Botswana Passport, Visa, and ID Photo Guide
Get precise details and requirements for preparing official photographs for Botswana identification documents, permits, and visas.
Understanding Botswana Document Photo Categories
This page covers common photo sizes for Botswana documents. A passport photo is commonly 35×45 mm[1]. The Omang ID photo and driving licence photo are also commonly 35×45 mm[2][3].
The article also lists 35×45 mm as a common photo size for international driving permits, residence permits, work permits, and permanent residence applications[4][5][6][7].
Check the instructions for your application to confirm the photo size and format.
Additional Permits and Citizen Documents
Other listed documents with a common photo size of 35×45 mm include naturalisation applications, voter registration cards, emergency travel documents, and professional driving permits[8][9][1][10].
These documents are listed with a common photo size of 35×45 mm. The supplied facts do not set a head-height measurement for them.
Having extra physical copies on hand is always smart when you plan to visit government offices for multiple renewals or new card applications at the same time.
Visa Photo Requirements and Differences
Visas follow a different size standard compared to local identification papers issued within the country. For a Botswana tourist visa photo (30×40 mm)[11], a Botswana eVisa photo (30×40 mm), a Botswana visitor visa photo (30×40 mm)[12], and a Botswana study visa photo (30×40 mm)[13], the required size is 30×40 mm.
These visa categories allow for both printed and digital submission[11][12][13]. Just like the local identity documents, the official head height is not set for these visa types[11][12][13].
Double-check your specific visa application portal instructions before uploading digital images to confirm that the file format and pixel dimensions match the submission system.
Preparing Your Photo Correctly at Home
To take a good photo at home, stand facing a bright window to get even natural lighting on your face. Keep the camera at your exact eye level and ask a friend or family member to take the picture from about one to one and a half meters away.
Maintain a neutral facial expression and look directly into the camera lens without smiling or frowning. Remove any hats, head coverings, or tinted glasses that might hide your facial features or cast shadows.
Check that your background is plain white or off-white with no patterns, shadows, or objects behind you. Good lighting prevents dark spots under your chin and keeps your natural skin tone clear.
Cropping and Formatting with the Tool
You can use the tool above to crop a photo to the listed dimensions. Check your application instructions for the requirements that apply to you.
Once you crop the image, the tool arranges it onto a standard 4×6-inch photo sheet for easy printing. You can then print this sheet at any local photo kiosk just like an ordinary family picture.
Always review the final preview before printing to make sure your chin and the top of your head fit comfortably inside the border without getting cut off.
Printing and Submission Guidelines
The listed passport, Omang ID, driving licence, and residence permit photos use printed submission[1][2][3][5].
Visa applications accept both printed and digital files depending on how you apply[11][12][13]. Take care to print your 4×6-inch sheet at actual size without adding photo filters or auto-enhancements that alter your natural appearance.
Cut your printed pictures carefully along the solid lines using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter to maintain clean, straight edges on all four sides.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Botswana passport photo?
A Botswana passport photo measures 35×45 mm[1].
What size is a Botswana tourist visa photo?
A Botswana tourist visa photo measures 30×40 mm[11].
Can I submit digital photos for a Botswana Omang ID?
The listed submission method for a Botswana Omang ID photo is printed.
What is the official head height for Botswana visa photos?
The official head height requirement is not set for Botswana visa photos[11].
How do I print my Botswana visa photo at home?
You can arrange your cropped photo on a standard 4×6-inch sheet and print it at a local photo kiosk.