Preparing Your Nigerian Passport Photo
Get your Nigerian passport photo ready by following official guidelines and practical tips. The tool above helps you crop your picture to the right proportions.
Official Size and What to Expect
The Nigeria Immigration Service does not publish exact photo dimensions in the cited sources[1][2]. A 35 by 45 mm crop (1.38 by 1.77 inches) is commonly used in practice, but it is not an official size. Confirm the current instructions with the office handling your application.
The head height is not set by the authority[1][2]. Because rules can change, checking directly with your local office helps you avoid mistakes.
How to Take Your Photo at Home
Stand facing a bright window to get even, natural light on your face. Avoid standing under harsh overhead lights that cast deep shadows under your nose and chin. Turn off your camera flash to prevent red-eye and ugly reflections on your skin.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself. Selfies distort facial proportions because the camera sits too close to your face. Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from you.
Stand up straight and look directly into the camera lens with both eyes open. Relax your shoulders and keep your posture natural. Use the tool above to check your crop and adjust your framing easily.
Background and Appearance Details
The portal refers to an ICAO-compliant photo[2]. No background colour is specified in the cited NIS sources; white is commonly used in practice. For a practice photo, choose a plain background.
The official sources do not list specific rules for glasses or headwear, so check local instructions carefully[1]. If you wear glasses, make sure there is no glare on the lenses and that your eyes remain clearly visible. Keep your hair pulled back from your face if it covers your eyes or eyebrows.
Submitting Your Application Online and In Person
Within Nigeria, applicants attend in person for photo and biometric capture[1]. The service level agreement also calls for an ICAO-compliant photo upload[2]. Check the current instructions for your application, as requirements may differ overseas.
Requirements may differ if you apply from an overseas embassy or consulate. Always check the exact instructions provided by your local issuing office before you finalize your application materials. Double-check all image requirements to save time during your appointment.
Rules for Children and Minors
Minors must submit one passport-sized photograph[1]. Applicants attend for photo and biometric capture[2]. The cited sources give no specific photo guidance for infants.
For a practice photo, use a plain background and keep the baby’s face visible. The cited NIS sources do not set infant-specific pose or expression rules.
Printing and File Preparation
If you need physical prints, you can arrange your cropped photo onto a standard four by six inch sheet. Print this sheet at a local photo kiosk just like an ordinary photograph. Cut the photos carefully using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper trimmer along the crop lines.
Keep your printed photos clean and free of bends, folds, or ink smudges. Store them in a paper envelope until you bring them to your appointment. Never staple or tape your photos to application forms.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Nigerian passport photo?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35 by 45 millimeters is commonly used[1].
Do I need to visit an office in person?
What background color should I use?
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
The official sources leave glasses unspecified, so check your local guidelines before submitting[1].