Kenya Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Your passport photo must meet specific requirements for the Kenya ePassport application. Photos that do not comply will be rejected, delaying your application.
Photo Specifications
| Size | 35mm x 45mm (standard passport size) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Colour | Full colour (not black and white) |
| Quality | High resolution, sharp focus, no pixelation |
| Quantity | Two identical photos for embassy submission |
| Digital format | JPEG, minimum 600x600 pixels for eCitizen upload |
Pose Requirements
- Full face, looking directly at the camera
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and clearly visible
- Face centred and taking up 70-80% of the frame
- Head straight, not tilted or turned
- Both ears should be visible (if possible)
What to Avoid
- No glasses - remove all eyewear including prescription glasses
- No hats or head coverings - except for religious/medical reasons (face must still be fully visible)
- No uniforms - wear normal civilian clothing
- No smiling - neutral expression only
- No red eyes - retake if flash causes red eye
- No shadows - ensure even lighting on face and background
- No filters or editing - photo must be natural and unedited
Biometric Photo at the Embassy
When you visit the embassy for biometric capture, a digital photograph is taken as part of the process. This photo is stored on the ePassport chip. However, you still need to bring two physical photographs for your application file.
The biometric photo at the embassy must meet ICAO 9303 standards for machine readability.
Children's Photos
Children's passport photos follow the same requirements as adults. Additional notes:
- Infants: eyes must be open, no pacifiers, no toys visible
- Young children: parents may hold the child from behind (hands must not be visible)
- The child must be the only person visible in the photo
- No car seats or high chairs visible
FAQ
Yes, if you can meet all the specifications. Use a white wall as background, ensure good lighting with no shadows, and print at the correct 35mm x 45mm size on photo paper.
Yes, religious head coverings are permitted. However, your face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. The covering should not cast shadows on the face.