Preparing a Nigerian Child Passport Photo
Get ready to prepare a passport photo for a minor by following the standard steps and guidelines provided by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Official Size and Measurements
The Nigeria Immigration Service asks for a passport-sized photo for minors but does not publish exact dimensions[1]. A 35 by 45 mm crop (1.38 by 1.77 inches) is commonly used in practice; it is not an official size. Confirm the current photo instructions with the office handling your application.
The cited requirements do not set a head-height measurement[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the commonly used 35 by 45 mm size, but confirm the current instructions with the office handling your application.
Background and Lighting Guidelines
No colour or background dimensions are specified on the cited minor requirements page[1]. However, the online application portal requires a photo upload and links to an ICAO compliance checker to verify your image[2].
Because background rules are broad, choosing a plain, neutral wall is usually the safest approach for your pictures. To get a clear picture at home, face a window for soft natural light. Ask someone else to take the photo so you can keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away. Avoid using a flash directly, as it can cause harsh shadows or red eye on the child's face.
Rules for Minors and Parental Consent
For applicants under 18 years old, the Nigeria Immigration Service requires one passport-sized photograph endorsed on the reverse by the consenting parent or parents[1]. This physical endorsement is a key part of the minor application rules that you must follow closely before submitting your paperwork.
The cited requirements give no special pose or size rules for infants[1]. Applicants attend for biometric capture during the application process[2].
Glasses, Expression and Headwear
The official requirements do not specify detailed rules for glasses or headwear for minor applications[1]. It is generally safest to remove glasses to avoid glare, reflections, and frames that might fail the online compliance check.
The cited minor requirements do not specify rules for eye direction or facial expression[1]. Check the portal's photo instructions before uploading an image[2].
Digital Upload and Printing Options
The minor requirements call for one printed passport-sized photo, and the online portal also requires a photo upload and links to an ICAO compliance checker[1][2].
You can also prepare a physical copy for your paperwork. You can print your cropped photo as an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo at a local print kiosk. Use the tool above to arrange your cropped photo onto a standard print sheet easily for printing.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The portal links to an ICAO compliance checker[2]. The cited sources do not list specific photo rejection reasons or say that a failed check causes immediate rejection.
Always double-check your file before submitting it to the authorities to make sure everything looks correct. Remember that the issuing authority makes the final decision on whether to accept your photo, so review every detail carefully to give your application the best chance of approval.
Tips for Photographing Young Children
Taking pictures of infants and young children can sometimes be challenging for parents and guardians. Try to take the photo when the child is well-rested and in a good mood to make the process much easier.
Place a plain sheet behind the child if you want to create a clean backdrop since the official rules do not list a specific background colour[1]. Take multiple shots so you have plenty of options to choose from when you start editing and cropping the image for your final submission.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size of a Nigerian child passport photo?
The authority publishes no single official size, but the size most often asked for is 35 by 45 mm or 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Do I need to endorse the back of the photo?
Yes, for applicants under 18, the Nigeria Immigration Service requires one passport-sized photograph endorsed on the reverse by the consenting parent or parents[1].
Does the online portal check the photo?
Yes, the online application portal requires a photo upload and links to an ICAO compliance checker[2].
Can I print the photo at a local kiosk?
Yes, you can prepare a sheet to print as an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo at a kiosk, provided it meets your application needs.
Who makes the final decision on photo acceptance?
The issuing authority makes the final decision on whether to accept your photo for the passport application.