Getting a Photo for Your Botswana Residence Permit
You need a specific photo size when you apply for a residence permit in Botswana. Use this page to prepare your photo print correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
When you apply for a residence permit in Botswana, you must submit a photo with your application form. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship publishes no single official size for this document[1].
The source does not specify photo dimensions. A 35 by 45 mm (1.38 by 1.77 in) crop is a common practical size, not an official requirement. Confirm the accepted size with the issuing office.
The authority does not set a specific head height rule for this application[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the common 35 by 45 millimeter size quickly.
Background and Color Rules
Your application requires a recent color passport-size photo[1]. You must make sure the print shows your true skin tones and hair color accurately.
The service requires a recent color passport-size photo but does not provide dimensions or background color[1]. Because no official background color is stated, a plain white or light background is usually the safest choice for clarity.
Make sure your photo has good lighting with no dark shadows behind your head. Stand in front of a plain wall to get the best result.
Glasses and Headwear
The official guidelines do not specify rules for glasses or headwear for this specific permit photo[1]. To avoid any questions from the office, it is best to take off your glasses so there is no glare on the lenses.
If you wear head coverings for religious or medical reasons, make sure they do not hide your face from your chin to the top of your forehead. Your eyes must be fully visible in the picture.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Look straight into the camera lens so your eyes line up correctly.
Rules for Children and Dependants
Many families move together or apply as a group. Dependants are covered by the residence application, and no separate child photo specifications are found in the official rules[1].
The source does not give separate photo specifications for children included as dependants[1]. Confirm the photo requirements for each applicant with the issuing office.
Make sure the child is looking toward the camera with their mouth closed. Ask a helper to hold a toy near the camera lens to catch their attention.
Printing and Submitting Your Print
This application requires a printed photo submission[1]. You cannot upload a digital file for this specific permit process.
You can place your cropped 35 by 45 millimeter photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet using the tool above. Save the sheet to your phone and print it at any local photo kiosk just like a normal picture.
Cut out the photo carefully using sharp scissors along the crop marks. Bring the physical print with your completed Form 15 application to the immigration office.
How to Take Your Photo at Home
You can take your own photo at home to save time and money. Stand 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 at your exact eye level so your face looks natural.
Face a bright window for soft natural light on your face. Check the image on your screen to confirm the lighting is bright and even before you crop it.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Botswana residence permit?
The authority publishes no single official size, but the studio uses 35 by 45 millimeters as the size most often asked for[1].
Does the authority set a specific head height rule?
No, the head height is not set by the authority for this application[1].
What background color is required?
The service requires a recent color passport-size photo but does not provide dimensions or background color[1].
Are separate photos needed for children?
Dependants are covered by the residence application, and no separate child photo specifications are found[1].
Do I need a printed photo or a digital upload?
This application requires a printed photo submission[1].