Ghana Passport Photo Requirements from the US
Renewing a Ghanaian passport from the US? The photo format is different from the US standard — here is everything you need.
Ghana passport photos are 35×45mm — not 2×2 inches.
The US passport format (2×2 inch / 51×51mm square) is a different size and shape. A 2×2 photo will be rejected at the Ghana Embassy or on the GIS portal. You need a portrait-format 35×45mm photo.
Full Photo Requirements — Ghana Passport
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm (width × height) |
| Color | Color — not black and white |
| Background | Plain white — no shadows, gradients, or patterns |
| View | Frontal — face centered, head straight |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open, both visible |
| Ears | Both ears must be visible |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head covering | Not permitted (except for documented religious reasons) |
| Head size | Face occupies 70–80% of the frame |
| Paper | Matte or semi-matte photo paper for printed copies |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
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How to Renew a Ghana Passport from the US
Prepare your passport photo before starting the application. For the online GIS portal, you'll need a digital JPEG. For the embassy appointment, bring at least 2 printed 35×45mm photos. Most US pharmacy photo centers can produce 35×45mm on request — ask for 'international passport photo' or specify the exact millimeter size.
Visit gis.gov.gh and create an account or log in. Select 'Passport Application' and follow the online form. You'll upload your digital photo as part of this step. The portal will ask for your personal information, current passport details, and US address. Save your application reference number after submission.
After submitting online, you must visit the Ghana Embassy (Washington D.C.) or Consulate General (New York) for biometric enrollment — fingerprints and an in-person photo. Book your appointment through the embassy's online scheduling system. Wait times vary — Washington D.C. and New York appointments can book out 4–8 weeks during peak periods.
Bring: your online application confirmation, current or expired Ghana passport (original), 2 printed 35×45mm passport photos, proof of US residence, and payment (approximately $100–$150 USD, payable by money order or credit/debit card). The biometric enrollment takes 15–30 minutes.
After your appointment, your new passport is processed in Ghana and mailed back to the embassy, which then mails it to you. Total time: typically 3–8 weeks after your biometric appointment. Track your application on the GIS portal using your reference number.
Ghana Embassy and Consulate Locations in the US
Note
Most Common Photo Rejection Reasons
The most common mistake from US-based Ghanaians. Always specify 35×45mm when ordering photos.
Ghana passport requirements specifically require both ears visible. Hair should be pulled back if it covers the ears.
Lighting must be even and flat. Flash photography often creates a shadow behind the head on an otherwise white background.
Even a slight change in appearance can cause staff to flag an older photo. Use a recent photo.
No glasses of any type are permitted — including thin or frameless prescription glasses.
Tip
Ghana Passport Photo FAQ
What size is a Ghana passport photo?
Ghana passport photos must be 35×45mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). This is the standard international format used by most African and European countries — not the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format. If you submit a 2×2 inch photo to the Ghana Embassy or Ghana Immigration Service, your application will be rejected. Ask your photo center specifically for a 35×45mm or 'international passport photo' size.
What are the full requirements for a Ghana passport photo?
Ghana passport photo requirements: 35×45mm size, color (not black and white), plain white background with no shadows or patterns, frontal view with face centered and head straight, neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, both ears visible, no glasses, no head coverings (except for religious reasons), head must occupy 70–80% of the frame, recent photo taken within the last 6 months, printed on matte or semi-matte photo paper.
Can I renew my Ghana passport from the US?
Yes. Ghanaian nationals living in the US can renew their passport through the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) online portal at gis.gov.gh, or by visiting the Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C. or the Consulate General in New York. The online process allows you to submit your application and digital photo digitally; you then visit the embassy or consulate for biometric enrollment (fingerprints and in-person photo). Processing typically takes 3–8 weeks.
Where is the Ghana Embassy or Consulate in the US?
The main Ghana Embassy is in Washington D.C. (3512 International Drive NW, Washington D.C. 20008). The Consulate General is in New York City (19 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017). Honorary consulates operate in Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. For most passport services, you'll need to visit Washington D.C. or New York — honorary consulates have limited consular services.
Can I use a US 2×2 photo for a Ghana passport?
No. The US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format is larger than and a different shape from the Ghana 35×45mm (portrait) format. A 2×2 square photo will be rejected. You must specifically request a 35×45mm photo. Most US pharmacy photo centers (CVS, Walgreens) can produce this size on request — ask for 'international passport photo size' or specify '35 by 45 millimeters.'
Do I need a digital or printed photo for a Ghana passport?
For the online GIS portal: a digital photo (JPEG) is uploaded as part of the application. For in-person embassy appointments: a physical printed 35×45mm photo is typically required. For the biometric enrollment visit: the embassy takes its own photo, but bringing a printed photo is advised as backup. Check the current Ghana Embassy requirements at ghanaembassy.org before your appointment as requirements may have been updated.
How long does it take to renew a Ghana passport from the US?
Ghana passport renewal processing times from the US vary between 3–8 weeks depending on demand and the current processing schedule. Applicants who submit through the GIS online portal and then complete biometric enrollment at the embassy typically receive their passport faster than those who apply entirely in person. Check the Ghana Embassy Washington D.C. website for current wait time estimates before applying.
What documents do I need to renew a Ghana passport from the US?
Documents required for Ghana passport renewal from the US: your current or expired Ghanaian passport (original), completed passport application form (from gis.gov.gh), 35×45mm passport photos, proof of US residence (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement), and the passport fee (approximately $100–$150 USD — check the Ghana Embassy website for current rates). First-time applicants also need a birth certificate and additional documentation.