🇷🇼 Rwanda passport and ID photos

Covered Rwanda Documents and Common Sizes

When you apply for official papers in Rwanda, you need to match specific photo standards. This page covers several documents, including the Rwandan passport photo (35×45 mm), the Rwandan child passport photo (35×45 mm), and the Rwandan national ID photo (35×45 mm).

You also need correct images for the Rwandan driving licence photo (35×45 mm), the Rwanda foreigner ID card photo (35×45 mm), and the Rwanda visitor visa photo (35×45 mm). Additional documents like the Rwanda work permit photo (35×45 mm), Rwanda student permit photo (35×45 mm), Rwanda citizenship application photo (35×45 mm), and Rwanda CEPGL travel document photo (35×45 mm) share this standard size.

The supplied information lists 35×45 mm as a common size for these documents. It does not list head-height measurements. Check each agency’s instructions for the required size and framing.

Digital and Printed Submission Rules

Different Rwandan applications require different submission methods. For an ordinary e-passport, you submit your photo digitally to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration^[1].

National ID photos are submitted digitally through IremboGov^[2]. The verified information lists both printed and digital submission for driving licence photos^[3].

Other documents require physical prints. For instance, the foreigner ID card, citizenship applications, and CEPGL travel documents require printed photos submitted to immigration services^[4][5][6]. Knowing whether your application needs an online upload or a physical print saves you time before you visit any office or submit your forms online.

Tips for Taking Your Photo at Home

You do not need a professional studio to get a good picture. Stand facing a bright window to get even lighting on your face without harsh shadows.

Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of taking a selfie. Keep the camera at your eye level, roughly one to one and a half meters away from your face.

Stand in front of a plain white or light-colored wall so there are no distracting patterns or objects in the background. Make sure your shoulders and head are fully inside the frame.

You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the correct dimensions before printing or uploading. Check that the final image is clear and sharp before you send it to any authority.

Passports and National Identity Cards

The supplied information lists digital submission for an ordinary e-passport photo^[1]. Check the application instructions for image requirements.

The supplied information lists digital submission for national ID photos through IremboGov^[2]. Check the application instructions for image requirements.

The listed size for a Rwandan child passport photo is 35×45 mm, and the photo is submitted in printed form. Parents should follow the same lighting and framing rules when taking pictures of infants or young children for official papers.

Visas, Work Permits, and Study Papers

Visitor visas applied for through IremboGov require digital photo uploads^[7]. Work permits and study permits processed by immigration also require clear digital images^[8][9].

Make sure your photo matches your current appearance when applying for student or employment papers. You can use the tool above to prepare these files correctly.

Foreigner ID cards require printed photo submissions according to immigration guidelines^[4]. Keep your physical prints clean and unbent if you need to hand them in at a local office.

Avoiding Common Application Mistakes

Applications often get rejected because of poor lighting or shadows on the face. Check that your expression is neutral and your mouth is closed.

Remove tinted glasses and head coverings worn for non-religious reasons. Keep your hair away from your eyes so authorities can verify your identity without delay.

Avoid using heavy filters or editing tools that change your natural skin tone or facial structure. The reviewing officer must recognize you instantly from the picture you provide.