Nigeria Passport Photo Specifications

Detailed Nigeria Passport Photo Requirements

Nigeria issues biometric e-passports (also known as Standard Passports) compliant with ICAO 9303 standards. Passport applications are processed by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at passport offices nationwide or at Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

• Your photo must be in full 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 digital alteration — do not retouch or digitally alter your appearance
• Must reflect your current appearance
• Printed on matte photo paper
• No ink marks, creases, or damage on the printed photo

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo
• Face height: approximately 29–36 mm from chin to crown of head (including hair)
• Digital photo: 700 × 900 pixels at 600 DPI
• Digital file size: less than 2 MB for online submission
• Digital format: JPG/JPEG

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
• Both ears should be visible, or both edges of the face visible if hair covers ears
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• Shoulders should be squared and visible in the photo

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
• Even lighting across the entire photo

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Nigeria passport photos. You must remove your glasses before the photo is taken. This follows ICAO biometric standards for facial recognition accuracy.

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are permitted, unless worn for religious purposes
• If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
• 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 background is required — a sheet may be used for babies
• The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: Nigeria Immigration Service — Passport Photo Requirements

How to Take a Nigeria Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Nigeria 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. 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. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

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 — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead, and both ears, are visible.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, squinting, or frowning.

Good and Bad Examples of Nigeria Passport Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions