Cameroon refugee card photo (40×40 mm)

Official Rules for Your Card

The Délégation générale à la sûreté nationale (DGSN) issues the biometric refugee card, known as the carte de réfugié^[1]. The authority publishes no single official size for the portrait photo in its official decree^[1].

The 40×40 mm (1.57×1.57 inch) crop is a common-practice fallback, not an official photo specification.

You should always confirm the exact requirements with the issuing office or organisation before you submit any application materials. Understanding these guidelines helps you avoid unnecessary delays when you apply for your official identity documents in Cameroon.

Dimensions and Head Size Specifications

If you decide to prepare a photo using the common 40×40 mm size, it measures 1.57×1.57 inches. The official authority has not set a specific head height rule or a top margin requirement for this photo.

Since there is no official head height rule given by the decree, you should keep your head centered and straight in the frame. Make sure your face takes up a large portion of the square frame without touching the very edges.

Keeping your posture upright and balanced helps your features remain clearly visible in the final image crop.

Background and Lighting Requirements

The official decree describes grey pre-printed card stock, but it does not state the exact background colour required for the portrait photo itself^[1]. When you take your picture at home, try to use a plain background so your face stands out clearly without any distracting patterns or objects behind you.

Face a bright window to get even, natural lighting on your face. Avoid harsh shadows on your cheeks or behind your head. Good lighting helps the camera capture your true skin tone and facial features accurately.

How the Authority Captures Your Photo

The decree specifies a portrait photograph on the biometric refugee card, captured through physical enrollment^[1].

Even when the agency takes your picture in person, you can still prepare ahead of time at home. You can use the tool above to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other personal uses.

The tool makes it easy to crop your image into the correct dimensions while you practice your posture and lighting.

Practical Steps to Take a Photo at Home

Setting up your own photo requires careful attention to your camera position and your posture. Set up your camera or phone at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face to avoid any lens distortion.

Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself, because arm's length selfies often distort facial features. Keep your shoulders square to the camera and look straight into the lens.

Wear your everyday clothes and maintain a relaxed, neutral expression without smiling too broadly or frowning.

Printing and Preparing Your Sheet

If you need a printed copy for your personal files or practice, you can arrange your cropped image on a standard photo sheet. Set up your image on a four by six inch template so you can print it easily at a local kiosk or photo printer.

Check the print quality carefully before you leave the kiosk to make sure the details are sharp and clear. Bring the printed sheet along with your other required documents to your appointment if permitted by the local office instructions.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

The sources do not list photo-quality standards or reasons for refusal. Follow the instructions given during physical enrollment.

The sources do not specify rules for glasses, hats, framing, or proportions. Ask the enrollment staff if you have questions about appearance requirements.