Cameroon Passport Photo (40×40 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Cameroon (Cameroun) passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

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Cameroon Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryCameroon (Cameroun)
Document TypePassport
Photo Size40 × 40 mm (4 × 4 cm) — square format
Resolution (DPI)600
Pixel Size (at 600 DPI)945 × 945 pixels
Head Size70–80% of the photo (chin to top of head)
Background ColorWhite
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
Quantity Required4 identical photographs
RecencyTaken 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 40×40mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Cameroon Passport Photo Requirements

Cameroonian passport photos follow a unique square format of 40×40mm, which is distinct from the standard rectangular formats used by most countries. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

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 apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance
  • You must submit 4 identical photographs with your application

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: 40 × 40 mm (4 × 4 cm) — square format
  • Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo area (approximately 28–32 mm)
  • Printed on high-quality photographic paper (matte or glossy)
  • At 600 DPI, the digital version should be at least 945 × 945 pixels

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression — mouth closed, no smiling
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead, and ear to ear
  • Equal amount of each ear and cheek should be visible on both sides

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 Cameroon passport photos. You must 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 chin to 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 or very light-colored 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
  • The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head
Note: Cameroon also accepts passport photos in 40×50mm and 2×2 inch (51×51mm) formats depending on the application type. The 40×40mm is the most common standard format.
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How to Take a Cameroon Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Cameroon 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.

Taking passport photo with smartphone
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 remove and replace the background with the required white color.
Proper lighting for passport photo
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.

Appropriate attire for passport photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted.

Correct posing for passport photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile — a straight, serious expression is required.

Neutral facial expression

Good and Bad Examples of Cameroon Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Cameroon passport photo?

A Cameroon passport photo must be 40×40mm (4×4cm). This is a square format unique to Cameroon and several Central African countries. Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo.

Can I wear glasses in my Cameroon passport photo?

No. Glasses are not permitted in Cameroon passport photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, before taking the photo.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Can I take my Cameroon passport photo with my phone?

Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Cameroon passport photo requirements.

How many photos do I need for a Cameroon passport application?

You typically need 4 identical passport photographs for a Cameroon passport application. All photos must meet the same requirements and be printed on high-quality photographic paper.

Are there other accepted sizes for Cameroon passport photos?

Yes. Cameroon also accepts 40×50mm and 2×2 inch (51×51mm) formats depending on the application type. The 40×40mm is the most common standard format.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?

No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.

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 official requirements before you submit your application.