Iran e-Visa Photo Requirements (2026): Official Rules and Nuances
In short. An Iran e-Visa requires a 400x600 pixel digital photo on a white background. For foreign women, a hijab is not officially mandatory but highly recommended.
- The digital photo must be at least 400x600 pixels in JPG/JPEG format.
- The file size must not exceed 500 KB (minimum 10 KB).
- The face must occupy 70-80% of the photo area.
- Glasses are prohibited, except for medical necessity.
- For foreign women, a hijab in the digital photo is not strictly mandatory but is recommended to avoid delays.
What has changed and current requirements
To successfully apply for an Iran e-Visa through the official portal evisa.mfa.ir in 2026, applicants must upload a digital photo that strictly meets the technical standards of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. The system automatically checks the file parameters, and incorrect photos will make it impossible to submit the application.
| Parameter | Iran MFA Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size in pixels | Minimum 400 (width) × 600 (height) pixels |
| File size | From 10 KB to 500 KB |
| Format | Only JPG or JPEG |
| Background | Solid white or light gray, no shadows |
| Facial proportions | The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo area |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months before submission |
Who this applies to
These requirements apply to all foreign citizens, including Ukrainians, applying for a tourist, business, or transit electronic visa (e-Visa) to Iran. If you plan to obtain a physical visa at the embassy after receiving the electronic confirmation (Visa Grant Notice), you will also need printed photos (usually 4x3 cm or 6x4 cm, depending on the specific consulate's requirements).
What to do now
- Take a new photo: Take a picture against a white background with good lighting. Look straight into the camera, your facial expression must be neutral, and your mouth closed.
- Remove accessories: Glasses are prohibited (except for medical necessity with confirmation). Also, remove headphones and bulky jewelry.
- Edit the size: Crop the photo to a 2:3 aspect ratio (for example, 400x600 pixels) and ensure the file size is under 500 KB.
- Upload to the portal: While filling out the application form on the evisa.mfa.ir website, upload the prepared file into the appropriate field.
Common mistakes and questions about the hijab
The requirement for a head covering (hijab) for women raises the most questions. According to the official rules of the e-Visa portal, a hijab in the digital photo is not strictly mandatory for foreign women. However, many travel agencies and travelers strongly recommend taking the photo with a covered head (in a dark headscarf) to avoid subjective rejections or delays during the application review by Iranian officials. Furthermore, some Iranian embassies require a photo with a hijab when submitting paper documents.
Other frequent reasons for photo rejection include shadows on the background, the use of filters or retouching, and uploading a scanned copy of a passport photo instead of an original digital image.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Is it mandatory for a woman to be photographed wearing a hijab for an Iran visa?
- For the digital e-Visa application, a hijab is not officially mandatory for foreign women. However, it is recommended to take the photo with a covered head to minimize the risk of delay or rejection.
- What photo file size is allowed by the system?
- The file must be in JPG/JPEG format, ranging from 10 KB to 500 KB in size. The resolution must be at least 400x600 pixels.
- Can I wear glasses in the photo?
- No, glasses are prohibited in the Iran visa photo, except in cases of strict medical necessity.