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The Challenge
Nigeria ePassport requires 35×45mm photos with strict biometric standards—face covering 70% of frame, white background, head height ~34.5mm. Professional studios in Lagos/Abuja charge ₦2,000-5,000. Biometric capture happens in-person at immigration, but online application still requires a compliant photo upload. One rejected photo = rebooking appointment and weeks of delay.
Nigerian ePassport photo requirements
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) requires 35×45mm biometric photos for all ePassport applications—new, renewal, and replacement. Photos must follow ICAO Document 9303 standards. Face must cover 70% of the frame and be visible from ear to ear and forehead to chin. Head height should be approximately 34.5mm with about 3mm space from the top of the hair to the edge of the photo. White background is mandatory. Two identical printed photos must be submitted, with the guarantor's endorsement on the back of each photo. Biometric capture (fingerprints and digital photograph) is done in-person at the immigration office on your appointment date.
Nigerian passport photo requirements checklist
- 35×45mm dimensions with face covering 70% of frame
- Plain white background—no off-white, cream, or grey
- Head height approximately 34.5mm (chin to crown)
- 3mm space between top of hair and edge of photo
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- Both ears visible (preferred)
- No glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's note
- No headwear unless religious (requires written statement)
- No uniforms—everyday clothing only
- Avoid white clothing (blends with background)
- Colour photo—no black and white
- Even lighting with no shadows on face or background
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for print quality
- Printed on matte photo paper
- Two identical copies required
- Guarantor must endorse (sign) the back of each photo
Common rejection reasons at NIS offices
- Face not covering 70% of frame (too much space around head)
- Background not plain white—shadows, patterns, or off-white
- Photo not endorsed by guarantor on the back
- Wearing uniform or military-style clothing
- Wearing white clothing that blends with background
- Glasses without doctor's note attached to application
- Head covering without religious exemption letter
- Photo older than 6 months (doesn't match current appearance)
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Shadows on face from uneven lighting
- Only one photo provided (two required)
- Photo not on matte paper or badly cut
Guarantor endorsement requirement
Nigerian passport applications require a guarantor—a Nigerian citizen who holds a valid ePassport and can vouch for your identity. The guarantor must sign the back of both passport photos and complete the guarantor's form, which must be signed by a Commissioner for Oaths. The guarantor must also attach a photocopy of their own ePassport data page and one passport-sized photograph of themselves. This is a unique requirement that many applicants overlook, leading to rejection at the submission stage.
How to print Nigerian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at computer shops in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities.
- 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.
- Guarantor: Have your guarantor sign the back of each photo before submission.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop or business centre. Specify '35×45mm passport size on matte paper'.
Taking passport photos of Nigerian children under 5
- Lay child on plain white sheet or blanket on floor.
- Ensure only the child is visible—no hands, toys, or other people in frame.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash.
- Photograph from directly above with child's face centred in frame.
- NIS allows flexibility for children under 5: eyes may be partially closed, expression rules relaxed.
- Newborns may be photographed in car seat with white sheet behind head.
- Parents may hold baby but hands must not be visible in the photo.
- Child must not be sleeping in the photo and mouth should be closed.
- Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for young children.
Good vs bad Nigerian passport photo examples
Nigeria ePassport types and photo requirements
Nigeria issues three types of enhanced ePassports: Standard (green, 32-page/5-year), Standard (green, 64-page/5-year), and Standard (green, 64-page/10-year). Official passports (blue) are for government officials, and diplomatic passports for diplomats. All passport types use identical 35×45mm photo specifications. The enhanced ePassport includes biometric features (fingerprints and facial recognition) captured in-person at the immigration office, but the submitted photos must still meet all requirements for visual identification and document processing.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Nigeria
- Professional photo studio (Lagos/Abuja): ₦2,000-5,000 for passport photos
- Business centre with photo services: ₦1,000-3,000
- Shopping mall photo booth: ₦1,500-2,500
- This tool: Free. Print at home or at business centre for ₦200-500 per sheet
- Savings: ₦1,000-4,500 per application
- Family of four: Save ₦4,000-18,000 using DIY approach
- Tip: Many business centres can print if you bring the file on USB or WhatsApp
Need a visa photo for Nigeria instead?
