Preparing Your Photo for a Burundian CEPGL Card
When you apply for a Carte CEPGL in Burundi, you need to provide a passport photo[1]. Because the authority publishes no single official size, studios use the size most often asked for[1].
The Size of Your Photo
The official instructions require a passport photo but do not give its exact dimensions[1]. A 35 by 45 mm crop is a common practical choice, not a published official size.
A common practical crop is 35 by 45 millimeters, or about 1.38 by 1.77 inches. The official instructions do not give exact measurements[1]. Check the required size with the issuing office before submitting your documents.
Official Specifications and Backgrounds
Official instructions request a passport photo and give no exact dimensions or background color[1]. Because the rules do not specify a background color, you should look for a plain, neutral background when you take your picture[1].
The head height, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, is not set by the authority[1]. Furthermore, rules regarding glasses and headwear are unspecified in the official guidance[1]. Since official requirements can change, you need to pay close attention to any updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi or the Commissariat Général des Migrations[1].
Requirements for Children and Minors
If you are applying for a card for a child, you must still follow the general application rules. Minors also require a passport photo, and no separate infant specification is published by the authority[1].
Taking a photo of a baby or toddler can be challenging, but you should aim for a clear, front-facing image where the child looks toward the camera. Even though there are no special rules published for infants, keeping the background plain and lighting the face evenly will help you produce a clear picture that meets the general standard.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your own photo at home before you print it out for your paperwork. Face a bright window to get soft, even natural light on your face without harsh shadows.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself in a selfie pose. Keep the camera at your exact eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Stand up straight, look directly into the camera, and keep a relaxed facial expression. Taking multiple shots gives you more options to choose from when you sit down to edit.
Preparing and Formatting Your Image
After you capture a good shot, you need to crop it to the right proportions. Since 35 by 45 millimeters is the size most often asked for, you can prepare this dimension easily[1].
You can use the tool above to crop your passport-style photo right in your browser window. Your photo never leaves your device when you use this website, which keeps your personal images completely private. Make sure the framing leaves enough space around your head and shoulders so that the final printed image looks balanced and clear.
Printing Your Photo for Submission
The submission method for this document requires a printed photo[1]. Once you have your 35 by 45 millimeter crop ready, you can place it onto a standard 4 by 6 inch digital sheet.
Take this digital sheet to a local photo kiosk or print shop and print it as an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo. Cut the individual photos carefully using clean scissors or a sharp paper cutter. Double-check that your printed pictures are sharp, clean, and free of any smudges or ink marks before you hand them in with your application materials.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
A clear, well-lit photo can make your application materials easier to review. The official instructions do not list photo rejection reasons.
Avoid strong shadows and check that your photo is clear before printing. The official instructions do not specify eye position or list reasons a photo may be refused.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Burundian CEPGL card?
The authority publishes no single official size, but studios use 35 by 45 millimeters as the size most often asked for[1].
Do children need their own photos for the card?
Yes, minors also require a passport photo, and no separate infant specification is published[1].
Is a digital upload accepted for the application?
The submission method for this document requires a printed photo[1].
Does the authority specify background colors or head measurements?
No, official instructions request a passport photo and give no exact dimensions or background color, and head height is not set[1].