Sierra Leone Child Passport Photo Guide
Prepare a correct passport photo for your child's Sierra Leone ordinary passport application by following online upload rules and standard practices.
Official Size and Requirements
The Sierra Leone Immigration Department publishes no official photo size[1]. A 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) photo is common practice, but the portal does not list dimensions[1]. Confirm the photo requirements with the issuing office before applying.
The authority does not set a head-height measurement[1].
For a child’s Ordinary Passport application, the portal requires a passport photo upload but does not list photo dimensions[1].
Background and Lighting Setup
The application portal does not specify a photo background or dimensions[1]. A white background is common practice for passport photos.
Try to use natural light from a window to illuminate your child's face evenly. Keep your child away from dark walls to prevent harsh shadows from forming behind them.
Turn off any overhead lights that cast yellow or orange tones on your child's skin. Face your child directly toward the light source so both sides of their face receive equal brightness.
Glasses, Headwear, and Expression
The application portal does not specify whether glasses or headwear are allowed[1].
The portal does not specify rules for facial expression or mouth position[1].
If your child wears glasses, check the photo for glare.
Rules for Children and Infants
The online portal requires parent or guardian details and identification for child applications, but publishes no separate infant photo rules[1].
If you are photographing a baby who cannot sit up on their own, lay them flat on a plain white sheet on the floor. Stand directly above the baby to take the shot while keeping the camera lens level with their face.
Keep toys and hands out of the frame. You can place a favorite toy just behind the camera to grab the baby's attention so they look straight into the lens.
Digital Submission and File Formats
The online passport system requires an uploaded passport photograph in JPG or PNG format[1]. The authority does not publish a file-size limit[1].
You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the common thirty-five by forty-five millimeters size before you upload it to the portal.
Check that your digital file is clear and not blurry before you submit it. Saving the file in the correct format prevents errors when you upload your documents to the portal.
Steps to Take the Photo at Home
Find a quiet room with bright, soft light. Stand about one to one-and-a-half meters away from your child to avoid distorting their facial features through the camera lens.
Take multiple pictures so you have a good selection of shots. You can use the tool above to check the framing and adjust your picture quickly.
Position the camera at your child's eye level rather than tilting it up or down. This keeps their head proportions accurate and matches standard photo expectations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using heavy filters or editing tools that change your child's natural skin tone. Keep the lighting bright and realistic.
Do not use a busy background with patterns or household objects. Stick to a plain white or light wall so the focus stays entirely on your child.
Make sure your child's shoulders and head fit fully inside the frame with space around them for cropping.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Sierra Leone child passport photo?
The authority does not publish a photo size. A 35 × 45 mm format is common practice.
How do I submit the photo?
Upload a passport photograph in JPG or PNG format through the online passport system[1].
Are there special rules for baby photos?
The portal publishes no separate infant photo rules, but requires parent or guardian details for child applications[1].
Can my child wear glasses in the photo?
Glasses are unspecified by the current application portal[1].
What background color is required?
The portal does not specify a background color[1]. A white background is common practice.
Do I need to include parent details for the application?
Yes, the portal requires parent or guardian details and identification for child applications[1].