Kenya Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Official photo size: 35 x 45 mm (1.4 x 1.8 inches) at 300 DPI
Photo Specifications
Overview
Kenya requires a 35x45 mm (413x531 pixels at 300 DPI) passport photo with a white background, administered by the Department of Immigration Services under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. Kenya transitioned to the East African e-Passport in 2017, requiring all photos to meet ICAO biometric standards. Applications are processed through the eCitizen portal for Kenyan citizens, and photos must be uploaded digitally in JPEG format. The face must be shown in a frontal view with neutral expression, and both ears should be visible where possible.
Plain white background with uniform lighting and no shadows or textures
Requirements
- Photo dimensions must be 35x45 mm (413x531 pixels at 300 DPI)
- Background must be plain white with even lighting
- Full frontal face with neutral expression and mouth closed
- Both eyes open and clearly visible, directed at the camera
- No glasses or sunglasses permitted
- Both ears should be visible, with hair tucked behind the ears
- Photo must be recent, taken within the last 6 months
- For eCitizen digital uploads, JPEG format at minimum specified resolution
Common Rejection Reasons
- Background not uniformly white or containing visible shadows
- Wearing glasses or sunglasses in the photo
- Ears not visible due to hair or head positioning
- Photo resolution too low for e-Passport biometric processing
- Facial expression not neutral or eyes not directed at the camera
- Digital photo not meeting eCitizen upload format or size requirements
Tips
- Use the eCitizen portal for passport applications; it requires a digital photo upload in specific format
- Photo studios in Nairobi near Nyayo House (Immigration headquarters) are well-versed in e-Passport requirements
- Tuck hair behind both ears before taking the photo to ensure ear visibility
- Wear a dark, solid shirt that contrasts with the white background
- For diaspora applications at Kenyan embassies, confirm whether digital or printed photos are required
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