Papua New Guinea Citizenship Certificate Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Papua New Guinea citizenship photo requirements for the PNG Citizenship Certificate, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home. The PNG Citizenship Certificate is issued by the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA) to individuals who have been granted Papua New Guinean citizenship through naturalization, descent, or other pathways.

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Papua New Guinea Citizenship Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryPapua New Guinea
Document TypeCitizenship Certificate
Photo Size35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size60–80% of the photo (approximately 27–36 mm from chin to crown of head)
Background ColorPlain white or off-white / light grey
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes
Digital Photo Size827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Photo Paper TypeMatte or glossy photo paper
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyMust be recent
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 official requirements.

Detailed Papua New Guinea Citizenship Photo Requirements

The Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA) has specific requirements for citizenship certificate photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

About the PNG Citizenship Certificate

The PNG Citizenship Certificate is an official document issued by the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA). It is granted to individuals who have acquired Papua New Guinean citizenship through one of the following pathways:

  • Naturalization: For foreign nationals who have resided in Papua New Guinea for the required period and meet the eligibility criteria set by the ICA
  • Descent: For individuals born outside Papua New Guinea to at least one Papua New Guinean parent
  • Other pathways: Including adoption, marriage, or special circumstances as recognized by the ICA

A compliant photograph is a mandatory part of the citizenship application process.

1. Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo that reflects your current appearance
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No digital edits or enhancements — do not apply filters or digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance

2. Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches)
  • Your head should occupy 60–80% of the photo area
  • Head height (from chin to top of head): approximately 27–36 mm
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

3. Background Requirements

  • Use a plain white, off-white, or light grey 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

4. Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — full front view of your face
  • 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
  • Both edges of your face must be clearly visible

5. Glasses Policy

Glasses are NOT allowed in Papua New Guinea citizenship photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily. No tinted lenses, no reflections, and no frames blocking any part of your eyes.

6. Head Coverings

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn 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
  • The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

7. 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
  • Choose clothing that contrasts well with the background

8. 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: Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA)

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How to Take a Papua New Guinea Citizenship Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Papua New Guinea citizenship 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 citizenship-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 Papua New Guinea citizenship photo with smartphone or camera
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.
Proper lighting setup for Papua New Guinea citizenship photo
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.

Appropriate attire for Papua New Guinea citizenship photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (5 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.

Correct posing for Papua New Guinea citizenship photo
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.

Neutral facial expression for Papua New Guinea citizenship photo

Good and Bad Examples of Papua New Guinea Citizenship Photos

Good and bad examples of Papua New Guinea citizenship photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable citizenship photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Papua New Guinea citizenship photo?

A Papua New Guinea citizenship photo must be 35×45 mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). The head should occupy 60–80% of the photo, measuring about 27–36 mm from chin to crown of head.

What background color is required for a PNG citizenship photo?

The background must be plain white, off-white, or light grey. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a suitable background, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

What is the Papua New Guinea Citizenship Certificate?

The PNG Citizenship Certificate is an official document issued by the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority (ICA) to individuals who have been granted Papua New Guinean citizenship through naturalization, descent, or other pathways.

Can I wear glasses in my Papua New Guinea citizenship photo?

No. Glasses are not allowed in Papua New Guinea citizenship photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily.

Can I take my Papua New Guinea citizenship photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your Papua New Guinea citizenship photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official PNG citizenship photo requirements.

How recent must my Papua New Guinea citizenship photo be?

Your Papua New Guinea citizenship photo must be recent. It should reflect your current appearance at the time of your citizenship application.

Can I wear a head covering in my Papua New Guinea citizenship photo?

Head coverings are not allowed except for religious reasons. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.

What happens if my Papua New Guinea citizenship photo is rejected?

If your citizenship photo does not meet the requirements, your application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official PNG citizenship requirements before you submit.