Kenya Passport Photo Specifications

Kenya Passport Photo Size Diagram

Detailed Kenya Passport Photo Requirements

The Kenya Directorate of Immigration and Registration of Persons has specific requirements for passport photos submitted through the eCitizen portal. 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
• The photo must show your natural skin tone

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 5.5 × 5.5 cm (55 × 55 mm)
• Your head must occupy 70–80% of the photo frame
• Face dimensions: approximately 31–36 mm from chin to top of head
• For digital upload: minimum 207 × 207 pixels
• File size: less than 120 KB for eCitizen upload
• File format: JPEG or PNG

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
• Do not look away from the camera or squint

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 Kenya passport photos. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. You must remove all eyewear 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
• Ensure your clothing does not obscure your face or neck

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

Source: Kenya eCitizen — Photo Requirements During Registration

How to Take a Kenya Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Kenya passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) 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 from about 20 inches (50 cm) away. 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. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate 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.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.

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, frown, or make any exaggerated expressions.

Good and Bad Examples of Kenya Passport Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions