Why Was My Passport Photo Rejected?

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Incorrect Photo Size

Photos must be exactly 38×48 mm. Photos that are too small or too large will be rejected.

2. Poor Quality Images

• Blurry or out of focus
• Pixelated or low resolution
• Damaged or creased photos
• Incorrect color balance

3. Wrong Background

• Not plain white, gray, or blue
• Patterns, objects, or people visible
• Uneven or distracting backgrounds

4. Facial Expression Issues

• Smiling or showing teeth
• Closed eyes or squinting
• Frowning or other expressions
• Mouth open

5. Head Position Problems

• Head tilted or turned
• Eyes not level
• Head too high or low in frame
• Incorrect head size proportion

6. Lighting and Shadow Issues

• Dark shadows on face or background
• Uneven lighting
• Harsh flash reflections
• Overexposed or underexposed

7. Clothing and Appearance

• Uniforms or costumes
• Hats or head coverings (unless religious/medical)
• Sunglasses or tinted glasses
• Heavy makeup obscuring features

8. Age and Recency

• Photo older than 6 months
• Child’s appearance significantly changed
• Not reflecting current appearance

What to Do If Rejected

1. Don’t panic - rejections are common
2. Review the rejection reason carefully
3. Take new photos following all guidelines
4. Submit corrected photos promptly
5. Keep records of all submissions

Prevention Tips

• Read Qatar’s specific requirements before taking photos
• Use professional photography services
• Take photos in good lighting conditions
• Have someone check your photos before submission
• Keep backup copies of accepted photos

Following these guidelines will significantly reduce the chance of rejection.

Ensure your passport photos are accepted first time