Botswana Passport Photo Guide
Prepare your photo for a Botswana passport application by following official size guidelines and practical crop recommendations.
Official Size and Requirements
The authority publishes no single official size, so the studio uses the size most often asked for[1][2]. You must confirm the exact requirements with your issuing office or organization before you submit your application[1].
Botswana missions request two recent photos meeting ICAO standards[2]. A size of 35 by 45 mm is a common practical crop size used for these applications[2]. Always check if your specific application center has unique local guidelines before you print.
Head Height and Framing
The government passport page does not publish photo dimensions[1]. The consular service asks for two recent passport photos meeting ICAO standards[2].
Keep your face pointed straight toward the camera lens and leave equal space on both sides of your head. You can use the tool above to help crop your photo to the 35 by 45 mm dimensions.
Background and Lighting
Passport photo dimensions and specific background colors are not published on the government passport application page[1]. However, because Botswana missions request two recent photos meeting ICAO standards, you should choose a plain, light-colored background[2].
Good lighting helps show your true skin tone without harsh shadows on your face or the wall behind you. Face a bright window or use soft indoor lights to get a clear picture. Avoid patterned walls or dark backgrounds that can obscure the outline of your head.
Glasses, Headwear, and Expression
The official sources do not list specific rules for glasses or headwear, leaving these details unspecified[1][2]. Similarly, the rules for a neutral expression and a closed mouth are not explicitly stated by the authority[1][2].
Even without strict rules on these points, keeping a calm face and removing tinted glasses helps avoid delays at the office. Check with your local mission if you wear religious headwear daily.
Rules for Children and Minors
Minors aged 17 and younger apply in person with a parent or guardian[1][2]. No separate photo dimensions were found for children in the official rules[1][2].
If you take a photo of an infant or child, lay them on a plain white sheet or seat them in a simple chair. Make sure the child looks toward the camera with open eyes if possible.
Preparing and Printing Your Photos
Botswana missions request two recent passport photos meeting ICAO standards[2]. The passport application page requires the applicant to appear in person[1].
You can prepare your image file at home and use the tool above to arrange it on a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet. Print this sheet at a local photo kiosk and cut out your 35 by 45 mm prints using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your passport photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask someone else to take the picture instead of trying to take a selfie.
Keep the camera at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Check that your shoulders and head fit well inside the frame before you save the file.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Botswana passport photo?
Do I need printed or digital photos?
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
What are the rules for children's photos?
Can I use the tool on this page?
Yes, you can use the tool above to crop your photo to 35 by 45 mm and prepare a printable 4 by 6 inch sheet.