Zambia Visa Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Q: What size is a Zambia visa photo?

A Zambia visa photo must be 35×45 mm (ICAO standard) or 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for e-Visa applications.

Q: What types of visas does Zambia issue?

Zambia issues tourist visas, business visas, transit visas, e-Visas (90 days), work permits, residence permits, and study permits.

Everything you need to know about Zambia visa photo requirements in 35×45 mm ICAO format, including physical photo specs for embassy submission and digital photo specs for e-Visa online applications.

Zambia Visa Photo (35×45 mm) Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Country	Zambia
Document Type	Visa — 35×45 mm format
Photo Size	35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches)
Resolution (DPI)	600
Head Size	70–80% of photo (~31–36 mm from chin to crown)
Background Color	Plain white
Color	Color only
Number of Photos	2 identical photos
Recency	Taken within the last 6 months

Zambia e-Visa Digital Photo Requirements

Zambia offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) for tourists and business visitors valid for up to 90 days. For online applications, your digital photo must meet these specifications:

Requirement	Specification
Format	35 × 45 mm or 2 × 2 inches
File Format	JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, or PDF
File Size	Under 300 KB
Resolution	Minimum 300 DPI
Background	White
Color	Color, no filters

Note: Zambia also accepts 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format visa photos for some applications. If you need the 2×2 inch format, see our Zambia Visa Photo (2×2 inch) page.

Zambia Visa Photo Size Diagram

Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 35×45 mm. Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photograph, with approximately 31–36 mm from chin to crown.

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, and ensure your photo meets all Zambia visa requirements.

Detailed Zambia Visa Photo Requirements

Visa Types

Tourist Visa — For tourism and visiting (single or double entry, up to 90 days)
Business Visa — For business meetings, conferences, and commercial activities
e-Visa — Electronic visa available online for 90 days, single or multiple entry
Transit Visa — For travelers passing through Zambia
Work Permit — For foreign nationals employed in Zambia
Study Permit — For international students
Residence Permit — For long-term residency

Photo Basics

Your photo must be in color — black and white not accepted
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
The photo must be clear, sharp, and in focus
No filters or editing — do not digitally alter your appearance

Pose and Expression

Face the camera directly — head not tilted or turned
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Ensure your entire head and top of shoulders are visible

Background

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

Glasses

Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear them, ensure there is no reflection and your eyes are fully visible. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are never permitted.

Head Coverings

No hats or head coverings allowed, unless worn for religious purposes
If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be clearly visible

Clothing

Wear normal everyday clothing
Avoid wearing white tops that blend with the white background

Source: Zambia Department of Immigration

Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries →

How to Take a Zambia Visa Photo at Home

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

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera works well. Clean the lens and set to highest resolution. Ask someone to take the photo — selfies have the wrong angle.

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight. Use multiple indoor light sources if needed.

Tip: Our AI tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Pose and Expression

Face the camera directly with a neutral expression. Both eyes open, mouth closed. Keep your head level. Ensure your entire head and shoulders are visible.

Good and Bad Examples of Zambia Visa Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Zambia visa photo?

A Zambia visa photo must be 35×45 mm (ICAO standard) for most applications. The e-Visa system also accepts 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format.

What types of visas does Zambia issue?

Zambia issues tourist visas, business visas, e-Visas (90 days, available online), transit visas, work permits, study permits, and residence permits. All require the same photo format.

Can I wear glasses in my Zambia visa photo?

Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear them, ensure no reflection and eyes fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted.

Can I take my Zambia visa photo with my phone?

Yes! Upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all Zambia visa requirements.

What background color is required?

Plain white background. No patterns, objects, or shadows. Our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

What are the e-Visa digital photo requirements?

JPEG, PNG, or PDF format, under 300 KB, 35×45 mm or 2×2 inch, white background, color photo with no filters.