Nigeria passport and visa photos use the same 35×45mm physical dimensions, but the eVisa portal requires a specific 350×450 pixel digital upload. If applying for a Nigeria eVisa, use the dedicated Nigeria Visa Photo tool which generates the correct digital export format for the immigration portal.
Nigeria passport application process overview
Complete the passport application online at portal.immigration.gov.ng and upload required documents including birth certificate, state of origin certificate, and declaration of age. Make payment online and book appointment at your chosen immigration office. On appointment date, appear in person with payment receipt, appointment slip, two endorsed passport photos, completed guarantor form, and all supporting documents. Biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph) is captured on-site. Processing typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on location and passport type.
Official Nigerian Government Resources
- Nigeria Immigration Service - Passports Official NIS passport information, requirements, and application types
- Nigeria Passport Application Portal Official online application portal for Nigerian ePassport
- NIS Image Compliance Check Test your passport photo against official NIS requirements before applying
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- ~34.5 mm (approximately 77% of frame)
- Face Coverage
- 70% of photo—visible ear to ear, forehead to chin
- Background
- Plain white (required)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos required
- Valid For
- ePassport (32-page, 64-page), passport renewal
Best Practices
- Face must cover 70% of frame—visible ear to ear and forehead to chin
- Wear dark or coloured clothing—white clothing blends with the required white background
- No uniforms of any kind are permitted—wear everyday civilian clothes
- Have your guarantor sign the back of both photos before submission
- Head height should be approximately 34.5mm with 3mm gap at top of photo
- Both ears should be visible—tuck hair behind ears if possible
- Remove all glasses unless medically required with attached doctor's note
- Religious headwear requires a written statement explaining it is worn daily
- Print two identical copies on matte paper—check both meet requirements before appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nigerian passport photo requirements?
Nigerian passport photos must be 35×45mm with plain white background. Face must cover 70% of the frame and be visible from ear to ear and forehead to chin. Head height approximately 34.5mm. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. No glasses (unless medical exemption), no uniforms, no white clothing. Taken within last 6 months. Two identical copies on matte paper with guarantor endorsement on back.
What size is a Nigeria passport photo?
35×45mm (3.5×4.5 cm). At 600 DPI print resolution, this is 826×1063 pixels. The online portal accepts uploads, but biometric data is captured in-person at the immigration office.
What is the guarantor endorsement requirement?
The guarantor—a Nigerian citizen with a valid ePassport—must sign the back of both passport photos. They also complete the guarantor's form (signed by a Commissioner for Oaths) and provide a photocopy of their own passport data page plus one passport photo. Missing guarantor endorsement causes application rejection.
Can I wear glasses in Nigerian passport photos?
No, unless medically required. If you must wear glasses, attach a signed doctor's note to your application. Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes.
Can I wear a headscarf or head covering?
Only for religious or medical reasons. Religious headwear requires a signed statement confirming it is traditional attire worn continuously in public. Medical head coverings require a signed doctor's statement. The covering must not obscure any facial features—face must remain fully visible from forehead to chin.
Why can't I wear white clothing?
Nigeria requires a white background. White clothing blends with the background, reducing contrast and making it harder for biometric systems to detect the outline of your shoulders. Wear dark or coloured everyday clothing for best results.
How many passport photos do I need for Nigerian passport?
Two identical passport-sized photographs (35×45mm). Both must be endorsed on the back by your guarantor. Additional photos may be needed for the guarantor's form submission.
What are the rules for children's passport photos in Nigeria?
Children under 5 have relaxed rules—NIS follows ICAO flexibility for young children. Newborns may be photographed in a car seat or lying on a bed/couch with a white sheet behind the head. Parents may hold the baby but hands must not be visible. Child must not be sleeping and mouth should be closed.
Where can I print passport photos in Nigeria?
Print at home on matte photo paper, at local business centres (₦200-500), photo studios, or shopping mall photo services. Many business centres accept files via USB or WhatsApp. Specify '35×45mm on matte paper' when ordering. Professional studios charge ₦2,000-5,000.
Can I use the same photo for passport and visa?
The physical dimensions are the same (35×45mm), but the Nigeria eVisa portal requires a specific 350×450 pixel digital upload format. For passport applications, physical prints are submitted. Use the dedicated visa photo tool if you need the digital export format.