🇱🇸 Lesotho passport and ID photos

Introduction to Lesotho Photo Rules

Photo requirements vary by document in Lesotho. The supplied guidance lists 35×45 mm as a common size for the documents covered here; check the relevant office’s instructions before applying.

This page helps you prepare pictures for seven common documents used across the country. These include travel documents, identification cards, driving credentials, and employment permits. Each category has specific guidelines you should follow closely to meet official standards and avoid delays in your application process.

Documents and Common Sizes

Seven official Lesotho documents require photographs on this site. These include the Lesotho passport photo (35×45 mm) and the Lesotho child passport photo (35×45 mm)^[1]. You also need this exact size for the Lesotho national identity card photo (35×45 mm)^[2].

The supplied guidance lists 35×45 mm as a common size for driving and learner’s licence photos^[3][4]. It does not establish a size for residence permit or work permit photos, so check the relevant office’s instructions.

Understanding Size and Head Height Rules

The supplied guidance lists 35×45 mm as a common size for the documents covered here. Check each authority’s instructions for official photo requirements before printing or uploading your image.

The supplied guidance does not list a head-height measurement for these documents. Check the application instructions for any other photo requirements to make sure your chin and the top of your head are properly placed.

Printed versus Digital Submission

Submission rules change depending on the specific document you need. For a Lesotho passport photo and a Lesotho child passport photo, you can use both printed and digital submission methods^[1].

The supplied guidance lists printed submission for the national identity card, driving licence, learner’s licence, residence permit, and work permit photos. Check the relevant application instructions for details.

Practical Tips for Taking Your Photo

You do not need a professional photo studio to take a valid identification picture. Face a bright window to get natural light on your face without harsh shadows. Natural light helps show your true skin tone and facial features clearly.

Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera at arm's length for a selfie. Keep the camera lens at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens to avoid facial distortion.

Preparing Your Background and Lighting

Stand in front of a plain, light-colored wall when you take your picture. Dark or patterned backgrounds are not acceptable for official identification documents. Turn off your camera flash to stop red-eye and heavy shadows behind your head. Position yourself slightly away from the wall to cast any shadows downward and out of the frame.

Printing and Cutting Your Photos

If your application requires a printed photo, use high-quality matte or glossy photo paper. Print the image at one hundred percent scale so the dimensions match the correct size. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a paper trimmer to cut along the clean outer edges without leaving jagged borders.

Final Checks Before You Apply

Check your picture carefully before you submit your application to the government offices. Make sure your face is centered and you look straight into the camera lens with a neutral expression and closed mouth.

Check the relevant authority’s instructions for rules on head coverings and glasses. Use the tool above to crop your photo to the dimensions listed for your application.