Nigerian Passport Photo Requirements — Complete Guide 2026

Country guide · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · Last verified: February 2026

Nigerian passport and visa photos use the standard 35×45 mm format with a plain white background. The NIS (Nigerian Immigration Service) has biometric passport requirements aligned with ICAO standards. This guide covers printed photo specs, the NIS digital portal requirements, and what Nigerians in the diaspora need to know.

Quick facts


Size	35×45 mm
Background	Plain white
Head height	31–36 mm (chin to crown)
Face coverage	70–80% of photo
Photos required	2 printed (new passport); 1 for renewal
Recency	Within 6 months
Glasses	Not recommended (prescription allowed with conditions)
Digital portal	350×450 pixels, JPEG
Source	immigration.gov.ng

Photo specifications

Size and dimensions

Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall
Head height: 31–36 mm from chin to crown
Face coverage: 70–80% of the photo area
Shoulders visible in the lower portion of the frame

Background

Plain white. Uniform, no shadows, no patterns or textures. The background must be clearly white — not off-white or light grey. Good contrast between face and background — avoid white clothing.

Expression and appearance

Expression: neutral, mouth closed. No smiling or showing teeth.
Eyes: both open, looking directly at camera. No red-eye.
Head position: straight, facing camera directly. No tilting or turning.
Glasses: prescription glasses are technically allowed if frames do not cover eyes and there is no glare. However, NIS recommends removing glasses to avoid any risk of rejection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are always prohibited.
Head coverings: not permitted except for religious or medical reasons with supporting documentation. Full face must be visible.
Clothing: everyday attire. No uniforms. Avoid white clothing — it blends into the white background. Dark solid colours recommended.
Makeup: allowed but must be natural. Excessive makeup changing skin tone or facial contours will cause rejection.

Quality

Full colour only — no black and white
Sharp, in focus, no blur or pixelation
Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
Professional photo paper recommended
No digital retouching or alterations

NIS digital portal requirements

For online Nigerian passport applications at passport.immigration.gov.ng:

Format: JPEG
Dimensions: 350×450 pixels (matching 35×45 mm proportions)
Background: plain white
Same face and expression requirements apply

The NIS digital portal has an automated photo compliance check. Photos that don't meet the pixel dimensions or face positioning requirements are rejected during upload.

New passport vs renewal — photo requirements differ

New passport (first-time or lost passport):

2 printed photos required
Guarantor form signed by Nigerian citizen with valid passport
One photo signed/endorsed by guarantor on the back

Passport renewal:

1 printed photo (some offices may request 2 — confirm with your processing office)
Digital upload also required for biometric capture

For Nigerians in the diaspora

Nigerians living abroad apply for passport renewal at Nigerian High Commissions and Consulates. The same 35×45 mm white background specifications apply.

Nigerian missions in the US:

Embassy in Washington DC
Consulate General in New York (serves: Northeast US)
Consulate General in Atlanta (serves: Southeast US, Midwest)
Consulate General in Houston (serves: South and Southwest US)

Passport processing times at Nigerian missions abroad are typically 6–12 weeks. Apply well in advance of travel. Some offices use third-party appointment and processing services.

Important for US-based Nigerians: Since Nigerian consulate photos use 35×45 mm (not the US 2×2 inch / 51×51 mm format), you cannot simply use a standard US pharmacy passport photo. Specify 35×45 mm at the photo lab, or use PixID ($4.99) to generate the correctly sized file and print at any lab.

Child and baby passport photos

Same 35×45 mm size applies to all ages.

Child must be the only person in the photo — no hands, toys, or other people visible
Infants: place on a plain white sheet and photograph from above
NIS requires: *"babies' eyes must be open"* — however, very young infants have some flexibility. Ensure as much of the face as possible is clearly visible.
Same white background and quality requirements apply

NIN (National Identity Number) photo

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) NIN card uses the same 35×45 mm format with white background. Photos are taken digitally at NIMC enrolment centres in Nigeria. For Nigerians abroad, NIMC has begun limited enrolment at some missions.

Common rejection reasons

Background not plain white — shadows or off-white tint
Glasses causing glare or covering eyes — remove glasses to be safe
Non-neutral expression — smiling or open mouth
Head size outside 31–36 mm range
White or light clothing blending into background
Digital portal: wrong pixel dimensions — must be 350×450 px
Excessive makeup changing facial appearance
Photo older than 6 months
Missing guarantor endorsement on new applications

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Nigerian passport photo?

35 mm wide × 45 mm tall. Head height 31–36 mm from chin to crown. Same format as most European and African countries.

What background colour for a Nigerian passport photo?

Plain white. Uniform, shadow-free. Avoid wearing white clothing.

Can I wear glasses in a Nigerian passport photo?

Prescription glasses are technically allowed if frames don't cover eyes and there is no glare. However, the NIS recommends removing glasses to avoid rejection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are always prohibited.

How many photos do I need for a Nigerian passport?

Two printed photos for new passport applications (one endorsed by a guarantor). One photo for renewal (confirm with your specific processing office).

What are the digital photo requirements for the NIS portal?

JPEG format, 350×450 pixels, plain white background.

Is the Nigerian passport photo the same size as the US passport photo?

No. Nigeria uses 35×45 mm. The US uses 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). Always specify 35×45 mm when getting photos in the US.

How long does Nigerian passport renewal take abroad?

Typically 6–12 weeks at Nigerian missions abroad. Processing times vary significantly by mission and application volume.