Published: 11 March 2026 | Last updated: 11 September 2026. All specifications sourced from the Saudi government portal at.
The Saudi eVisa passport photo must be exactly 200 × 200 pixels in JPEG format (5-100 KB) with a plain white background (#FFFFFF) and a neutral expression. The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended entry date into Saudi Arabia. UK passport holders are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which permits multiple entries over a 1-year validity period with stays of up to 90 days per trip. The application fee is SAR 535 (approximately £115 as of 2026, subject to exchange rate changes), and standard processing time is 5-30 minutes.
Saudi eVisa Photo Size, Background & Upload Specifications
Saudi eVisa passport photo requirements dictate a precise image size of 200 × 200 pixels (50 × 50 mm physically) in JPEG format (5-100 KB) with a plain white background (#FFFFFF), 24-bit RGB colour depth, and a recommended resolution of 300 DPI. The head height from chin to crown should measure approximately 34 mm (1.29 in), with the face covering 70-80% of the total image area.
UK applicants can obtain 50 × 50 mm physical prints at Timpson stores (no appointment necessary), though the eVisa application requires only a digital upload. The Saudi eVisa portal at accepts one digital photo per application.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pixel dimensions | 200 × 200 px (square) |
| Physical size | 50 × 50 mm |
| File format | JPEG / JPG only (image/jpeg) |
| File size | 5-100 KB |
| Background | Plain white (#FFFFFF) |
| Colour depth | 24-bit RGB |
| Resolution | 300 DPI recommended |
| Head height | Approx. 34 mm (chin to crown) |
| Face area | 70-80% of image |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
Saudi eVisa Passport Validity & UK Eligibility
UK applicants need a biometric passport (e-Passport) valid for at least 6 months beyond entry, with one blank page for entry and exit stamps, to meet Saudi eVisa requirements. British citizens are part of the 66 eligible countries permitted to apply for the tourist eVisa via the portal at .
- Passport validity: 6 months beyond the entry date
- Document type: Biometric passport with at least 1 blank page
- eVisa validity: 1 year, multiple entry, up to 90 days per stay
- Permitted activities: Tourism and Umrah
- Excluded activities: Studying
- Application fee: SAR 535 (approximately £115 as of 2026, subject to exchange rate changes)
- Processing time: 5 to 30 minutes (up to 48 hours in peak periods)
- Recommended buffer: Apply at least 2 weeks before departure
Non-eligible nationals must contact the nearest Saudi Embassy. Passport validity and photo specifications follow ICAO standards for biometric travel documents.
Glasses, Headwear & Common Photo Rejection Fixes
Saudi eVisa biometric photo requirements mandate that prescription glasses are not permitted due to glare and frame obstruction. A medical exception applies for post-surgery glasses if the full eye area remains unobstructed. Religious headwear is allowed if the full face (forehead to chin) is visible and casts no shadows. Hats, caps, and non-religious head coverings are prohibited.
The face must occupy 70 to 80 percent of the 200 × 200 pixel frame. The Visit Saudi App provides additional guidance on photo compliance alongside the portal at.
| Common Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| File size rejected | Under 5 KB or over 100 KB | Compress the image or take a new photo |
| Format not accepted | Uploaded PNG or HEIC file | Convert the file to JPEG format only |
| Background rejected | Non-white background or visible shadows | Retake against a plain white wall (#FFFFFF) |
| Face too small or large | Face not covering 70-80% of image | Adjust camera distance to 40-50 cm and recrop |
| Photo too old | Taken more than 6 months ago | Take a new photo within the 6-month recency rule |
Saudi eVisa Photo Requirements Checklist (2026)
Saudi eVisa passport photo requirements in 2026 demand a 200 × 200 px JPEG image with a plain white background, a neutral expression, and a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date.
- ☐ Square format: 200 × 200 pixels
- ☐ JPEG / JPG file format only
- ☐ File size between 5 KB and 100 KB
- ☐ Resolution: 300 DPI recommended
- ☐ Plain white background (#FFFFFF)
- ☐ Neutral expression, mouth closed
- ☐ Eyes open, looking directly at camera
- ☐ Face covers 70-80% of image area
- ☐ Head height approx. 34 mm (chin to crown)
- ☐ No glasses (unless medical exception)
- ☐ Headwear permitted only if face fully visible (forehead to chin)
- ☐ Photo taken within last 6 months
- ☐ No shadows on face or background
- ☐ Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
- ☐ Passport is biometric (e-Passport)
- ☐ Passport has at least 1 blank page
Note: Requirements may change without notice. Always verify the latest specifications on before submitting your application.
FAQ: Saudi eVisa Passport Photo Requirements
What is the exact Saudi eVisa passport photo size in pixels and millimetres?
The Saudi eVisa digital photo must be exactly 200 × 200 pixels square (50 × 50 mm print). A recommended resolution of 300 DPI ensures sufficient quality for the biometric verification system on the portal.
Does the Saudi eVisa photo background need to be pure white?
Yes. The background must be plain white (#FFFFFF) with no gradients, patterns, or shadows. A uniform light grey may be acceptable only if completely uniform, but plain white is the specified requirement.
What file format and size does the Saudi eVisa portal accept?
The portal accepts JPEG/JPG files only (MIME: image/jpeg), 5-100 KB, 24-bit RGB. PNG, HEIC, and other formats are rejected during upload.
Does my passport need to be valid for 6 months to apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. It must be a biometric e-Passport with at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
Can I wear a hijab or religious head covering in my Saudi eVisa photo?
Yes. Hijab and religious headwear are permitted provided the full face from forehead to chin remains clearly visible. The head covering must not cast shadows on the face.
Are prescription glasses allowed in a Saudi eVisa passport photo?
No. Prescription glasses are not permitted due to glare and frame obstruction. Sunglasses are strictly prohibited. A medical exception applies if glasses cannot be removed post-surgery, but the full eye area must remain visible.
How long does the Saudi eVisa take to process for UK applicants?
Standard processing takes 5-30 minutes via. During peak periods, processing may take up to 48 hours. UK applicants should apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
What is the Saudi eVisa application fee for British passport holders?
The fee is SAR 535 (approximately £115 as of 2026, subject to exchange rate fluctuations). UK passport holders are among the 66 eligible countries.
Where can I find the latest Saudi eVisa photo specifications?
The latest specifications are published on the Saudi government portal at . Navigate to the eVisa application section for current photo and passport requirements.
What is the difference between Saudi eVisa photo requirements and Umrah visa photo?
The Saudi tourist eVisa covers both tourism and Umrah. The photo requirements are identical: 200 × 200 px JPEG, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses.
Can I use a smartphone to take my Saudi eVisa passport photo?
Yes. Use the rear camera at 40-50 cm distance in daylight. Avoid portrait mode, ensure even front-facing lighting, and crop to 200 × 200 px in JPEG format.
What happens if my Saudi eVisa photo is rejected during upload?
If rejected, you can re-upload a corrected version before resubmitting without starting a new application. Common fixes: resize to 200 × 200 px, convert to JPEG, compress to 5-100 KB, or retake on a plain white background.
