Ethiopia E-Visa Photo Specifications

Detailed Ethiopia E-Visa Photo Requirements

Ethiopia offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for tourists through the official portal evisa.gov.et. The photo is uploaded digitally during the online application. Below are the requirements for a compliant e-Visa photo.

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
• The photo must be suitable for digital upload

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Your head must occupy 70–80% of the photo height
• Digital format required — no printed photo needed
• Head tilt: up to 5 degrees in any direction is tolerated

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, looking straight at the camera
• Keep your mouth closed — no smiling or teeth showing
• Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead, and ear to ear

Background

• Use a plain white background for digital upload
• No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
• No shadows on your face or behind your head

Digital Photo Requirements

• File size: maximum 2 MB
• File format: JPEG or PNG
• Photo must be clear and in focus
• Recommended pixel dimensions: 827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI)

Glasses

Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear them:

• Your eyes (pupils and iris) must be clearly visible through the lenses
• No glare or reflection on the lenses
• No tinted lenses
• Frames must not hide your face or prevent identification

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious reasons
• If worn, 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
• Avoid wearing white tops that blend with the white background

Source: Ethiopia e-Visa Official Portal (evisa.gov.et)

How to Take an Ethiopia E-Visa Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps using your smartphone to create a perfect digital photo for e-Visa upload.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera works perfectly for e-Visa photos since you only need a digital file. Clean the lens and use the highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo. Avoid selfies as they tend to have the wrong angle.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically replace it with a compliant white background.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Remove glasses for the safest result.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters from the camera. Face directly forward, head level, shoulders relaxed. Make sure both head and shoulders are visible in the frame.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your expression neutral with mouth closed and both eyes open. Look straight at the camera. No smiling or exaggerated expressions.

Good and Bad Examples of Ethiopia E-Visa Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable e-Visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions