Kenya Passport & Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Correct passport photos are essential for successful ePassport and visa applications. Rejected photos are a common cause of delays. This guide covers photo specifications for Kenya ePassport, eCitizen uploads, and visa applications.
Kenya ePassport Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size (printed) | 35mm x 45mm |
| Digital (eCitizen upload) | 600 x 600 pixels minimum, JPEG format, under 1MB |
| Background | Plain white - no patterns, shadows, or gradients |
| Face position | Face centred, looking directly at camera |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open and clearly visible, no red-eye |
| Head covering | None allowed (religious exceptions with written request) |
| Glasses | No glasses (including clear/prescription glasses) |
| Lighting | Even lighting, no shadows on face or background |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Colour | Full colour photograph |
| Face coverage | Face should occupy 70-80% of the frame |
Common Rejection Reasons
- Background not white/too bright
- Shadows on face or background
- Wearing glasses
- Photo too old (over 6 months)
- Head tilted or turned
- Smiling or mouth open
- File too large (over 1MB for eCitizen)
- Wrong dimensions
- Blurry or low resolution
- Hair covering face or ears
Visa Photo Requirements by Country
| Application | Size | Background | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya ePassport | 35 x 45mm | White | No glasses, digital 600x600px min |
| US Visa (DS-160) | 51 x 51mm (2x2 inches) | White | Digital upload 600x600px, must show ears |
| UK Visa | 35 x 45mm | Light grey or cream | No glasses, neutral expression |
| Schengen Visa | 35 x 45mm | White or light grey | Face must be 32-36mm from chin to crown |
| India eTA | 51 x 51mm | White | Both ears visible |
| Kenya National ID | 35 x 45mm | White | Similar to passport requirements |
Tips for Taking Passport Photos
- Use a professional studio: Photo studios in Nairobi CBD, Westlands, and near Huduma Centres are experienced with passport photo requirements
- Wear plain clothing: Avoid white tops (blend with background) - dark or coloured clothing works best
- Remove accessories: No glasses, hats, headbands, or jewellery that obscures your face
- Request digital copy: Ask the studio for both printed and digital copies for eCitizen upload
- Check dimensions: If taking a selfie or at home, use a passport photo app that crops to the correct size
- Natural lighting: Face a window for even, natural lighting without harsh shadows
Taking Photos at Home
- Stand against a plain white wall
- Face a window for natural lighting (no flash)
- Have someone take the photo at eye level, 1-2 metres away
- Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression
- Use a passport photo app (e.g., Passport Photo Online, IDPhoto4You) to crop and resize
- Save as JPEG, under 1MB, minimum 600x600 pixels
Home photos are acceptable for eCitizen but may not meet the quality standards of embassy applications. For visa applications, use a professional studio to avoid delays.
Special Circumstances
- Infants/babies: Babies must face the camera with eyes open. White sheet background. No hands or objects visible. One photo per child.
- Religious head coverings: Allowed if worn daily for religious reasons. Face must be fully visible from forehead to chin. Submit a written request with your application.
- Medical exceptions: If you cannot remove glasses for medical reasons, provide a doctor letter. Dark/tinted lenses are never allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Kenya ePassport photos require no glasses. This applies to both prescription and non-prescription glasses. Remove them before taking the photo. This is an ICAO international standard.
eCitizen accepts JPEG format, minimum 600x600 pixels, maximum file size 1MB. The background must be white and the image should be clear and well-lit.
Yes. US visa photos are 51x51mm (2x2 inches) compared to 35x45mm for Kenya passports. Both require a white background and no glasses. The US also requires ears to be visible.