Morocco Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Background and Tips
What are the photo requirements for a Moroccan visa? In general, you need a recent colour passport-style photo, usually 35 x 45 mm, taken against a plain white or off-white background, with your face looking straight at the camera and your whole head clearly visible. Consulates often ask for printed photos, while the online e-visa asks you to upload a digital photo. This guide to Morocco visa photo requirements explains the usual rules, the common mistakes that cause problems and how to prepare a photo that is accepted the first time.
Rules can differ between the official e-visa website and each Moroccan embassy or consulate, and they can change. Treat this page as general guidance and check the instructions on your application screen or with your consulate before you submit. Many nationalities do not need a visa at all, so first read our guide to the Morocco visa and entry rules.
Morocco Visa Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Usual rule |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 x 45 mm, the standard passport size |
| Number of photos | Often 2 printed photos at a consulate. One digital photo for the e-visa |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, with no pattern or shadows |
| Colour | Colour, not black and white |
| How recent | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Head size | About 32 to 36 mm from chin to top of the head |
| Pose | Face the camera directly, with hair inside the frame |
| Digital file | Usually JPG. Check the size limit on the upload screen |
Photo Size and Format
The most common size for a Moroccan visa photo is 35 x 45 mm, the same size used for many passports in Europe and other regions. A photo shop can print it for you in a few minutes. For the online e-visa, you normally upload a digital version, so ask the shop for a JPG file as well. Keep the file sharp and do not crop or stretch it. If the upload page names a maximum file size or pixel size, follow that instead of any general rule.
Background, Lighting and Pose
- Background: plain white or off-white, with no walls, curtains, patterns or objects behind you.
- Lighting: even light on the face, with no shadows on your face or on the background.
- Pose: look straight into the camera with your head upright, not tilted.
- Expression: a neutral face with a closed mouth is the safest choice.
- Hair: keep hair inside the frame and away from your eyes.
- Quality: no filters, no editing and no red eyes. Print on proper photo paper if you need a paper copy.
Glasses, Head Coverings and Special Cases
Official instructions are not always clear about glasses and head coverings, so the safest approach is to follow the usual passport-photo practice. Take off glasses if you can, or make sure there is no glare and your eyes are fully visible. A head covering worn for religious reasons is normally allowed as long as your full face, from chin to forehead, is visible and there are no shadows. For babies and young children, the eyes should be open and the child should be looking towards the camera, which can take a few tries. If your situation is unusual, ask the consulate before you pay for photos.
Common Photo Mistakes
- Using an old photo that no longer looks like you.
- A grey, blue or patterned background instead of white.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head.
- A selfie taken too close, which distorts the face.
- Sunglasses, a hat or a smile that changes the shape of the face.
- Scanning or photographing a printed photo, which lowers the quality.
Where to Get the Photo Taken
The easiest option is a photo shop, pharmacy or booth that makes passport photos, because they know the sizes and will give you both printed and digital copies. Tell them the photo is for a Moroccan visa and ask for 35 x 45 mm on a white background. Some people take a photo at home against a white wall with good daylight, which can work for an online upload but may be rejected if the quality is poor. Check the preview before you submit.
Other Documents to Prepare
The photo is only one part of the application. You will also need a passport valid for at least six months, your travel dates, an address in Morocco and sometimes proof of accommodation or a return ticket. For the full list, see our Morocco visa guide. For the official application, use the Moroccan e-visa website at acces-maroc.ma, and avoid unofficial sites that charge extra fees.
Once your entry is organised, read our guide to the best time to visit Morocco and our overview of Morocco tour packages to plan the trip itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Moroccan visa photo?
Usually 35 x 45 mm, the standard passport size. Check your application screen or consulate for the exact rule.
What background colour is needed?
A plain white or off-white background with no shadows.
How many photos do I need?
A consulate application often asks for two printed photos. The online e-visa asks for one digital photo.
Can I use a photo taken with my phone?
It can work for the online upload if the background is plain, the light is even and the image is sharp. For printed photos, use a photo shop.
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
It is safer to remove them. If you keep them on, make sure there is no glare and your eyes are fully visible.
How recent must the photo be?
Within the last six months is the usual rule, and it must look like you today.
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
We are a local Merzouga team and we help visitors plan their route once their entry is sorted. Message us on WhatsApp at +212 620 628 083 or use our contact page, tell us your dates, and we will help you plan transfers, a camel ride and a night in a desert camp. See also our list of things to do in Merzouga.