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The Challenge
Zimbabwe requires 35×45mm passport photos with strictly white background, dark clothing, no glasses, no jewelry, and both ears visible. Professional services charge $10–20. The competitor incorrectly lists 2×2 inch — using wrong dimensions guarantees rejection.
Zimbabwe passport photo requirements
Zimbabwe follows ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards with country-specific additions. Photos must be 35×45mm with strictly white background — Zimbabwean embassies explicitly reject off-white, cream, or grey backgrounds. Head height must be 32–36mm from chin to crown with exactly 3mm space from top of hair to top of photo. Unique to Zimbabwe: applicants must wear dark or bright clothing (black, dark grey, navy blue recommended), cream and white clothing is not accepted. No eyeglasses, no jewelry, natural hair must be tied back, and both ears must be fully visible. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months and submitted as two identical colour prints.
Zimbabwe passport photo requirements — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions — NOT 2×2 inch (some websites incorrectly list US dimensions)
- Strictly white background — no off-white, cream, or grey
- Head height 32–36mm from chin to crown (71–80% of frame)
- 3mm space from top of hair to top of photo edge
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- Both ears fully visible — hair must not cover ears
- Natural hair tied back — no loose hair over face or ears
- Dark or bright coloured clothing only — no white, cream, or light colours
- No eyeglasses (remove unless medical exemption with doctor's statement)
- No jewelry of any kind
- No hats or head coverings (religious exemption with signed statement)
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum
- Two identical colour photos required
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons
- Using 2×2 inch (51×51mm) US format instead of required 35×45mm — some websites list wrong size
- White or cream clothing against white background — low contrast, rejected
- Off-white or cream background instead of strictly white
- Ears not fully visible — hair covering one or both ears
- Wearing eyeglasses — removed unless medical documentation provided
- Wearing jewelry — rings, earrings, necklaces must all be removed
- Head size outside 32–36mm range
- Hair not tied back — loose natural hair in frame
- Photo older than 6 months
- Shadows on face or white background
How to print Zimbabwe passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte or glossy photo paper. Zimbabwe accepts both finishes — ensure high-quality print paper.
- 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. Specify '35×45mm passport photos on photo paper'.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket — ensure no patterns or textures visible.
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
- No other person visible in photo — supporting hands must be outside frame.
- For infants: eyes do not need to be fully open (Zimbabwe-specific exemption).
- All other children: eyes must be open, mouth closed, face clearly visible.
- White background only — cover car seat or surface with plain white sheet.
- Ensure even lighting with no shadows on face — use natural window light.
- Take 10–20 photos to get one compliant shot — normal for young children.
Good vs bad Zimbabwe passport photo examples
Zimbabwe passport application process
Zimbabwean passport applications require in-person appearance at an embassy or consulate for fingerprinting and document authentication — applications cannot be completed by post or online. Embassies in Washington DC, Ottawa, London, Pretoria, and other cities process applications. Forms are issued at the embassy (not downloadable). After authentication, documents are sent to the Registrar General's Office in Harare for processing and passport issuance. Processing times vary. The e-passport system is live, with an additional USD 20 fee for QR code. Standard passport fee is USD 150 as of 2024. Applicants must bring: long birth certificate, national identity card (age 16+), current/expired passport, two 35×45mm colour photos, and marriage certificate or divorce order if applicable.
Zimbabwe clothing requirements — unique restriction
Zimbabwe has stricter clothing requirements than most countries. Embassies explicitly state: wear black, dark grey, or navy blue shirt, top, or dress. Cream and white colours are not acceptable — they blend with the required white background, creating low contrast that causes automatic rejection. No spaghetti straps. This is consistently enforced across all Zimbabwe embassies worldwide. Choose a solid dark-coloured top with normal sleeves before taking your photo.
Cost comparison: Professional vs DIY
- Professional photo studio: $10–20 for 2 photos
- Pharmacy or print shop: $5–15 for 2 photos (availability varies)
- Embassy photo service: Not typically available — bring your own photos
- This tool: Free — download and print at home or at photo shop
- Home printing cost: $0.20–0.50 per sheet (photo paper + ink)
- Savings: $5–20 per application
Warning: Many websites list wrong dimensions for Zimbabwe
Several competitor websites incorrectly list Zimbabwe passport photos as 2×2 inch (51×51mm). This is the US passport format, not Zimbabwean. Official Zimbabwe embassies in Washington DC, Ottawa, Lusaka, and Addis Ababa all confirm 35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm). Using 2×2 inch photos will result in rejection. Always verify against official embassy sources.
Official Zimbabwe Government Resources
- Zimbabwe Embassy Washington DC — Passport Information Official passport requirements and application process for USA-based applicants
- Zimbabwe Embassy Ottawa — Passport Services Official passport application requirements for Canada-based applicants
- Zimbabwe eVisa Platform Official electronic visa application portal — Department of Immigration
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32–36 mm (71–80% of frame)
- Top Space
- 3 mm from top of hair to top of photo
- Background
- Strictly white (required)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Clothing
- Dark or bright colours only — no white or cream
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos required
- Valid For
- Passport, e-passport, national ID
Best Practices
- Zimbabwe passport photos are 35×45mm — NOT 2×2 inch. Many websites list wrong dimensions
- Wear dark clothing (black, navy, dark grey) — white and cream are explicitly rejected
- Remove ALL jewelry — earrings, necklaces, rings, piercings must all be removed
- Remove eyeglasses unless you have signed medical documentation from doctor
- Tie natural hair back — both ears must be fully visible in the photo
- Strictly white background required — Zimbabwe embassies reject off-white and cream
- 3mm space from top of hair to top of photo — use the head guideline for positioning
- Two identical colour photos required — print extras in case of damage
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Zimbabwe passport photos?
Zimbabwe passport photos must be 35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm). Some websites incorrectly list 2×2 inch (51×51mm) — that is the US format and will be rejected for Zimbabwe applications. Official embassies in DC, Ottawa, and other cities all confirm 35×45mm.
What background colour for Zimbabwe passport photos?
Strictly white background only. Zimbabwe embassies explicitly state 'strictly white background' — off-white, cream, and grey backgrounds will be rejected. Use a plain white wall or white backdrop.
What clothing should I wear for Zimbabwe passport photos?
Wear dark or bright coloured clothing — black, dark grey, or navy blue recommended. Zimbabwe embassies explicitly reject cream and white clothing because they blend with the white background. No spaghetti straps. Avoid uniforms or costumes.
Can I wear glasses in Zimbabwe passport photos?
No. Eyeglasses must be removed unless medically required with a signed doctor's statement. Even with medical exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes.
Can I wear jewelry in Zimbabwe passport photos?
No. Zimbabwe requires removal of all jewelry — earrings, necklaces, rings, and facial piercings must all be removed. This is stricter than many other countries. Permanent tattoos are acceptable.
Do both ears need to be visible?
Yes. Zimbabwe embassies require both ears to be fully visible. Natural hair must be tied back to expose both ears. This applies to all applicants regardless of hair length or style.
How recent must Zimbabwe passport photos be?
Taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
How many photos are required?
Two identical colour passport photos are required for each application. Print extras in case of damage during shipping — applications are sent to Harare for processing.
Can I apply for Zimbabwe passport online?
The e-passport application system is live for some services, but most applications still require in-person appearance at an embassy or consulate for fingerprinting and document authentication. Forms are issued at the embassy and cannot be downloaded.
What about children and infant passport photos?
Same 35×45mm size and quality requirements apply. For infants who cannot support their heads, photograph from above on plain white sheet. Infant eyes do not need to be fully open. All other children must have eyes open, mouth closed, face clearly visible.