Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements
Tourist eVisa, Hajj, and Umrah visas all require a 2×2 inch white background photo. Women may wear hijab if the full face is visible. Here are the complete specifications.
Online at visa.visitsaudi.com · Digital photo upload · 1-year multiple entry
Via authorized Hajj operators · Printed 2×2 photo required · Group travel
Year-round · Online or via travel agent · 2×2 photo required
Photo Requirements — All Saudi Visa Types
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) |
| Background | Plain white — no patterns, no shadows |
| Color | Full color |
| Expression | Neutral — no smiling |
| Eyes | Open, looking at camera |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Hijab / head covering | Permitted if full face clearly visible (forehead to chin, ear to ear) |
| Head size | Face fills 70–80% of frame |
| Recency | Within the last 6 months |
| Format (digital) | JPEG for online eVisa upload |
Note
Make Your Saudi Arabia Visa Photo
2×2 inch · White background · No glasses · Accepted for tourist eVisa and Hajj/Umrah applications
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Hajj and Umrah Visa — What's Different
Hajj visas are not available through the Saudi eVisa portal. You must apply through an authorized Hajj travel operator licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. They handle the visa application and will specify exactly how many printed photos you need (typically 2–4 copies).
Umrah visas can be obtained year-round (except during Hajj season). Some nationalities can get an Umrah e-Visa online; others must apply through an Umrah travel agent. Both require 2×2 inch photos. Umrah visas are typically single-entry or limited re-entry.
Hajj visas require specific vaccination documentation (meningitis, COVID-19, and others as updated by Saudi health authorities). These are in addition to photo requirements. Your Hajj operator will provide a complete checklist.
Saudi Arabia Visa Photo FAQ
What size photo is required for a Saudi Arabia visa?
Saudi Arabia visa photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — the same standard size as US passport photos. The background must be plain white. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. This size applies to tourist eVisas, Hajj visas, Umrah visas, and most other Saudi visa categories.
Can women wear a hijab in a Saudi Arabia visa photo?
Yes — women may wear a hijab in Saudi Arabia visa photos, provided the full face is clearly visible. The oval of the face from forehead to chin and ear to ear must be unobstructed. The hijab must not cast a shadow on the face and must not cover the hairline in a way that makes the face appear too small in the frame. This applies to tourist eVisas and the Hajj/Umrah visa.
Do I need a photo for the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa?
Yes — the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa (applied for at visa.visitsaudi.com) requires a digital photo upload as part of the online application. Requirements: JPEG format, white background, recent photo (within 6 months), face clearly visible, no glasses. The photo is uploaded during the online application process — you do not need a printed photo for the initial eVisa application, but you may be asked to present printed photos upon arrival at some ports of entry.
Are there different photo requirements for Hajj vs. tourist visas?
Both Hajj/Umrah visas and tourist eVisas require the same 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photo format with a white background. However, Hajj visa applications typically go through authorized Hajj travel agents (Hajj operators) rather than the online eVisa portal, and the agent may request printed photos. Additionally, the Hajj visa process involves specific health documentation and travel group requirements that are separate from the photo itself.
What are the full Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements?
Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements: 2×2 inch (51×51mm) size, plain white background, full color, recent (within 6 months), neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses (prescription or sunglasses), head coverings not permitted unless for documented religious reasons (face must be fully visible), face fills 70–80% of the frame, head straight and centered, JPEG format for digital uploads.
Can US citizens get a Saudi Arabia tourist visa?
Yes — US citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa online at visa.visitsaudi.com. The Saudi tourist visa was introduced in 2019 as part of Vision 2030, opening the country to international tourism. The eVisa is valid for 1 year with multiple entries, each stay up to 90 days. The visa fee is approximately $135 USD. A digital photo upload is required during the online application.
What happens if my Saudi visa photo is rejected?
If your Saudi visa photo is rejected (either in the online portal or at the consulate), common reasons include: background not fully white (shadows present), glasses not removed, photo taken more than 6 months ago, face too small in the frame, file size too large for the upload portal, or JPEG quality too low. If applying through the online tourist eVisa portal, you can re-upload a corrected photo. If applying through a consulate or Hajj operator, ask them specifically what was wrong with the photo.
Do I need printed photos for a Saudi Arabia visa?
For the online Saudi tourist eVisa: only a digital photo upload is required. For consulate-based Saudi visa applications (work visa, family visa, some special categories) and for Hajj visas processed through travel agents: printed 2×2 inch photos are typically required. Check with your specific visa category or Hajj operator for how many printed photos to bring.