Nigerian Passport Photo Requirements
Applying from the US? Nigerian passports use a different photo size than US passports — here is exactly what you need.
Nigerian passport photos are 35×45mm — not the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format. These are different sizes. Do not submit a US-format square photo for a Nigerian passport application — it will be rejected.
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Upload any selfie or photo. We resize to 35×45mm, fix the background to white, and export a compliant JPEG — no studio, no $16 pharmacy fee.
Nigerian Passport Photo Specifications
Requirements set by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for passport applications and renewals.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35×45mm |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 413×531 px |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open, looking at camera |
| Head position | Centered, 70–80% frame |
| Glasses | Not recommended |
| Head coverings | Religious reasons only |
| Photo age | Within 6 months |
| Print quality | Photo paper |
US Passport Photo vs. Nigerian Passport Photo
These are two different formats. If you hold dual citizenship or are renewing your Nigerian passport while living in the US, you need different photos for each country.
| Detail | 🇺🇸 US Passport | 🇳🇬 Nigerian Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | 35×45mm |
| Shape | Square | Rectangular (portrait) |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600×600 px | 413×531 px |
| Background | White or off-white | Plain white |
| Head height | 50–70% of frame | 70–80% of frame |
| Glasses allowed | No | Clear lenses only (no tint) |
| Interchangeable? | ❌ No | ❌ No |
How to Get a Nigerian Passport Photo in the United States
Stand in front of a plain white wall. Use a smartphone in portrait mode. Face a window or use two lamps at face height. No glasses, neutral expression, mouth closed.
Upload your photo. Select the 35×45mm preset (UK/EU format — same as Nigerian passport). The tool crops, resizes, and corrects the background automatically.
Download as JPEG. Print as a standard 4×6 photo at any pharmacy kiosk (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart). Cost: ~$0.35. Your 35×45mm photo will fit on the 4×6 sheet — ask for two copies and cut them out.
Nigerian consulates in the US typically require 2–4 printed photos with your application. Check your nearest consulate's specific instructions — Houston, New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles consulates may have slightly different submission requirements.
Note
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Nigerian Passport Photo FAQ
What size is a Nigerian passport photo?
Nigerian passport photos must be 35×45mm (width × height) — approximately 1.38×1.77 inches. This is the same format used for UK, European, and most African passports. It is a rectangular portrait format, NOT the square 2×2 inch US format. At 300 DPI, this equals 413×531 pixels.
Can I use a US passport photo for a Nigerian passport?
No. US passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — square. Nigerian passport photos must be 35×45mm — rectangular. These are different sizes and one cannot substitute for the other. If you submit a US-format square photo for a Nigerian passport application, it will be rejected.
What background color is required for a Nigerian passport photo?
Nigerian passport photos require a plain white background. No patterns, shadows, or colored surfaces. The background must be uniformly white with no shadows cast by the subject. This rule applies both at Nigerian consulates abroad and for online renewal applications.
Can I wear hijab in a Nigerian passport photo?
Yes. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) permits head coverings for religious reasons, provided the full face is visible from forehead to chin and from ear to ear. Tinted glasses, however, are not permitted — clear prescription lenses are acceptable if they do not cause glare or reflections.
How recent must a Nigerian passport photo be?
Nigerian passport photos must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately represent your current appearance. Photos older than 6 months, or that show a noticeably different appearance (significant weight change, different hair, etc.), may be rejected by the consulate officer.
Where can I get a Nigerian passport photo in the United States?
Most US pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart) offer passport photos, but they default to the US 2×2 inch format. You must specifically request 35×45mm — not all locations offer this. The easiest method is to create your own: use our free tool to crop and format your photo to 35×45mm, download as JPEG, and print at any pharmacy kiosk on a 4×6 sheet. Total cost: ~$0.35.
Do Nigerian passport photos need to be printed or can I submit digital?
It depends on your application method. For in-person applications at a Nigerian consulate or embassy in the US, you typically submit 2–4 physical prints on photo paper. For the NIN (National Identity Number) e-passport renewal system, a digital JPEG upload is required. Check your specific consulate's current instructions — requirements can vary.
What are the full Nigerian passport photo requirements?
Full requirements: 35×45mm dimensions, plain white background, neutral expression (mouth closed, no smiling), both eyes open and clearly visible, face centered with 70–80% frame coverage, no glasses (tinted) or large head coverings that obscure the face, taken within 6 months. The photo must be printed on photo-quality paper for physical submissions.