Preparing Your Ethiopian Passport Photo
Prepare an Ethiopian passport photo using the instructions for your renewal method. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a common estimate, not an official requirement.
Official Size and Dimensions
The official sources do not publish a general passport photo size. A 35 × 45 mm crop (about 1.38 × 1.77 inches) is a common practice estimate, not an official requirement[1][2].
This crop size is a common practice estimate rather than an authority-published requirement[1][2]. Check with the office handling your application for its photo instructions.
Taking the Photo at Home
If you take your photo at home, ask someone to take it with a camera or phone. The sources do not specify a camera distance or position.
Stand facing a plain, light-colored background. Look straight ahead at the camera lens with your shoulders square and your head centered in the middle of the frame[1][2].
Head Height and Framing Rules
The authority has not set a specific rule for head height in your passport photo[1][2]. Position your head so it faces directly toward the camera lens without tilting to the side.
No official head height is set. Follow the instructions for your renewal method when framing your photo[1][2].
Background and Lighting Specifications
No current general passport photo background specification was found in the official material consulted[1][2]. When you take your photo at home, find a plain wall to stand in front of.
Good lighting is important to make your face clear and bright. Face a window with natural light or use a soft lamp to avoid dark shadows behind your head.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Expression
Official sources do not specify rules for glasses or headwear in your photo[1][2]. Check with the office handling your application if you need guidance about either.
The official sources consulted do not specify expression or headwear rules. Check with the office handling your application for instructions.
Digital File Limits and Online Renewal
For online renewal through the Embassy’s Digital Invea instructions, the photo file must be under 2.5 MB[1].
If the file size is too big, you can compress it or use simple editing tools to reduce the size.
Printed Submissions and In-Person Visits
If you need to renew your passport in person at the embassy, you must bring one recent passport-sized print[1]. You can arrange your cropped photo onto a standard sheet and print it at a local store kiosk.
The Immigration and Citizenship Service portal says applicants visit a branch for biometrics[2].
Common Reasons for Photo Refusal
The cited sources do not list general photo refusal criteria. Check your photo against the specific instructions for your renewal method.
Check with the office handling your application for its photo instructions[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
What size is an Ethiopian passport photo?
Can I submit a digital photo online?
Do I need printed photos for an in-person renewal?
Yes, in-person embassy renewal requires one recent passport-sized print[1].
Are new applicants required to visit in person?
The Immigration and Citizenship Service portal says applicants visit a branch for biometrics[2].