PhotoIDSTUDIO
KEKenya

Kenya Visa Photo Size

Kenyan photo follows ICAO standards. White background required.

Real application output51 × 51 mm

Real 51×51 mm (2×2 inch) Biometric Photo Example for Kenya

Top of head%2.9
Pupil line%38.1
Bottom of chin%70.5

Requirements may vary by document type. Check the official authority's current rules for Kenya before applying.

Photo Size

51×51 mm

2×2 inch

Background Color
White
Head size
50-69%
Eye Position
62% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm

ICAO 9303

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Used For

  • Passport
  • ID card
  • Visa

With the PhotoID Studio desktop app you can create a custom photo size for any document used in any country, save it as a preset, and reuse your saved preset with a single click.

Always verify the size before an official application

The information here reflects the sizes commonly accepted for visa applications. Authorities can change photo requirements without prior notice, and different documents in the same country (passport, ID card, driving licence, residence permit) may require different sizes. Check the current guidance of the authority you are applying to before preparing your photo.

How should a Kenya visa photo look?

The standard photo size for a Kenya biometric e-passport and national identity card (Kitambulisho cha Taifa) is 35×45 mm. The background must be plain white. Kenya has issued ICAO-compliant biometric e-passports since 2017, and the Maisha Namba system is digitising identity documents.

Issuing authority: Directorate of Immigration Services

Passport applications are handled by Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS). Applications are accepted at authorised offices and service centres, and the photo requirements follow ICAO 9303.

Photo preparation workflow

PhotoID Studio automatically crops, resizes and replaces the background of your photo to meet Kenya's 35×45 mm biometric requirements. You save the processed image to your device and bring it to the Immigration Services office or Huduma Centre yourself.

Tips for taking a good photo

Take the photo against a plain white background in natural daylight. Look directly at the camera with a neutral, closed-mouth expression. Remove glasses and keep your head straight without tilting.

Common reasons for photo rejection

• Background is not plain white or contains shadows. • Face is partially obscured by glasses, a hat or hair. • Photo is older than 6 months. • Non-neutral expression or open mouth.

Pricing

With a PhotoID Studio annual subscription, you can generate biometric photos for Kenya and 100+ other countries. There are no per-photo charges.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same photo for both the Kenya passport and identity card?

Yes. Both documents require an ICAO-compliant biometric photo of 35×45 mm with a white background.

What is the Maisha Namba system?

Maisha Namba is Kenya's national biometric registration system that assigns a unique identification number to citizens and residents. Registration is done at Huduma Centres.

How recent does the photo need to be?

A photo taken within the last 6 months is accepted.

Similar Sizes

US

USA

2×2 inch (51×51 mm)

IN

India

51×51 mm (2×2 inch)

SA

Saudi Arabia

51×51 mm (2×2 inch)

IQ

Iraq

51×51 mm (2×2 inch)

KW

Kuwait

51×51 mm (2×2 inch)

UG

Uganda

51×51 mm (2×2 inch)

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