Sudan Passport Photo

Sudanese Passport Photo -- Civil Registry and Non-Standard Sizing

Sudan uses a non-standard 40 x 60 mm passport photo size -- significantly larger than the 35 x 45 mm format used by most countries worldwide. This unusual dimension catches applicants off guard, especially Sudanese living abroad who visit local photo studios accustomed to standard sizing. The Department of Passports and Immigration (Idarat Al-Jawazat wal-Hijra -- ادارة الجوازات والهجرة), operating under Sudan's Ministry of Interior, enforces this specification at all application points, and photos in the wrong dimensions are rejected without exception.

Sudan's passport processing infrastructure has been significantly disrupted since the conflict that began in April 2023, with many regional offices operating at reduced capacity. Applications filed through Sudanese embassies and consulates abroad now account for a large share of new passport issuance. Photo requirements remain consistent regardless of where the application is submitted. The authoritative source is the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees consular passport services for Sudanese citizens abroad. The same photo standards apply to the Sudanese national ID card (bitaqa shakhsiyya), though that document uses the slightly smaller 40 x 50 mm format.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions:

• 40 x 60 mm (472 x 709 pixels at 300 DPI) -- this is the primary passport size
• Some embassy locations also accept 40 x 50 mm for specific document types, but the passport itself requires 40 x 60 mm
• Printed on matte photo paper -- glossy finishes with excessive sheen are not recommended

Background:

• White background, uniform and clean
• No shadows, no gradients, no visible wall texture
• Background must extend to all four edges of the photo without borders or frames

Expression and pose:

• Neutral face, both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
• Mouth closed, no teeth visible
• Face perfectly straight -- no tilting or rotation
• Head height (chin to crown): approximately 30-40 mm within the 60 mm vertical space

Sudan-Specific Photo Rules

Head coverings and hijab: Sudan's photo rules accommodate Islamic dress. Women may wear hijab in passport photos, provided the face from the bottom of the chin to the hairline remains fully visible, and the covering does not produce shadows on any facial feature. This is a practical accommodation, not an exception -- the vast majority of Sudanese women photograph in hijab. Men wearing religious turbans (imma) or taqiyah are also permitted.

Glasses: Prescription glasses are allowed if the lenses are completely clear and no glare or reflection appears on either lens. Tinted lenses, sunglasses, and photochromic lenses in any tint state are prohibited. Given the high rejection rate for glasses-related issues, removal before the photo session is strongly advised.

Facial hair: Beards and mustaches are permitted and do not need to be trimmed. The key requirement is that the facial outline from ear to ear and from forehead to chin remains clearly defined.

Clothing: No specific clothing restrictions beyond avoiding white shirts that blend with the background. Military and police uniforms are not permitted in civilian passport photos.

Understanding Sudan's Dual Photo Format System

Sudan uses two photo dimensions for official documents, and confusing them is a major source of rejected applications:

• 40 x 60 mm -- Required for the passport (jawaz al-safar). This is the larger format and the one most applicants need.
• 40 x 50 mm -- Used for the national ID card (bitaqa shakhsiyya) and some visa categories. While 10 mm shorter than the passport photo, the width is identical.

When visiting a photo studio, always specify which document the photos are for. A studio may default to the 40 x 50 mm ID format if not told otherwise, resulting in photos that are too short for the passport.

For applicants applying for both a passport and a national ID simultaneously, two separate photo sessions or print runs are needed due to the different heights. Some studios offer a combined package at a discounted rate.

Photo Requirements During the Ongoing Conflict

The armed conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has profoundly impacted passport services. Many domestic passport offices in Khartoum and other affected areas have been damaged or closed. Applicants inside Sudan may need to travel to functioning offices in less-affected states like Kassala, Gedaref, or Port Sudan. Embassy and consulate processing abroad has become the primary channel for many Sudanese citizens.

Photo requirements have not changed despite the conflict. Embassies maintain the same 40 x 60 mm specification. However, applicants should expect longer processing times and should ensure their photos are compliant on the first attempt to avoid any additional delays in an already strained system.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Sudan

Studios in Khartoum: Photo studios (istidyuhat taswir -- استوديوهات تصوير) in downtown Khartoum, particularly around the souq area near the confluence (al-Mogran) and in the Khartoum 2 district, specialize in passport photography. Many are clustered near the former main passport office. A set of photos costs 2,000-5,000 SDG, though prices fluctuate with the exchange rate. Make sure to specify the 40 x 60 mm size explicitly -- some studios default to the 35 x 45 mm international standard unless told otherwise.

