What size is a Nigerian passport photo?

Nigerian passport photos must be 35mm wide and 45mm tall. For digital uploads to the NIS portal, the minimum resolution is 600 x 600 pixels in JPEG format.

What background is required for Nigerian passport photos?

A plain white background is required. Your face must cover approximately 70% of the photo, visible from ear to ear and forehead to chin. No smiling or other expressions are allowed.

Nigerian Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Your passport photo must meet specific Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) standards. Photos that do not meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Follow these guidelines carefully.

Photo Specifications

Size & Dimensions

Width: 35mm
Height: 45mm
Digital minimum: 600 x 600 pixels
File format: JPEG for online upload
File size: 10KB - 300KB for online submissions

Face & Positioning

Face coverage: 70% of the photo
Visible: Ear to ear, forehead to chin
Position: Centred, looking straight at camera
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
Eyes: Open and clearly visible

Requirements

Do

Use a plain white background
Wear everyday clothing (dark colours recommended)
Show natural skin tone and hair colour
Take a recent photo (within last 6 months)
Use proper lighting with no shadows on face
Print on high-quality photo paper

Do Not

No smiling or any facial expression
No uniforms of any kind
No sunglasses or tinted glasses
No retouching or digital alterations
No filters or colour adjustments
No white clothing (blends with background)

Special Cases

Glasses

It is strongly recommended to remove glasses for your passport photo. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are fully visible.

Head Coverings

Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons. Your full face must still be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and both edges of the face must be clearly visible.

Infants and Children

Children must have their own passport and photograph. For infants, the photo should show the child’s face clearly against a white background. Toys, pacifiers, and other people should not appear in the photo.

Online Upload Requirements

When uploading your photo to the NIS passport portal:

Format: JPEG only
Minimum resolution: 600 x 600 pixels
Maximum file size: 300KB
The system will automatically check your photo for compliance
If rejected, take a new photo rather than trying to edit the old one

Tip: Many professional photo studios offer Nigerian passport photo services and know the exact specifications. This is often the easiest option.

Quick Specs

Size: 35mm x 45mm
Background: White
Face: 70% of photo
Expression: Neutral
Digital: 600x600px min
Format: JPEG, max 300KB