Most passport and visa photos need a plain white background, a neutral expression and a recent photo (taken in the last six months). The size changes by country: the UAE usually asks for 43 × 55 mm, the US and many Indian applications made from abroad use 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), and the UK, Schengen countries and Pakistan use 35 × 45 mm. Always check the exact size printed on your form, because rules change.
| Country / document | Size most forms ask for | Background |
|---|---|---|
| UAE visa, residence and Emirates ID | 43 × 55 mm | White |
| India passport, OCI and visa (applying from abroad) | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm); some newer Passport Seva applications use 35 × 45 mm | White |
| United States passport and visa | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | White or off-white |
| United Kingdom passport and visa | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey or cream (passport); light background (visa) |
| Schengen visa | 35 × 45 mm | Light, plain |
| Pakistan passport, CNIC and NICOP | 35 × 45 mm | White |
| Canada visa | 50 × 70 mm | White or light |
Photo rules are set by each government and change from time to time. Bring your form or the official instructions with you, and we’ll match the size and layout it asks for.
Wear a dark or coloured top so you stand out from a white background. Avoid white shirts, uniforms and large jewellery.
Babies can be photographed lying on a white sheet or held from behind, as long as no hands or other people appear in the photo. Eyes should be open where possible; most countries are more flexible with newborns.
Many UAE and overseas applications are now made online, so ask for a digital copy as well as prints. Online portals often set a file size or pixel size, so tell us which portal you’re uploading to.
Imprint Studio takes passport and visa photos at Shop 9, Ground Floor, 1 Lake Plaza, Cluster T, Jumeirah Lake Towers. Walk in Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 19:00, and you get printed photos plus a digital copy. See our passport photos in Dubai page, or message us on WhatsApp on +971 50 774 4167.
