Emirates cabin crew photo requirements are very specific. Airlines check your photo before they look at your CV, so it needs to be clear, professional, and the correct size. This guide explains how to take the right photos and what to avoid, so you can make a strong first impression.
TL;DR:
- Emirates requires a CV headshot (3.5×4.5 cm) and a full-length photo (13×18 cm) in JPEG, under 500 KB, with a white background.
- Wear formal business attire: dark suit, white/light blouse or shirt, and neat grooming (no filters or edits).
- Full-length photo must show your entire body, including shoes, with a relaxed and confident posture.
- Qatar Airways uses similar rules, but with stricter grooming standards—especially for male applicants.
- Bad lighting, cropped body parts, or casual outfits are common mistakes—retake if you’re unsure.
Cabin Crew Photo Sizes and Format
Both Emirates and Qatar Airways require two photos: a passport-style headshot and a full-length image. These must be JPEG files with a plain white background and no shadows.
The headshot should be 3.5 x 4.5 cm, and the full-length photo must be 13 x 18 cm. Each file must be under 500 KB. No filters, edits, or casual photos—this is part of the screening process.
Emirates Cabin Crew Photo Requirements
Emirates expects photos that match the look and standards of their cabin crew. Presentation, grooming, and outfit choice all matter. The full-length photo must show your entire body, standing straight with arms relaxed and feet together. Your appearance should be neat, polished, and professional.
For women, a dark skirt suit is required, along with a light blouse and closed-toe heels. Hair should be tied back, and makeup should be light. Men should wear a dark suit with a white shirt and a plain tie. Beards must be clean and tidy, or you can be clean-shaven. Hair must be styled conservatively.
Qatar Airways Cabin Crew Photo Requirements
Qatar Airways follows nearly identical photo requirements but tends to be even stricter about grooming. Like Emirates, they want both a headshot and full-length photo, both taken in front of a white background with clear lighting.
Your outfit should be the same as what you’d wear for Emirates. Qatar is especially particular about neat hairstyles, minimal makeup, and formal posture. Even the smallest detail—like the angle of your head or the way your shirt is buttoned—can affect how your photo is perceived.
CV Photo Size and Rules
The CV photo is often the first image recruiters see. It must be professional, formal, and match your full-length photo in grooming and outfit.
Use the 3.5 x 4.5 cm size, JPEG format, and keep the file under 500 KB. A clean white background is required. No selfies, filters, or casual photos. If it looks like something you’d send on social media, it’s not suitable.
Full-Length Cabin Crew Photo Tips
This photo shows recruiters how you carry yourself in a professional setting. It’s not about looking like a model—it’s about being neat, confident, and polished.
Stand against a white wall or use a white sheet as a backdrop. Take the photo in natural daylight if possible, or use bright indoor lighting with no flash. Keep the camera level at waist height for a balanced, full-body shot.
Feet should be together, arms relaxed, and shoulders back. No stiff posing or overly formal expressions—just a calm, confident smile.
Common Cabin Crew Photo Mistakes
Most applicants are fully capable of getting this right. But a few easy-to-fix issues often lead to delays or photo resubmission requests.
- Full-length photo is cropped (missing feet, hands, or top of head)
- Background isn’t white or shows shadows
- Lighting is too dim or uneven
- Use of filters or over-editing
- Grooming doesn’t match airline standards
- Casual clothing or accessories that don’t fit the airline look
Can You Change Your Photo After Submitting?
Yes—if you notice something isn’t quite right, most airline portals allow updates before your application is reviewed. And if a recruiter needs a clearer photo, they’ll usually let you know.
Taking a few extra minutes to retake your photo can be a smart move if you’re unsure. It’s a small effort that can make your application look more complete and professional.
Final Photo Checklist
Before you submit your application, double-check these basics:
- Headshot: 3.5 x 4.5 cm, JPEG format, white background
- Full-length photo: 13 x 18 cm, JPEG, white background
- File size under 500 KB
- No filters, edits, or shadows
- Formal clothing, clean grooming, full body visible
- Confident but natural expression
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Emirates cabin crew photo requirements?
Emirates requires a passport-style headshot (3.5 x 4.5 cm) and a full-length photo (13 x 18 cm), both in JPEG format, under 500 KB, with a plain white background and professional attire.
Can I use a selfie for my Emirates CV photo?
No. Emirates does not accept selfies. Your CV photo must look like a professional headshot with formal clothing, proper grooming, and no filters or edits.
What should I wear in my full-length cabin crew photo?
Wear a dark business suit with a white or light shirt or blouse. Women should wear a skirt and closed-toe heels. Men should wear a tie and polished shoes. Hair and grooming must match airline standards.
Do Qatar Airways cabin crew photo requirements differ from Emirates?
The photo sizes and formats are the same, but Qatar Airways is known to be stricter about grooming, posture, and overall polish in submitted images.