkage.

The ICP also clarified that images edited using digital software will be rejected.