Somali Child Passport Photo Guide
Preparing a passport photo for a child can feel tricky, but this guide breaks down the official rules and steps to help you get it right.
Official Size and Dimensions
The ordinary-passport procedure asks for two passport photos[1][2]. The official pages reviewed do not specify their dimensions. The 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches) crop shown here is a practical suggestion, not an official Somali requirement. Confirm the size with the issuing office before applying.
You can use the tool above to crop a practice photo to 35×45 mm. This is a practical crop, not an official government specification. Confirm the photo requirements with the issuing office before printing.
Head Height and Framing Rules
The official pages reviewed do not set a head-height measurement for passport photos[1][2]. If you are taking a practice photo, center the child in the frame.
Leave a modest amount of space above the head and around the shoulders to create a balanced portrait. Keeping the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from the child helps prevent distortion. You can use the tool above to view your framing and adjust the photo so it looks natural and well-centered before you save it for printing.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Finding the right background requires paying attention to what the official documents state. No background color or photo dimensions are specified in the official pages reviewed[1][2]. The dimensions shown are a common passport-photo crop for practical use, not a published Somali specification[1][2]. Even without a strict color rule, choosing a plain, light-colored background helps the photo look clean and professional.
Good lighting is just as important as the background when photographing a child. Try to have the child face a bright window for soft, natural light that illuminates the face evenly. Avoid casting heavy shadows behind the head or across the features. If someone else helps take the picture, they can steady the camera and keep the child focused while you manage the lighting.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Expression
The official pages reviewed do not specify rules for glasses or headwear[1][2]. For a practice photo, check that glare does not obscure the child’s eyes.
The official pages reviewed do not specify a required facial expression[1][2]. For a practice photo, take several pictures while the child is comfortable and choose a clear one.
Rules for Children and Minors
The official pages reviewed do not give separate photo rules for children or infants[1][2]. They also do not specify a required photo size, so confirm the requirements with the issuing office.
In addition to the photo requirements, you must keep travel regulations in mind. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legally authorized guardian when travelling, according to the immigration regulation[2]. Preparing your documentation ahead of time helps you meet all necessary legal standards for minor travel.
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
The ordinary-passport procedure asks for two passport photos[1][2]. The official pages reviewed do not specify their dimensions. Confirm the required size and print format with the issuing office.
You can easily arrange your cropped image onto an ordinary 4×6-inch photo sheet and print it at a local store kiosk. After printing, use scissors to cut the photos carefully to the correct dimensions. Check both copies for clarity, lighting, and accurate cropping before you bring them to your appointment with the Immigration and Citizenship Agency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a Somali passport photo?
Are there special photo rules for babies or infants?
How many printed photos do I need to submit?
What background color is required?
Can I print my cropped photo at a local store kiosk?
Yes, you can arrange your cropped image onto a standard 4×6-inch sheet and print it as an ordinary photo at a kiosk.