Kenya Visa Photo Requirements - Size and Other Specifications

Kenya Visa Photo Requirements refer to the specific guidelines and standards that applicants must adhere to when submitting photographs as part of their visa application process.

When applying for a Kenyan visa, photo requirements are one of the most critical details every traveler must understand.

Note: You must meet these requirements to avoid delays or even rejections.

Below, you’ll find all you need to know about ensuring your visa photo meets Kenyan standards.

Table of Contents

Size Specifications for Kenya Visa Photos

The size of the photo plays a crucial role in your application. For a Kenyan visa:

The photo should be 5.5cm * 5.5cm (207px * 207px).
Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo.

NOTE: Incorrect photo sizes can result in your application being denied.

Background and Lighting Requirements

The background and lighting of your photo are equally important. Here’s what you need to ensure:

The background must be plain white.
Avoid shadows on your face or in the background.
Use natural or studio lighting to avoid harsh contrasts.

NOTE: A cluttered or colored background will disqualify your photo.

Facial Expression and Pose Guidelines

Your facial expression and pose should meet these standards:

Neutral expression with your mouth closed.
Eyes must be open and visible.
Your face should be directly facing the camera.

NOTE: Smiling or tilting your head can result in your visa photo being rejected.

Clothing and Accessories Restrictions

There are specific restrictions on clothing and accessories:

Wear everyday clothing. Uniforms are not allowed, except for religious attire.
No headwear is permitted unless worn for religious reasons. Even then, your face must be fully visible.
Glasses are not recommended due to potential reflection issues.

NOTE: Ensure no accessories cover any part of your face.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to increase the chances of your visa photo being accepted:

Wearing a hat or sunglasses.
Using a photo with a patterned background.
Submitting a photo with poor quality (blurry or pixelated).

NOTE: Following these guidelines helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Digital Photo Requirements for eVisa Applications

If you’re applying for a Kenyan eVisa, your digital photo must meet certain specifications:

Size: 207×207 pixels.
The format should be JPEG.
File size should not exceed 300KB.
Color photograph with white background
Close-up of head and shoulders (face 70-80% of photo)
Sharp focus, clean, and high quality (no ink marks or creases)
Directly facing the camera
Natural skin tone, appropriate brightness, and contrast
Recent (within the last 6 months)
No headgear (except for religious reasons)
Main facial features visible (chin, nose, eyes, eyebrows, and forehead shape)
Hair tucked behind ears
No staple marks
No scanned or color photocopies

NOTE: An improper digital photo format can prevent the processing of your application.

Steps to Ensure Your Photo Meets Requirements

Here’s how you can ensure your photo meets all the necessary criteria:

Visit a professional photo service like Reload Internet, which has the equipment to meet Kenyan visa standards.
Use an online service to upload your photo and have it resized and formatted correctly.
Double-check guidelines on official websites like immigration.ecitizen.go.ke.

NOTE: Taking these steps ensures your photo adheres to all requirements.

FAQ Section

How can I take a compliant Kenyan visa photo?

Visit a professional photo service like Reload Internet in Paddington, London, or use an online service to ensure compliance with Kenyan visa photo requirements.

Can I wear glasses in my Kenyan visa photo?

No, it’s recommended to avoid glasses to prevent reflection issues. Your eyes must be visible.

What should the background of my photo look like?

The background should be plain white with no shadows or patterns. Using natural or studio lighting helps achieve this.

How do I submit my digital photo for a Kenyan eVisa?

Ensure your photo is 207×207 pixels or 500×500 pixels in JPEG format and does not exceed 300KB. Upload it on the Kenya eVisa application portal.