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The Challenge
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) requires 40×40mm square photos for CEMAC biometric passport and visa applications—different from both the standard EU 35×45mm and US 2×2 inch formats. The square format is unique to CEMAC member states and professional services often produce the wrong size. One rejected photo = resubmission delays of weeks.
Republic of Congo ≠ Democratic Republic of Congo
- This tool is for Republic of Congo (Brazzaville, country code CG)
- DRC (Kinshasa, country code CD) uses different 35×45mm passport photos
- Many photo services confuse the two countries—verify your application before printing
- Republic of Congo uses CEMAC 40×40mm square format for passports
Republic of Congo CEMAC passport photo requirements
The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) issues CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) biometric passports since 2015. The official embassy requires 2 photos in 4cm×4cm format with white background and an impassive face facing the camera. This square format is shared across CEMAC member states (Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo). Photos must be taken within 6 months. CEMAC passports are valid for 5 years and cannot be extended—renewal requires new photos.
Will your Republic of Congo photo be accepted?
- 40×40mm square dimensions (not 35×45mm, not 2×2 inch)
- Pure white background—no off-white, cream, or grey
- Head height 28–32mm (70–80% of frame height)
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centered, neutral/impassive expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible, no hair covering
- No glasses unless medical exemption with documentation
- 944×944 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for printing
- Printed on matte photo paper
- No shadows on face or background
- Ears visible where possible
- No uniforms, hats, or headwear (religious exceptions with documentation)
Common rejection reasons
- Using 35×45mm EU format or 2×2 inch US format instead of required 40×40mm square
- Non-white background or visible shadows
- Head size outside 28–32mm range in the square frame
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Printed on glossy paper instead of matte
- Expression not neutral—smiling, frowning, or mouth open
How to print Republic of Congo passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Glossy paper may be rejected.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 6–8 square photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 40×40mm. Use ruler to confirm—square format is easy to mis-cut.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '40×40mm square on matte paper'—many shops default to 35×45mm.
CEMAC passport application process
All Congolese passport applicants must present themselves physically in the Republic of Congo. Embassies abroad (Washington DC, London, Paris) do not issue CEMAC passports. Applications are processed at the Office of Emigration at the DGST (Direction Générale de la Surveillance Territoriale) in Brazzaville. Required documents include: application form, birth certificate copy, nationality certificate or national ID card, 60,000 FCFA fee (approximately $140 USD), criminal record extract, profession attestation, 2 photos in 4×4cm format. Congolese citizens abroad with expired passports must first obtain a Travel Document/Laissez-Passer from their nearest embassy before travelling to Congo for passport renewal.
Republic of Congo visa photo requirements
Visa applications for the Republic of Congo (tourist, business, transit) submitted within the CEMAC region or at embassies outside North America use the same 40×40mm square format as passport photos. White background, neutral expression, same biometric standards apply. If applying from the USA, Canada, or Mexico, the embassy accepts 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photos instead—use the dedicated tool for North American applications.
Applying from USA, Canada, or Mexico?
The Republic of Congo Embassy in Washington DC accepts 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photos for Travel Documents and visa applications. This is a different size from the 40×40mm CEMAC standard used in-country. Use the dedicated Congo Brazzaville Passport & Visa Photo (from USA) tool for North American applications.
Good vs bad Republic of Congo passport photo examples
Republic of Congo vs DRC – which Congo do you need?
Two countries share the name 'Congo' and have completely different photo requirements. Republic of Congo (Brazzaville, capital Brazzaville, country code CG) uses 40×40mm square photos for CEMAC biometric passports. Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa, capital Kinshasa, country code CD) uses 35×45mm rectangular photos for passports. Many online services and photo shops confuse the two. Always verify which country your application is for before printing photos. Using the wrong dimensions will result in immediate rejection.
Cost comparison: Professional vs DIY
- Professional photo studio in Brazzaville/Pointe-Noire: 5,000–10,000 FCFA ($8–17 USD)
- Photo services abroad (Paris, Brussels): €10–20 for 4 photos
- Photo services in USA/UK: $12–25 (many unfamiliar with 40×40mm square format)
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or at photo shop
- Home printing cost: $0.30–0.60 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Tip: Many overseas photo shops don't stock 40×40mm—provide the file and specify exact dimensions
Official Republic of Congo Government Resources
- Republic of Congo Embassy USA – Passport Services Official passport and travel document requirements from the Embassy in Washington DC
- Republic of Congo Embassy USA – Visa Services Visa application requirements and procedures
- Republic of Congo Embassy UK – Passport Services Embassy of the Republic of Congo in London – passport and travel document information
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Square Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 40×40 mm (4×4 cm) – square format
- Resolution
- 944×944 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 28–32 mm (70–80% of frame)
- Background
- White (required)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral (impassive), mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- CEMAC biometric passport, visa (applied in-region)
Best Practices
- Republic of Congo uses 40×40mm SQUARE format—different from EU 35×45mm and US 2×2 inch
- Official embassy requires 'impassive face facing the camera'—strictly neutral expression
- This square format is shared across all 6 CEMAC member states
- CEMAC passports can only be issued in-country—embassies abroad issue travel documents only
- Pure white background strictly enforced—no off-white or cream accepted
- Matte paper preferred—specify when printing at photo services
- If applying from USA/Canada/Mexico, use the 2×2 inch format instead
- Many photo services worldwide are unfamiliar with 40×40mm—always verify dimensions before paying
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Republic of Congo passport photo?
40×40mm (4×4cm) square format. This is the CEMAC biometric passport standard used by Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). It is different from EU 35×45mm and US 2×2 inch formats.
Is Republic of Congo the same as DRC for passport photos?
No. Republic of Congo (Brazzaville, CG) uses 40×40mm square photos. Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa, CD) uses 35×45mm rectangular photos. They are completely different countries with different requirements.
Can I use the same photo for Congo-Brazzaville passport and visa?
Yes. Both CEMAC passport and visa applications within the region use identical 40×40mm specifications with white background. One photo set works for both if taken within 6 months.
Can I get a Republic of Congo passport from the USA?
No. CEMAC biometric passports must be applied for in person in the Republic of Congo. The embassy in Washington DC issues Travel Documents (Laissez-Passer) only, which require 2×2 inch photos—a different format.
What background colour for Republic of Congo passport photos?
White only. The official embassy specifies white background. Off-white, cream, or grey backgrounds will be rejected.
What does 'impassive face' mean for Congo passport photos?
The official embassy term for neutral expression. Face must show no emotion—no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Mouth closed, eyes open, looking directly at camera.
How many photos do I need for Republic of Congo passport?
Two identical 40×40mm photos for CEMAC passport application. Print extras for visa applications and future renewals.
What is CEMAC passport?
CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) biometric passport is the standard travel document for 6 member states including Republic of Congo. Issued since 2015, valid for 5 years, cannot be extended. All previous passport formats are obsolete.
Can I wear glasses in Republic of Congo passport photos?
No, unless medically required. If glasses are essential, ensure no glare, no tinted lenses, and frames do not obstruct eyes. Remove sunglasses entirely.
What is the pixel size for Republic of Congo passport photos?
944×944 pixels at 600 DPI. This is the digital equivalent of 40×40mm at print quality. Square format means width and height are identical.