Kosovo Foreigner Travel Document Photo Guide
Learn how the Kosovo foreigner travel document handles its biometric photo and what the cited instruction says[1].
Official Size and Document Details
The Ministry of Internal Affairs issues the Kosovo foreigner travel document to qualifying foreigners who hold residence permits and cannot obtain a travel document from their home country, including stateless persons[1]. A photo is included in the biometric chip of the document, and no applicant-supplied print is specified by the rules[1].
The cited instruction does not set a photo size. The 35×45 mm size is not specified by the authority[1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
The biometric photo is captured according to ICAO standards, and the instruction does not specify a background color[1]. When you take a photo at home, try to stand in front of a plain, neutral wall to keep the background simple.
Face a window to get soft, natural light on your face. Avoid harsh overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your nose or chin. Keep the camera steady and at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Headwear, Glasses, and Expression
The cited instruction does not specify rules for headwear, shadows, or facial visibility[1].
The official rules do not specify whether glasses are allowed[1]. It is usually safest to take off your glasses to avoid glare and reflections on the lenses. The instruction does not set a neutral expression or mouth rule[1], but you should keep a calm face with a natural look and look directly into the camera lens.
Head Height and Other Measurements
The head height is not set by the authority in the official instructions[1]. Similarly, the authority does not provide specific measurements for top margins or eye line positions[1].
Because these measurements are not fixed by the administrative instruction, you must rely on standard portrait framing practices[1]. Center your head in the frame and leave a small space around your hair and shoulders.
Rules for Children and Infants
The official administrative instruction states that no separate child photo dimensions or rules are specified[1]. If you need to prepare a document photo for a baby or a young child, you must follow the general standards as closely as possible.
Lay the child on a plain white or light sheet on the floor, or hold them upright while keeping your hands out of the camera view. Make sure the child faces the camera with eyes open and a calm expression.
Submission and Digital File Limits
The instruction describes a photograph in the biometric document and does not specify an applicant-supplied print[1]. It does not set a minimum or maximum digital file size.
Because the issuing office captures the official photo itself, you cannot submit a printed photo from home for the final application[1]. You can still use the tool above to rehearse, check a photo or prepare a copy for other uses, without claiming it will be accepted.
Step-by-Step Home Preparation
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to prevent your facial features from distorting. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture rather than taking a selfie, because holding the camera too close changes your facial proportions.
Check your lighting, clothing, and head position before you finish. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the 35×45 mm size for practice or other personal uses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size of a Kosovo foreigner travel document photo?
The authority publishes no single official size, and the studio uses the size most often asked for, which is 35×45 mm or 1.38×1.77 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
The rules for glasses are unspecified by the authority[1], but it is safer to remove them to avoid glare.
Are head coverings allowed?
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[1].
Do children have different photo rules?
No separate child photo dimensions or rules are specified by the authority[1].
Can I submit a printed photo from home?
No applicant-supplied print is specified because a photo is included in the biometric chip and captured by the authority[1].