Botswana Tourist Visa Photo Requirements and Size Guide
Prepare your Botswana tourist visa photo correctly using the official size and submission rules. The tool above helps you format your picture at home before you print or upload it.
Official Size and Dimensions
To apply for a Botswana tourist visa, you need to provide two recent color passport-size photos[1][2]. The official Form 1 labels a photo box 3 cm by 4 cm[2]. This equals 30 by 40 mm or 1.18 by 1.57 inches.
The head height is not set by the authority[2]. Because exact proportions matter for visa applications, you should check your framed crop carefully using the tool above.
When you prepare your picture, keep your shoulders inside the frame and leave a little space above your head. Make sure your face is clear.
Background and Lighting Setup
The official Form 1 labels a photo box 3 cm by 4 cm but does not specify background color[2]. Try to use a plain background so your face stands out clearly. Light walls in white or off-white work best for this purpose.
Face a bright window for soft, even lighting across your face. Avoid heavy shadows behind your head or under your chin.
Turn off room lights if they mix with daylight and create strange color tones on your skin. Stand a step away from your background wall so your shadow does not fall directly behind you.
Glasses, Headwear, and Expression
Form 1 does not give a rule about glasses[2]. If you wear them, try to avoid glare and keep your eyes visible.
Form 1 does not give a rule about headwear[2]. Keep your face visible in the photo.
Even though rules do not mention facial expressions directly, a relaxed look with a closed mouth is the safest choice for any official document. Remove tinted glasses completely so immigration officers can see your eyes without any barrier.
Rules for Children and Infants
Form 1 shows a 3 cm by 4 cm photo box[2]. The sources do not give separate photo instructions for children.
Make sure the child faces the camera directly with a neutral expression and no one else is visible in the frame.
For babies or toddlers, you can lay them down on a plain white or light-colored sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above. Make sure no hands, toys, or parent fingers appear in the final crop.
Submission and File Rules
Tourism visa applications can be made online or in person[1]. The instructions say online application documents must be saved as one PDF[1].
If approved, the visa may be printed at the office where you applied or at an airport or immigration port of entry[1].
If you apply on paper, submit two recent colour passport-size photos[1]. Form 1 shows a 3 cm by 4 cm photo box[2].
How to Take Your Photo at Home
Stand about 1 to 1.5 meters away from the camera and keep the lens at your eye level. Ask a friend to take the picture instead of taking a selfie to avoid distortion.
Use the tool above to crop your image to the 3 by 4 cm photo-box size shown on Form 1[2]. The tourism visa page asks for passport-size photos[1].
Taking a picture with your phone works well if you have good daylight. Check the preview on your screen to make sure your head is centered and your face is sharp before you save the file.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a Botswana tourist visa photo?
The official Form 1 labels a photo box 3 cm by 4 cm, which is 30 by 40 mm[2].
What background color should I use?
The official Form 1 labels a photo box 3 cm by 4 cm but does not specify background color[2].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are listed as unspecified in the official rules[2].
Can I submit my visa application online?
Applications can be made online or in person. Online application documents must be saved as one PDF[1].
Are headwear items permitted in the photo?
Form 1 does not give a rule about headwear[2].