New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority Photo Requirements
Preparing a digital photo for your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority request requires careful attention to file and camera rules. Follow these official guidelines to get your picture right.
Official Size and Format
Immigration New Zealand specifies a digital photo in portrait orientation with a 3:4 aspect ratio, but does not publish a physical photo size[1]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a studio proxy, not an official requirement.
The digital image must be in portrait orientation with a 3:4 aspect ratio[1]. Check the image ratio before uploading.
File Size and Limits
The file must be at least 512 KB[1].
The file must be no larger than 3.14 MB[1].
Background and Lighting
You need a plain, neutral background with good contrast and no shadows or objects[1]. The exact background colour is not specified by the authority[1].
Use a plain, neutral background with good contrast and no shadows or objects[1]. The source does not specify a colour.
Facial Expression
Keep a neutral expression[1].
Keep your mouth closed[1].
Glasses and Headwear
Glasses are allowed under conditional rules[1]. If you must wear glasses, make sure the frames do not hide your eyes and check that there is no heavy glare on the glass lenses.
Headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons[1]. Keep your face visible from the chin to the top of the forehead.
Infant and Child Rules
The general NZeTA photo standards apply to infants; the source gives no separate infant dimensions[1].
The general NZeTA photo standards apply to infants; the source does not give separate infant dimensions[1].
Taking Your Photo at Home
Taking a good photo at home takes a little patience and proper preparation. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera device to avoid facial distortion. If you stand too close, your nose and forehead may look larger than normal in the final image.
Keep the camera lens right at your eye level by placing the camera on a steady surface or tripod. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of taking a selfie. Selfies are only permitted through the official mobile app[1].
Good lighting makes a big difference for your digital picture. Stand facing a soft light source, like a large window during daylight hours, to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head. Turn off bright overhead lights if they create dark spots under your eyes or chin.
Checking Your Photo
Before you submit your digital file, inspect it closely on a large computer or phone screen. Look at the edges of your face and shoulders to confirm there are no shadows cast on the background.
Check that your eyes are visible and that the file meets the published size limits[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size should my photo be?
Immigration New Zealand does not publish a physical photo size. It requires a portrait image with a 3:4 aspect ratio[1].
What are the file size limits for uploading?
The file size must be at least 512 kilobytes and must not exceed 3215.36 kilobytes[1].
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
Glasses are allowed under conditional rules[1], but they must not cover your eyes or produce heavy glare.
Are hats or head coverings permitted?
Headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons[1], and your face must be completely visible.
Can I take a selfie for my application?
Selfies are only permitted through the official mobile app[1]; otherwise, have someone else take your picture.
Are there special photo rules for infants?
The general NZeTA photo standards apply to infants, as no separate dimensions are found in the rules[1].