Suggested Read: How to Book Kenya Visa Appointment
Kenya Visa Photo Format Requirements
| Visa Type | Photo Form | Quantity | Format | File Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Electronic | 1 | JPEG / JPG | Minimum 50KB, Maximum 300KB |
| Tourist | Printed on high-quality paper | 2 | N/A | N/A |
Kenya Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Adhering to the Kenya visa passport photo size specifications set by the Kenyan embassy is essential for a smooth visa application process.
- Size: 35mm x 45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm or 1.4 inches x 1.8 inches); 413 x 531 pixels.
- Age: Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
- Color: Must be colored with a plain white background.
- Background: Should be plain white, free of patterns, objects, or shadows, with only the applicant visible.
- Lighting: Use even lighting to prevent shadows or reflections; avoid filters or blurring.
- Photo Quality: Use high-quality paper, and keep the photo free of creases, marks, or damage. Avoid airbrushing, filters, or alterations.
Facial Appearance & Size of the Photo
When taking your Kenya tourist visa photo, ensure your face occupies 70-80% of the total image area. Here’s how to calculate it:
- The face height should be between 28mm to 35mm from the chin to the crown of the head (excluding hair).
- Your face should be easily recognizable and centered within the frame.
Face Orientation – Head Positioning and Alignment
- Hold your head straight, without tilting to the side, up, or down.
- The photo orientation must be portrait style.
- Your face should be clearly visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Both sides of your face should be equally visible.
- Off-center or tilted face alignment may result in visa rejection.
Facial Expression
Maintain a neutral facial expression in your official Kenya visa photo. Follow these key guidelines:
- Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
- Your eyes should be fully open, looking directly at the camera.
- Avoid smiling, frowning, or squinting, as these do not meet the required standards.
Suggested Read: Kenya Visa Rejection for Indian
Kenya Visa Photo Attire & Accessories
Attire and accessories play a crucial role in meeting the Kenya visa photo specifications for Indians . Here are the key guidelines:
Attire
- Wear clothes that contrast with the white background, such as dark or bright colors.
- Choose neat, everyday attire that represents your usual appearance.
- Avoid overly formal or casual clothes.
- Ties and bow ties are optional but should not distract from your face.
- Do not wear uniforms in your visa photo.
Accessories
The Kenya visa photo guidelines allow limited accessories. Certain accessories can alter facial features, causing issues with biometric recognition and potentially leading to visa rejection. Here are the rules:
Glasses/Spectacles
- Avoid wearing glasses for your visa photo.
- If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure the lenses are clear and non-reflective.
- Tinted or sunglasses are not permitted as they obscure the eyes.
Health Accessories
- Hearing aids are allowed in your Kenya tourist visa photo, provided they do not interfere with facial recognition.
Jewelry
- Minimal jewelry is generally allowed in Kenya visa photos.
- Ensure your jewelry does not obscure your face or cast shadows.
- Avoid large, dangling earrings or excessive facial jewelry that may cause distractions.
Headwear
- Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious reasons.
- Religious headwear, such as turbans or hijabs, is allowed, provided your full face remains visible per facial recognition rules.
Is Makeup Permitted in Photos for Kenya Visa Applications?
You can wear makeup in your Kenya visa photo as long as it does not significantly alter your natural appearance or obscure your facial features, in accordance with the Kenya visa photo requirements for Indian citizens. Avoid excessive makeup, false eyelashes, wigs, or unnatural hair colors that drastically change your usual look. Additionally, do not use products that create unnatural shadows on your face.
Suggested Read: How to Check Kenya Visa Status in India
Kenya Visa Photo Requirements for Children
Kenya visa requirements for children have slightly more lenient rules compared to adult visa photographs.
Requirements for Newborns/Babies Under One Year of Age
The Kenya visa photo guidelines offer some flexibility for baby photographs:
- A baby’s eyes should preferably be open, but this is not mandatory.
- Babies can be photographed sitting in a chair or lying on a plain white surface.
- The background should be plain white without any visible support.
- The head position does not need to be perfectly aligned for babies and young children.
Requirements for Children Under 10 Years of Age
The guidelines for Kenya visa photos for children under 10 years are slightly different:
- Parents may hold older children, but the focus should remain on the child’s face, ensuring any support does not detract from the image clarity.
- For babies under 5 years old, a small smile or relaxed facial expression is acceptable.
Suggested Read: Kenya Visa Extension for Indian
Reasons for Kenya Visa Photo Rejections
To obtain a visa for Kenya, closely follow the photo guidelines. Common reasons for Kenya visa photo rejections include:
- Photos not meeting specified dimensions.
- Backgrounds that are off-white, cream, or any color other than plain white.
- Backgrounds with shadows, objects, or patterns.
- Uneven lighting, glare, reflections, or red-eye effects.
- Tilted or turned heads, or faces obstructed by accessories.
- Printed photos with creases, tears, stains, or damage.
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FAQs
1. What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens traveling to Kenya?
For Kenya, the standard tourist passport size photo for Indian citizens is 35mm x 45mm or 1.4 inches x 1.8 inches. The face should occupy 70-80% of the photo, with the face height between 28mm to 35mm from chin to crown.
2. Can I use a photo with a coloured background for my Kenya visa application?
No, photos with a colored background are not acceptable. The background must be plain white, without any patterns, objects, or shadows.
3. Are glasses allowed in visa photos?
Glasses are generally not allowed unless necessary for medical reasons. If you must wear them, ensure your eyes are fully visible and there are no reflections on the lenses.
4. What facial expression should I have in my visa photo?
You should maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera. Smiling or frowning is not permitted.
5. What should I do if my visa photo is rejected?
If your visa photo is rejected, review the rejection notice to understand the specific issues. Retake the photo according to the guidelines and submit it with your visa application.
6. Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos?
Yes, infant visa photos have relaxed rules. Babies should ideally have their eyes open, and they can be photographed lying on a plain white surface. The background must remain plain white without any distractions.
7. Can I wear traditional Indian attire in my Kenya visa photo?
Yes, you can wear traditional Indian attire in your Kenya visa photo , provided it represents your everyday appearance. Ensure the attire contrasts with the plain white background and does not obscure your facial features. Avoid wearing uniforms or clothing with elaborate patterns or designs.
8. Are there any specific requirements for the photo if I wear a turban or hijab?
You may wear a turban or hijab for your Kenya visa photo, but your full face must be visible from chin to forehead. Ensure the head covering does not cast shadows, and your facial features are clearly recognizable.
9. What should I do if I have a medical condition that prevents me from meeting certain photo requirements?
If a medical condition prevents you from meeting certain photo requirements, such as keeping your eyes open or maintaining a neutral expression, obtain a signed letter from a licensed medical professional explaining your condition. Include this letter with your visa application and photo.
10. Can I wear a hat or cap in my Kenya visa photo?
No, you cannot wear a hat or cap in your Kenya visa photo unless it is worn for religious reasons. If you wear a hat or cap for religious purposes, ensure it does not cast shadows on your face or obscure your facial features in accordance with the Kenya visa photo requirements for Indian citizens.
