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The Challenge
Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) passport requires 35×45mm photos following ICAO biometric standards. DRC is frequently confused with Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) which uses different 40×40mm format. Wrong dimensions = automatic rejection. DRC embassies abroad accept 2×2 inch format—verify which applies to your situation.
DRC (Kinshasa) ≠ Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
- This tool is for Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa, country code CD)
- DRC passport uses 35×45mm rectangular format
- Republic of Congo (Brazzaville, CG) uses 40×40mm square format
- Applying from USA? DRC Embassy in Washington accepts 2×2 inch photos instead
DRC biometric passport photo requirements
The Democratic Republic of Congo issues biometric passports with embedded RFID chips, compliant with ICAO standard 39794. As of 2025, DRC has implemented enhanced biometric standards. Passport photos must be 35×45mm with white background, head height 31–36mm (70–80% of frame). Photos taken within 6 months, colour only, no retouching or digital alterations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa processes all passport applications—the embassy in Washington DC forwards applications to Kinshasa with processing times up to 90 days.
DRC passport photo requirements checklist
- 35×45mm dimensions (standard ICAO format)
- Pure white background, no shadows or patterns
- Head height 31–36mm (70–80% of frame height)
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- Ears should appear in the photo
- No glasses unless medically required (no tinted lenses, no glare)
- No headwear except religious head coverings (face fully visible)
- 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI minimum
- Colour photo only—black and white rejected
- No digital filters, beauty mode, or retouching
- Avoid white clothing against white background
Common rejection reasons
- Using 40×40mm format (that's Republic of Congo/Brazzaville)
- Shadows on face or background
- Eyes not fully visible or partially closed
- Head tilt or rotation—face must be square to camera
- White clothing blending with white background
- Low resolution or blurry photo
- Photo older than 6 months
- Digital alterations or filters detected
How to print DRC passport photos
- Paper: Glossy or matte photo-quality paper both accepted for DRC passport.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale, colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Cut precisely along grey guide lines. Final size must be exactly 35×45mm.
- For in-person Kinshasa applications: 4 passport-size photos required.
- For embassy applications in Washington DC: 2 photos in 2×2 inch format (different tool).
DRC passport application – in-country vs abroad
All DRC passport applications are processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa. Applicants in DRC apply directly using 35×45mm photos. Applicants at the DRC Embassy in Washington DC submit 2×2 inch photos—the embassy forwards everything to Kinshasa with a waiting time of up to 90 days. The DRC launched new biometric passports in May 2025 with enhanced security features including RFID chips, polycarbonate pages, holograms, and UV inks. The new passport expanded from 32 to 38 pages and complies with ICAO standard 39794.
Taking DRC passport photos of children
- Lay child on plain white sheet or blanket on floor
- Only the child should appear in the photo—no hands, toys, or supports visible
- Natural window light or even overhead lighting, avoid direct flash
- Photograph from directly above with face centered
- Infants: acceptable if eyes are not entirely open
- All other children: eyes must be open, neutral expression
- Remove pacifiers, hats, and accessories from frame
- Take multiple shots—expect 10–20 attempts for one compliant photo
DRC eVisa photo requirements
The DRC offers eVisa (electronic visa) for certain nationalities. The eVisa portal requires digital photo upload: 2×2 inches (50×50mm), JPEG format, 240KB–5MB file size, 300 DPI minimum, white background. This is a different format from the 35×45mm passport photo. If applying for a DRC eVisa, use the dedicated DRC Passport & Visa Photo from USA tool which produces the correct 2×2 inch digital export.
Official DRC Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 31–36 mm (70–80% of frame)
- Background
- White (required)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Glossy or matte photo paper
- Valid For
- DRC biometric passport
Best Practices
- DRC passport uses 35×45mm—do NOT confuse with Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) which uses 40×40mm
- If applying from USA, DRC Embassy accepts 2×2 inch photos—different size from this tool
- DRC accepts both glossy and matte photo paper for passport applications
- Avoid white clothing—low contrast against required white background
- Ears should appear in the photo where possible—not a strict requirement but preferred
- 4 passport-size photos needed for in-country Kinshasa applications
- New 2025 DRC biometric passport has enhanced RFID chip—photo quality requirements stricter
- Embassy processing from USA takes up to 90 days—plan accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a DRC passport photo?
35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm) rectangular format following ICAO biometric standards. This is the same size as EU passports. Not to be confused with Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) which uses 40×40mm square format.
Is DRC Congo the same as Republic of Congo for passport photos?
No. DRC (Kinshasa, country code CD) uses 35×45mm. Republic of Congo (Brazzaville, country code CG) uses 40×40mm. They are separate countries with different photo requirements.
What format does the DRC Embassy in Washington DC accept?
The DRC Embassy in Washington DC accepts 2×2 inch (51×51mm) passport-style photographs—US standard format. This is different from the 35×45mm format used for in-country applications in Kinshasa.
How many photos do I need for DRC passport?
In-country (Kinshasa): 4 passport-size photos. Embassy in Washington DC: 2 passport-style photographs (2×2 inch). Travel document (Tenant Lieu): 2 passport-style photographs (2×2 inch).
How long does DRC passport processing take?
Applications through the Embassy in Washington DC take up to 90 days as they are forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa for processing.
Can I wear glasses in DRC passport photos?
Only if medically required. No tinted glasses, no sunglasses, no glare on lenses. Frames must not obstruct eyes. If possible, remove glasses for the photo.
Does DRC accept digital passport photo submissions?
For eVisa applications, yes—JPEG format, 2×2 inches, 240KB–5MB. For standard passport applications through the embassy, physical printed photos are required.
What background colour for DRC passport photos?
White only. No colours, patterns, or shadows. If using a wall, ensure it is evenly lit with no visible shadows. White sheet hung on wall works as alternative.