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The Challenge
Kenya eVisa requires 500×500px square JPEG under 300KB — different from the 35×45mm passport print format. eCitizen registration needs 207×207px. Wrong dimensions or file size triggers automatic rejection on the portal, blocking your entire application.
Kenya eVisa photo is DIFFERENT from passport photo
- eVisa: 55×55mm square (500×500px digital) — Passport: 35×45mm rectangle
- eVisa: Digital JPEG upload only, no print needed
- Passport: Physical print on glossy paper required
- Cannot use passport photo for eVisa — dimensions don't match
Kenya eVisa and eCitizen photo requirements
Kenya's eCitizen portal requires digital photo uploads for two separate purposes. First, account registration on ecitizen.go.ke requires a 207×207px square photo. Second, eVisa applications (tourist, transit, business) require a 500×500px square JPEG file under 300KB. Both use white background with face occupying 70-80% of the frame. The portal validates dimensions and file size automatically — non-compliant uploads are rejected instantly with an error message. This tool generates the 500×500px format needed for eVisa applications.
Kenya eVisa photo requirements — will your application be accepted?
- Square format (55×55mm physical, 500×500px digital for eVisa)
- Face occupies 70-80% of photo height from chin to crown
- Plain white background with no shadows or objects
- Taken within last 6 months
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Eyes fully visible, no hair covering forehead
- No glasses unless medical exemption with documentation
- No headgear unless religious grounds (face fully visible)
- JPEG (.jpg) file format only
- File size ≤300 KB
- Colour photo — black and white rejected
- No retouching, filters, or beauty mode
- Natural skin tones with adequate brightness and contrast
Common eCitizen portal rejection reasons
- Using 35×45mm passport format instead of square eVisa format
- File size exceeds 300KB limit
- Non-square dimensions (must be 500×500px for eVisa)
- Face smaller than 70% of photo height
- File format not JPEG (PNG, TIFF, BMP rejected)
- Shadows on face or white background
- Photo older than 6 months
- Black and white instead of colour
- Low resolution or compression artifacts visible
How to upload photo to Kenya eCitizen eVisa portal
- Download single JPEG file from this tool (already formatted to 500×500px).
- Verify file size is under 300KB (tool auto-compresses if needed).
- Go to eCitizen portal at ecitizen.go.ke and log in (or register first with 207×207px photo).
- Navigate to Department of Immigration Services → Visa Application.
- Select visa type (tourist, transit, business, or East Africa tourist visa).
- When prompted, click 'Upload Photo' and select your downloaded JPEG.
- Portal validates dimensions and file size automatically.
- Green confirmation = accepted. Error message = review and correct the issue.
eCitizen registration photo vs eVisa application photo
Kenya's eCitizen system requires two different photo sizes. Account registration uses a 207×207px photo — this is a tiny thumbnail for your profile. eVisa applications use a larger 500×500px photo for biometric purposes. Both must be square format, JPEG, white background. This tool generates the 500×500px eVisa photo. For the 207×207px registration photo, you can resize the output in any image editor, or use the same source photo and crop to 207×207px.
Kenya eVisa types using this photo format
Kenya issues several visa categories through the eCitizen portal, all using the same 500×500px square photo specification. Single-entry tourist visa (up to 90 days), transit visa (up to 72 hours), courtesy visa, and the East Africa Tourist Visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Business visas and referral visas also use the same format. Processing time is typically 2-5 business days for tourist and transit visas.
East Africa Tourist Visa photo requirements
The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa. Applied for through Kenya's eCitizen portal, it uses the same 500×500px square JPEG photo as standard Kenya eVisa. Cost is $100 for 90 days multiple entry. Same photo works for this application — no separate format needed. Note: some sources mention a 2×2 inch format for the East Africa visa, but the eCitizen digital upload uses 500×500px.
Cost comparison: Professional vs DIY
- Professional studio in Nairobi for digital format: KSh 300-600
- Online paid services (Visafoto, iVisa): $5-9 per photo
- This tool: Free — download JPEG and upload directly to eCitizen
- Savings: KSh 300-600 or $5-9 per application
- Family of four tourist visas: Save KSh 1,200-2,400 or $20-36
Taking Kenya visa photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor.
- Ensure only the child is in the frame — no hands, toys, or supports visible.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting.
- Photograph from directly above with face centred.
- Face must occupy 70-80% of photo height.
- For infants: eyes not fully open is acceptable.
- All other children: eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression.
- Square format means face centring is especially important — equal margins on all sides.
Official Kenya eVisa Resources
- eCitizen Portal — Visa Application Official Kenya government portal for eVisa applications and all e-government services
- Immigration Photo Requirements — eCitizen Official photo specifications from Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) Kenya eTA system for eligible nationalities (replacing some visa categories)
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face (70-80% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download JPEG for Portal Upload
Specifications
- Print Size
- 55×55 mm (5.5×5.5 cm)
- eVisa Digital Format
- 500×500 pixels, JPEG
- eCitizen Registration
- 207×207 pixels, JPEG
- File Size
- ≤300 KB
- Face Coverage
- 70-80% of photo height
- Background
- Plain white
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- eVisa, eCitizen registration, East Africa tourist visa
Best Practices
- eVisa uses 500×500px square format — not the 35×45mm passport rectangle
- File must be under 300KB — this tool auto-compresses to meet the limit
- eCitizen registration needs separate 207×207px photo — resize your 500×500 download
- JPEG format only — PNG and other formats are rejected by the portal
- White background strictly enforced — no off-white, cream, or grey
- Face must fill 70-80% of frame height — larger coverage than many countries require
- Same photo works for tourist, transit, business, and East Africa tourist visa
- Portal validates automatically — error messages tell you exactly what to fix
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo for Kenya eVisa?
Kenya eVisa requires a 500×500px square JPEG file under 300KB. The physical equivalent is 55×55mm. This is different from the 35×45mm passport print format. Upload the digital file directly to the eCitizen portal.
What is the eCitizen registration photo size?
eCitizen account registration requires a 207×207px square photo. This is a separate requirement from the eVisa application photo (500×500px). Both are square, white background, JPEG format.
Can I use my passport photo for Kenya eVisa?
No. Passport photos are 35×45mm rectangular. eVisa requires 500×500px square format. Different dimensions — you must create separate photos for each application type.
What file format for Kenya eVisa photo?
JPEG (.jpg) only. Maximum file size 300KB. The eCitizen portal rejects PNG, TIFF, BMP, and other formats. This tool auto-generates compliant JPEG files.
How recent must Kenya eVisa photos be?
Within last 6 months. Must reflect your current appearance. Photos older than 6 months may be rejected during visa processing.
Can I wear glasses in Kenya eVisa photos?
No. Remove glasses for the photo. If you have a medical condition requiring glasses, provide a doctor's certificate. Even then, no tinted lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes.
What background for Kenya eVisa photo?
Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or objects. The eCitizen portal specifies white background with adequate brightness and contrast.
Does the same photo work for East Africa Tourist Visa?
Yes. The East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) is applied for through the same eCitizen portal and uses identical 500×500px square photo specifications.
What if my photo file is too large?
Maximum file size is 300KB. This tool auto-compresses to meet the limit. If manual compression needed: use JPEG quality 85-90% in photo editor or online tools like TinyJPG. Verify final file size before uploading.
How long does Kenya eVisa processing take?
Tourist and transit visas: 2-5 business days. Business and referral visas may take longer. Photo errors cause automatic rejection on upload — use this tool to ensure compliance before submission.