Republic of the Congo Passport Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about Republic of the Congo passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant Congolese biometric passport photo at home.
Republic of the Congo Passport Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Country
Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
Document Type
Passport (Biometric CEMAC Passport)
Photo Size
35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Resolution (DPI)
600
Head Size
70–80% of the photo (approx. 34.5 mm from chin to top of head)
Top Margin
Approximately 3 mm from top of photo to top of head
Background Color
Plain white
Printable
Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital Photo Size
827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Color
Color only (black and white not accepted)
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all requirements for the Republic of the Congo biometric CEMAC passport.
Detailed Republic of the Congo Passport Photo Requirements
The Republic of the Congo issues biometric CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) passports. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo meets all requirements.
Photo Basics
Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
No filters or editing — do not digitally alter your appearance
Must reflect your current appearance
Size and Dimensions
Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Your head must occupy 70–80% of the photo (approximately 34.5 mm from chin to top of head)
The distance from the top of the photo to the top of the head should be approximately 3 mm
Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Pose and Expression
Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
Background
Use a plain white background
No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
No shadows on your face or behind your head
Sufficient contrast between your face and the background
Glasses
Glasses are NOT allowed in Republic of the Congo passport photos. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, before taking the photo.
Head Coverings and Hats
No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn daily for religious purposes
If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices
Clothing
Wear normal everyday clothing
Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
Avoid wearing white tops that may blend with the white background
Children and Baby Photos
The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
The child's eyes must be open and visible
No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
A plain white sheet may be used as a background for babies
Note: The Republic of the Congo also accepts a 40×40 mm passport photo format for certain application types. If you are applying from the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you may need the 40×40 mm format instead. Check with the embassy or consulate handling your application.
How to Take a Republic of the Congo Passport Photo at Home
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Congolese passport photo at home using your smartphone.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone camera is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
2
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows.
Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically replace the background with white.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level.
5
Maintain a Neutral Expression
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.
Good and Bad Examples of Republic of the Congo Passport Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Republic of the Congo passport photo?
A Republic of the Congo passport photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). The head must occupy 70–80% of the photo, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
Can I wear glasses in my Congo passport photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in Republic of the Congo passport photos. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
Is the Congo passport biometric?
Yes. The Republic of the Congo issues biometric CEMAC passports. Your photo must meet biometric standards with the face properly centered and sized.
Can I take my Congo passport photo with my phone?
Yes! Simply upload your phone photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements.
What background color is required?
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background with white if needed.
How recent must my Congo passport photo be?
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
What happens if my photo is rejected?
If your passport photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all requirements before you submit.
