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The Challenge
Kenya Directorate of Immigration requires 35×45mm passport photos with strict biometric standards — head height 25-35mm, white background, no glasses, printed on glossy paper. Professional studios in Nairobi charge KSh 300-800. One rejected photo delays your entire eCitizen application.
Kenya passport photo is DIFFERENT from eVisa photo
- Passport: 35×45mm rectangle — eVisa/eCitizen: 55×55mm square
- Passport: Physical print on glossy paper required
- eVisa: 500×500px digital JPEG upload, no print needed
- Do not use one format for the other — dimensions don't match
Kenya Directorate of Immigration passport photo requirements
The Directorate of Immigration Services under Kenya's Ministry of Interior mandates 35×45mm biometric passport photos for all passport applications submitted via the eCitizen portal. Physical photos must accompany the printed application form after online submission. Head height must be 25-35mm from chin to crown (approximately 56-78% of frame height). Photos must be printed on high-quality glossy paper without creases, ink marks, or staple holes. Kenya requires two identical photos per application. Scanned copies and colour photocopies are explicitly rejected.
Kenya passport photo requirements — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Head height 25-35mm from chin to crown of head
- Plain white background with no shadows or objects
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- No glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's letter
- No headgear unless religious grounds (face must remain fully visible)
- Forehead uncovered — shape of face must be apparent
- Colour photo with natural skin tones, adequate brightness and contrast
- Printed on glossy photo paper, high quality
- No staple marks, creases, or ink marks
- No scanned copies or colour photocopies
- Two identical photos required per application
Common rejection reasons at eCitizen and immigration offices
- Using eVisa square format (55×55mm or 207×207px) instead of 35×45mm passport format
- Head size outside 25-35mm range
- Shadows on face or white background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Scanned or photocopied photos submitted instead of original prints
- Staple marks or creases on photo
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Background not plain white (patterns, objects, other people visible)
- Photo older than 6 months
- Using old passport photo from previous application
How to print Kenya passport photos at home
- Paper: Use glossy photo paper (Kenya authorities require glossy finish unlike many other countries that prefer matte). Available at supermarkets in Nairobi and major towns.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 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 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm before submission.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop or camera shop. Studios in Nairobi CBD, Mombasa, Kisumu charge KSh 100-300 for printing if you provide the file.
- Quality check: No creases, ink smudges, or staple marks. Scanned copies will be rejected.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor.
- Ensure only the child is visible in the frame — no hands, toys, or supports showing.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash to prevent shadows.
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred.
- For infants: eyes not being fully open is acceptable per Kenyan immigration rules.
- All other children must have eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression.
- No dummies, pacifiers, or toys in frame.
- Parent supporting head must not be visible — position hand behind or under head outside frame.
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and white background apply for children.
Kenya passport application process via eCitizen
All Kenya passport applications must be completed via the eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke). Manual applications are no longer accepted. Registration on eCitizen requires a separate 207×207px square photo (use the eVisa photo tool for this). After completing the online form, you must print it, sign and date it, attach two 35×45mm printed passport photos, and submit in person at the nearest immigration office with supporting documents. Processing time varies — standard applications take 10-15 working days.
Good vs bad Kenya passport photo examples
Kenya national ID card photo requirements
Kenya national ID card (Huduma Namba/national identity card) uses the same 35×45mm photo specifications as passport applications. White background, head height 25-35mm, glossy paper. You can use the same photo for both passport and national ID if both applications are submitted within the 6-month validity period.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional studios in Kenya
- Professional studio (Nairobi CBD, Mombasa): KSh 300-800 for 4 photos
- Photo booth (Sarit Centre, Two Rivers, Junction Mall): KSh 200-500
- Camera shop prints (you provide file): KSh 100-300
- This tool: Free — print at home for KSh 20-50 per sheet (glossy paper + ink)
- Savings: KSh 200-750 per application
- Family of four applying for passports: Save KSh 800-3,000 using DIY
Official Kenya Government Resources
- eCitizen Passport Application Portal Official Kenya government portal for passport applications and all e-government services
- Immigration Photo Requirements — eCitizen Official photo specifications from Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services
- Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services Directorate of Immigration under Ministry of Interior and National Administration
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 25-35 mm (56-78% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Glossy photo paper
- Quantity Required
- 2 identical photos
- Valid For
- Passport (new & renewal), national ID card
Best Practices
- Kenya requires glossy paper — unlike UK and Ireland which require matte. Don't mix these up
- 35×45mm is for physical passport submission. For eCitizen registration use the square 207×207px format instead
- Two identical photos required per application — print at least 4 copies for safety
- Scanned copies are explicitly rejected — must be original prints
- No staple marks on photos — use paper clips if attaching to forms
- Forehead must be uncovered so face shape is apparent — push hair back
- eCitizen portal validates uploaded digital photos automatically — if rejected, error message shows the issue
- Print extra copies for national ID card application — same format accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Kenya passport photos?
Kenya passport photos must be 35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm). Head height must be 25-35mm from chin to crown. This is the standard biometric format used by the Directorate of Immigration Services. Digital photos for eCitizen upload use different square dimensions.
Is Kenya passport photo size 51×51mm or 35×45mm?
The physical print photo is 35×45mm. Some sources incorrectly list 51×51mm (2×2 inches), which is the US format. The eCitizen registration photo is 55×55mm square (207×207px digitally). For passport application print submission, use 35×45mm.
Can I use eCitizen square photo for passport print submission?
No. eCitizen registration requires a 207×207px square photo for online upload. Physical passport applications require separate 35×45mm rectangular photos printed on glossy paper. Different formats — both are needed.
What background colour for Kenya passport photos?
Plain white background required. No shadows, patterns, or objects. The eCitizen portal explicitly states white background. Some local guides mention off-white or light grey, but official immigration requirements specify white.
Can I wear glasses in Kenya passport photos?
No. Glasses are not allowed unless you have a medical certificate from a doctor proving you cannot remove them. Even with medical exemption, frames must not cover eyes and there must be no glare on lenses.
How many photos do I need for Kenya passport application?
Two identical 35×45mm photos printed on glossy paper. Print extras — you may need additional copies for national ID applications, and having spares prevents delays if one is damaged.
Glossy or matte paper for Kenya passport photos?
Glossy. Kenya requires high-quality glossy photo paper. This differs from countries like the UK and Ireland which require matte. Using matte paper may result in rejection.
Can I use scanned copies of passport photos?
No. The eCitizen portal and immigration offices explicitly reject scanned copies and colour photocopies. Must be original prints on glossy photo paper.
How recent must Kenya passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Photos must reflect your current appearance. You cannot reuse photos from a previous passport application, even if your appearance hasn't changed.
Can I use Kenya passport photos for national ID?
Yes. Kenya national ID card uses the same 35×45mm specifications with white background and glossy paper. One photo session works for both applications if submitted within the 6-month validity.
Where can I print Kenya passport photos in Nairobi?
Print at home on glossy paper for KSh 20-50. Professional studios in Nairobi CBD charge KSh 300-800. Photo booths at Sarit Centre, Two Rivers, and Junction Mall charge KSh 200-500. Camera shops can print from your file for KSh 100-300. Always specify '35×45mm on glossy paper'.
Do babies need eyes open in Kenya passport photos?
For very young infants, eyes not being fully open is acceptable. All other children must have eyes open and mouth closed. Child must be alone in photo — no hands, toys, or supports visible.