How it works

Digital Nigeria Passport Photo Requirements

For a photograph uploaded to the Nigeria Immigration Service passport portal, prepare an image with the following specifications:

• Image dimensions: 600 × 800 pixels
• Maximum file size: less than 2 MB
• Background: plain white
• Lighting: even and natural, without an overexposed or very dark face
• Face position: centred and facing directly toward the camera
• Hair: must not cover the face or ears
• Accessories: no headphones, masks, or other items that hide the face
• Image quality: sharp, clear and free from blur

Upload the original, high-quality image whenever possible. Sending a photograph through messaging applications may compress the file and reduce its quality.

Printed Nigeria Passport Photo Size

A commonly requested printed Nigeria passport-photo size is 35 × 45 mm. Printed requirements may depend on the application type and the Nigerian passport office, embassy or consulate handling the application.

Clothing, Glasses and Head Coverings

Wear normal everyday clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid white tops that may disappear into the background and avoid uniforms or clothing that resembles an official uniform.

Remove sunglasses, tinted lenses and glasses that create reflections or cover the eyes. Removing ordinary eyeglasses is the safest option when taking the photograph.

Religious or medically necessary head coverings may be acceptable when the entire face remains visible. The covering must not cast shadows across the eyes, cheeks or chin.

Nigeria Passport Photos for Babies and Children

The Nigeria Immigration Service allows some relaxation of ICAO positioning rules for children under five. However, the child should still look toward the camera and the face should be centred.

For the best result:

• Use a plain white sheet or background.
• Make sure no parent, hand, toy or support object appears in the photograph.
• Keep the child’s face fully visible.
• Avoid shadows around the head.
• Submit a sharp photograph with the child’s eyes visible whenever possible.

Take several photographs and choose the clearest image before uploading it to the photo maker.

Common Reasons a Nigeria Passport Photo May Be Rejected

A passport photograph may fail the online compliance check or be rejected during processing when:

• The image has the wrong pixel dimensions.
• The file is larger than the permitted upload size.
• The photograph is blurred or pixelated.
• The face is too dark or overexposed.
• Hair covers the face or ears.
• The head is tilted or turned.
• The photograph contains a mask, headphones or another facial obstruction.
• The image has been heavily retouched or filtered.
• Too much of the body is visible or the face is cropped too closely.

How the Nigeria Passport Photo Maker Works

1. Upload a clear photograph taken with a smartphone or digital camera.
2. The tool detects the face and prepares the correct crop.
3. The background is changed to white.
4. The image is resized for the selected Nigeria passport-photo format.
5. Download the digital image or prepare a printable photo sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the digital Nigeria passport photo size?

The Nigeria Immigration Service photo-compliance page currently specifies an image resolution of 600 × 800 pixels and a file size below 2 MB.

Is a Nigeria passport photo 35 × 45 mm?

35 × 45 mm is commonly used for printed Nigerian passport photographs. Confirm the required print dimensions and number of copies with your processing centre, embassy or consulate.

What background is required?

Use a plain, evenly lit white background without patterns, objects or visible shadows.

Can I wear glasses?

Removing glasses is recommended. Sunglasses and tinted lenses should not be worn. Glasses must never obscure the eyes or create reflections.

Can I smile in a Nigerian passport photo?

Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. This is safer for biometric and ICAO-compliant photographs than a broad smile.

Can I use a selfie?

Ask another person to take the photograph or use a tripod with the camera positioned at eye level. Handheld selfies commonly create perspective distortion and uneven facial proportions.

Can the background be removed online?

Yes. The background can be replaced with white, but the original photograph must still have clear facial details, good lighting and no hair or objects covering the face.

Why will my photo not upload to the NIS portal?

Check that the image is 600 × 800 pixels, below 2 MB and saved in a commonly supported image format. Also check that the filename does not contain unusual symbols and try uploading from a desktop browser when mobile upload fails.

Source: https://passport.immigration.gov.ng/image-compliance