Botswana Permanent Residence Photo Guide
Get your Botswana Permanent Residence Certificate photo right by following official standards, checking practical sizes, and preparing your prints properly.
Understanding the Size and Official Rules
When you apply for a Permanent Residence Certificate in Botswana, the government requires two recent color passport-size photos per applicant[1]. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship publishes no single official size for these photos[1]. Because of this, studios and print shops use thirty-five by forty-five millimeters, which is one point three eight by one point seven seven inches, as a common practical crop size[1].
The authority does not set an exact head height for your image[1]. Similarly, the government does not provide exact dimensions or background color rules[1]. However, standard passport practices suggest a plain light background and a clear view of your face. You should confirm these details directly with the issuing office before you submit your application.
The submission method for your photos is printed[1]. You will need physical copies to attach to your paperwork. Since digital uploads are not the primary requirement for this specific document, having physical prints ready is essential for your application process.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your own photo at home to save time and money. Start by finding a room with bright, even light, such as facing a large window during the day. Avoid harsh shadows on your face or on the background behind you. Stand or sit about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid distortion.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of taking a selfie. Keep the camera lens right at your eye level. Look straight into the lens with a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed. Make sure your entire head and shoulders are clearly visible in the frame.
Check your clothing to ensure it contrasts well with your background. Remove hats and head coverings unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons. If you wear glasses, make sure the frames do not cover your eyes and that there is no glare on the lenses.
Preparing Your Photo with the Tool Above
Once you take your picture, you need to crop it to the correct dimensions. You can use the tool above to crop your passport, visa, and ID photos directly in your web browser[1]. Your photo never leaves your device, which keeps your personal images private and secure.
The tool above helps you fit your image into the common practical crop size of thirty-five by forty-five millimeters[1]. It helps you adjust your crop so your face is centered correctly. You can then generate a sheet that you can print easily as an ordinary four by six inch photo.
Even though the authority does not publish a strict size rule[1], having a clean and evenly proportioned thirty-five by forty-five millimeter photo helps your paperwork look neat. Take your time adjusting the crop lines until your face fills the frame correctly.
Printing Your Photo at a Kiosk
After you prepare your photo sheet using the tool above, save the final four by six inch image file to your phone or a USB drive. Take this file to a local photo kiosk or print shop that handles standard four by six inch prints. Print the sheet on glossy or matte photo paper just like an ordinary photograph.
Check the printed sheet with a ruler before you cut the pictures out. Make sure the printed dimensions match thirty-five by forty-five millimeters exactly[1]. Printers sometimes scale images up or down automatically, so check that the print settings are set to actual size or one hundred percent.
Use a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter to trim your two required photos cleanly along the edges[1]. Keep the cuts straight and avoid bending or marking the surface of the photos. Handle the prints carefully by the edges to keep them clean and smudge-free.
Rules for Dependants and Children
Dependants are included in the application, and the source does not give separate photo specifications for children[1]. Confirm the photo requirements for each applicant with the issuing office.
When photographing infants or young children, lay them on a plain white or light-colored sheet on the floor. Stand directly above them to take the picture while keeping the camera at eye level relative to the child. Make sure the child's eyes are open and their face is fully visible.
Since there are no exact child size rules published by the authority[1], use the same thirty-five by forty-five millimeter practical crop size for your children's photos[1]. Print these photos on the same four by six inch sheet format to keep all your application photos consistent.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The source does not list reasons for refusing photos. For a clear picture, use even lighting and check for shadows before printing.
Another common issue is incorrect head positioning or expressions. Tilting your head, smiling too broadly, or looking away from the camera lens can lead to rejection. Keep your head straight and your expression neutral with your mouth closed.
Reflections on eyeglasses or frames that block your eyes will also cause problems. If your glasses create glare, take them off for the photo. Finally, always provide two recent color prints as requested[1], as missing or outdated photos will delay your Permanent Residence Certificate.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Botswana Permanent Residence Certificate?
The authority publishes no single official size, but thirty-five by forty-five millimeters is a common practical crop size used by photo studios[1].
How many photos must I submit with my application?
The government requires two recent color passport-size photos per applicant[1].
Are there specific size rules for children's photos?
Can I print my photos at home or at a kiosk?
Yes, the submission is printed[1], meaning you can prepare a four by six inch photo sheet and print it at a local kiosk.