Kenya photo requirements

Kenya photo requirements are set by Directorate of Immigration Services (immigration.go.ke) via eCitizen. We publish 3 documents: 1 passport, 1 visa and 1 residence permit. The most common print size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 in x 1.77 in); 1 document accepts a digital upload. Each page quotes the official rule for size, head height, background and file, links the source we read, and shows the date we last checked it (most recently 2026-10-09).

Passports

Kenyan Passport Photo (ePassport; photo captured at the Passport Processing Centre)For the Kenyan ePassport issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services to citizens who apply and pay on eCitizen and then attend a Passport Processing Centre (Nairobi Nyayo House, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Embu, Kisii, Kericho, Bungoma) where the photo and biometrics are captured. Not for the eTA (see ke/eta), the Alien Card (ke/alien-card) or the Maisha national ID.35 x 45 mmnot statedverified 2026-10-09

Visas

Kenya eTA Photo (Electronic Travel Authorisation, selfie or passport-type photo upload)For the photo uploaded with a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation application on etakenya.go.ke or the 'Kenya Travel Authorisation' app by visitors whose nationality requires one (the portal's Eligibility page lists the exempt countries). Not for a Kenyan passport, work permit or the Alien Card.413 x 531 pxnot stated by the eTA siteverified 2026-10-09

Residence permits

Kenya Alien Card Photo (Foreign Nationals Certificate, two white-background prints)For the two printed photographs attached to an application for the Kenyan Foreign Nationals Certificate (Alien Card) that every foreigner residing in Kenya for more than 90 days must obtain, filed online on fns.immigration.go.ke (form 50) and submitted at an appointment where facial features and fingerprints are also captured. Not for a Kenyan passport, the eTA or a work permit.35 x 45 mmTwo colored current passport photographsverified 2026-10-09

Authorities and portals

Passport authority: Directorate of Immigration Services (immigration.go.ke) via eCitizen
Sources we read: Directorate of Immigration Services, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services (Kenya), 'Passports' page and FAQs, with ICAO Doc 9303; Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya), Electronic Travel Authorisation portal etakenya.go.ke, FAQs and 'How to apply', with ICAO Doc 9303; Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya), 'Issuance of Foreign Nationals Certificate (Alien Card)' page, with ICAO Doc 9303

We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.