Preparing a Photo for a Botswana Emergency Travel Document
You need a passport-sized photo when you apply for a Botswana Emergency Travel Document[1]. Use the tool above to crop your image to the correct size before you print it.
Official Size and Dimensions
The consular service lists one passport-sized photo among the documents required for an Emergency Travel Document[1]. It does not specify the photo’s dimensions. A 35 by 45 mm crop is a common practical size, not an official specification.
A common practical crop size is 35 x 45 mm, which equals about 1.38 x 1.77 inches[1]. Because the official rules do not set hard numbers, you should always double-check with the issuing office if possible to avoid any issues[1]. You can use the tool above to set your image to this common 35 x 45 mm size quickly.
Head Height and Framing
The consular service does not set any specific head height requirements for your emergency travel document photo[1]. Without a mandatory measurement for the distance between your chin and the top of the frame, you must rely on standard portrait framing practices.
Center your head horizontally and keep your shoulders square to the camera lens. Leave a small amount of breathing room above your hair so your head does not touch the top edge of the picture.
Background and Lighting
The official guidelines state that the consular service requires a passport-sized photo, but they do not specify dimensions or a required background color[1].
To give your application a clean and professional appearance, choose a plain, light-colored background. A solid white or off-white wall without patterns or textures works best. Good lighting matters just as much as the background color. Stand facing a natural light source like a large window to eliminate dark shadows under your eyes, nose, and chin.
Glasses, Expression, and Head Coverings
The official rules leave glasses, headwear, and facial expressions completely unspecified[1]. Since there is no strict ban on eyeglasses, you can wear them as long as the frames do not hide your eyes and the lenses produce no glare from lights or windows.
While a neutral expression is not legally mandated by the text, keeping your mouth closed and maintaining a calm face is the safest approach for any official travel document. If you wear head coverings for religious or cultural reasons, make sure your face remains completely visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
Rules for Children and Infants
If you are applying for an emergency travel document for a child, you should know that the official guidelines contain no separate child photo specifications[1].
Photographing infants for official documents can feel tricky when rules are sparse. Lay your baby flat on a plain white sheet or blanket on the floor to get a steady shot. Stand directly above the child and hold the camera or phone parallel to the floor. Make sure the baby looks toward the camera with eyes open if possible, and remove any pacifiers before you snap the picture.
Printing and Submission Details
The consular service lists one passport-sized photo among the required documents for an Emergency Travel Document[1]. The page does not specify whether it must be printed.
After you prepare your image using the 35 x 45 mm dimensions, place your cropped photo onto a standard 4x6-inch photo layout template. Take that file to a local retail kiosk or print shop that handles standard photo printing. Cut out the 35 x 45 mm photo carefully using clean lines so it fits neatly into your application paperwork.
Taking the Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your own passport-sized photo at home using a smartphone or a digital camera. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of trying to take a selfie, because selfies distort your facial features and push your hand into the frame.
Keep the camera at your exact eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Check your posture, verify that your lighting is bright and even, and take several test shots before you pick the best one.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a printed photo for my Botswana Emergency Travel Document?
Yes, the consular service requires one applicant-supplied, passport-sized printed photo with your application[1].
What background color is required?
The consular service requires a passport-sized photo but does not specify dimensions or background color[1].
Is 35x45 mm the official size?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35 x 45 mm is a common practical crop size used by studios[1].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
The official guidelines leave glasses unspecified[1].
Are there special photo rules for infants?
No separate child photo specifications are found in the official rules[1].