Studios in Omdurman and Bahri: Omdurman's commercial district near the old souq has several established photo studios. Bahri (Khartoum North) has studios near its market areas. Pricing is comparable to central Khartoum. Quality can be inconsistent, so ask to review the photo on screen before printing.

Diaspora photo services: Sudanese communities in Cairo, Jeddah, Dubai, London, and other diaspora hubs have studios familiar with Sudan's 40 x 60 mm requirement. Arab and African photo studios in these cities often keep the Sudanese specification on file. If using a non-Sudanese studio, bring a sample photo or written specification showing 40 x 60 mm -- the photographer will likely need to set up a custom print template.

At Sudanese embassies: Some Sudanese embassies and consulates offer on-site photo services during passport application appointments. Check with your specific embassy in advance, as this varies by location.

Baby and Child Photos

Sudanese children's passport photos follow the same 40 x 60 mm dimension as adults, and this non-standard size requirement applies to children just as strictly as to adults. A common mistake is bringing standard-sized children's photos and assuming the smaller face will not matter -- the dimensions are checked regardless of the applicant's age. Additional rules:

• The child must be the only person visible in the photo -- no parent's hands, arms, or lap
• Infants should be placed on a white sheet and photographed from directly above
• For babies under 6 months, closed eyes are tolerated if the face is otherwise clearly captured
• No pacifiers, bottles, headbands, or decorative clothing that alters the head silhouette
• Children aged 5 and above must meet full adult expression and positioning requirements
• Girls wearing hijab from a young age follow the same hijab rules as adult women

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Wrong photo dimensions -- submitting 35 x 45 mm photos instead of the required 40 x 60 mm is the most frequent error, particularly among diaspora applicants
2. Hijab shadow on face -- head coverings that sit too far forward or are wrapped tightly cast shadows on the forehead and cheeks
3. Background not white -- off-white walls, colored backdrops, and outdoor backgrounds with visible sky or structures
4. Glasses glare -- overhead fluorescent lighting in studios produces strong reflections on lenses
5. Photo too old or appearance has changed -- passport officers compare the submitted photo with the applicant's current appearance during in-person processing
6. Low print quality -- faded prints, low-resolution images, and photos with visible pixelation from excessive digital zoom
7. Expression not neutral -- smiling, frowning, or squinting from bright studio lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Sudan use 40 x 60 mm instead of the standard 35 x 45 mm? A: Sudan has maintained this larger format as its national standard for decades. The size predates ICAO standardization efforts and has been retained through successive passport redesigns, including the current biometric generation.

Q: How many photos do I need for a Sudanese passport application? A: The standard requirement is 4 identical photos. Bring 6 to be safe -- you may need extras for supporting documents or if any prints are deemed non-compliant by the reviewing officer.

Q: Can I use a 35 x 45 mm photo and have the embassy accept it? A: No. Sudanese passport offices and embassies strictly enforce the 40 x 60 mm specification. A photo in the wrong dimensions will be rejected regardless of how otherwise compliant it is.

Q: I am applying from abroad and cannot find a studio with the 40 x 60 mm template. What do I do? A: Any professional photo studio can create a custom print size. Ask the photographer to set up a 40 x 60 mm print crop with appropriate head positioning. Alternatively, prepare your photo digitally at 472 x 709 pixels and print it at exactly 300 DPI on 4x6 inch photo paper, then trim to size.

Q: Are there special rules for Sudanese women's passport photos? A: Women may wear hijab. The critical requirement is that the entire face -- from the lowest point of the chin to the hairline -- is visible and free of shadows cast by the covering. No additional documentation is needed for wearing hijab.

Q: How do I print a 40 x 60 mm photo at home? A: Prepare a digital image at exactly 472 x 709 pixels. Place it on a standard 4 x 6 inch (10 x 15 cm) photo paper template using any image editing tool. Print at 300 DPI on matte photo paper. Cut precisely along the 40 x 60 mm boundary using a ruler and sharp blade. Verify the final dimensions with a ruler before submission.

Q: Can I wear the Sudanese imma (turban) in my passport photo? A: Yes. Religious head coverings for both men and women are accepted. The imma must not cast shadows on the face, and the full face from chin to forehead must be visible. The turban should be arranged to leave the forehead and eyebrows clearly exposed.

Q: What is the current processing time for Sudanese passports? A: Processing times vary dramatically depending on the application location and current conditions. Embassy applications typically take 4-12 weeks. Domestic applications at functioning offices in unaffected areas may be faster, but delays are common across all processing channels.