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Nigeria passport photo size & requirements

Nigerian e-passport photos are 35 x 45 mm with a plain white background and the head filling 70–80% of the frame.

Nigeria issues its biometric e-passport through the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) under the Ministry of Interior. The Nigerian e-passport, introduced in 2007 and upgraded to a PACE (Polycarbonate Advanced Contactless E-passport) in 2021, uses the standard ICAO biometric photo format — 35 x 45 mm with a plain white background and the head filling 70–80% of the frame. Applications are processed at State Passport Offices (SPOs) and NIS Area Command offices across all 36 states and the FCT.

A key practical aspect of Nigerian passport applications: the NIS captures biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) directly at the passport office during the enrollment appointment — applicants do not bring their own photo for the primary biometric capture. However, photos are still required for certain supporting processes: the NIS guarantor form, some supporting document submissions, and applications made through Nigerian embassies and high commissions abroad. In those cases, the plain white background and 35 x 45 mm specification applies. Nigeria also issues the ECOWAS Travel Certificate, which uses the same photo format.

Photo size
35 x 45 mm
Resolution
300 DPI
Head height
Head fills approximately 70–80% of the photo height
Background
Plain white
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Nigeria passport photo requirements

  • Photo must be 35 x 45 mm for the Nigerian e-passport.
  • Plain white background with no patterns or other people in frame.
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed, looking straight at the camera.
  • Both ears and the full face should be clearly visible where possible.
  • No head coverings except for religious reasons, and the face must stay fully visible.
  • Even lighting that captures true skin tone with no harsh shadows.

Common reasons Nigeria passport photos get rejected

Even a technically correct photo can be turned away for these issues. They come up repeatedly in official rejection notices.

  • Background not plain white — shadow on the background, especially from shooting close to a wall, is the most cited photo issue at Nigerian embassies abroad.
  • Photo that does not show both ears — Nigerian immigration guidance specifies that both ears should be visible and clear where possible, a standard that is stricter than some countries.
  • Heavy make-up or face alterations that significantly change the applicant's appearance from their biometric record.
  • Sunglasses or non-prescription tinted glasses in the photo.
  • Head coverings that obscure any part of the face — for religious head coverings, the full face from chin to forehead must remain clearly visible.
  • Photo taken with harsh flash creating hot spots or uneven skin tone across the face.

Make your Nigeria passport photo

Use our free passport size photo maker — select Nigeria from the country list and it will automatically apply the correct size (35 x 45 mm) and background settings for you.

Crop, remove background, and download a compliant Nigeria passport photo — free, no signup, no watermark.

Open Passport Size Photo Maker

Select Nigeria in the tool to get the exact 35 x 45 mm preset.

Other countries

United States flag United States 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) Albania flag Albania 35 x 45 mm Australia flag Australia 35 x 45 mm Brazil flag Brazil 3 x 4 cm (30 x 40 mm); US visa applications use 2 x 2 in Canada flag Canada 50 x 70 mm China flag China 33 x 48 mm France flag France 35 x 45 mm Germany flag Germany 35 x 45 mm Iceland flag Iceland 35 x 45 mm India flag India 35 x 45 mm (Indian visa & many applications use 51 x 51 mm / 2 x 2 in) Ireland flag Ireland 35 x 45 mm Italy flag Italy 35 x 45 mm Japan flag Japan 35 x 45 mm Luxembourg flag Luxembourg 35 x 45 mm Malaysia flag Malaysia 35 x 50 mm Netherlands flag Netherlands 35 x 45 mm New Zealand flag New Zealand 35 x 45 mm Norway flag Norway 35 x 45 mm Pakistan flag Pakistan 35 x 45 mm Philippines flag Philippines 35 x 45 mm (Philippine visa applications often use 2 x 2 in) Russia flag Russia 35 x 45 mm Saudi Arabia flag Saudi Arabia 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) Schengen / EU flag Schengen / EU 35 x 45 mm Singapore flag Singapore 35 x 45 mm South Africa flag South Africa 35 x 45 mm South Korea flag South Korea 35 x 45 mm Spain flag Spain 32 x 26 mm (Spanish ID/passport); EU visas use 35 x 45 mm Switzerland flag Switzerland 35 x 45 mm Thailand flag Thailand 35 x 45 mm Turkey flag Turkey 50 x 60 mm United Arab Emirates flag United Arab Emirates 43 x 55 mm United Kingdom flag United Kingdom 35 x 45 mm Vietnam flag Vietnam 4 x 6 cm (40 x 60 mm)