How should a Nigeria visa photo look?
The Nigerian passport photo uses the 35×45 mm white-background format with head height 31-36 mm and a 3-5 mm gap above the hair. The recency rule is twice as strict as the global norm: just 3 months. The Nigeria Immigration Service portal at passport.immigration.gov.ng/image-compliance automatically pre-validates uploaded photos against ICAO criteria before booking. The same spec applies to citizens and foreigners.
The body that sets the spec
The standard is published by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS, immigration.gov.ng). The digital file must be at least 600×600 px and below 2 MB. Files older than 3 months from capture are rejected; glasses are not permitted unless medically required.
Workflow after the shoot
Send the frame to PhotoID Studio and select the Nigeria 35×45 mm preset; the app aligns the face, locks head height into the 31-36 mm range and keeps the 3-5 mm gap above the hair. JPEG is exported staying above 600×600 px and below 2 MB; the same file can be uploaded directly to the image-compliance portal.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of the white backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8 aperture, a softbox at 45° with a reflector on the opposite side. For deeper skin tones, keep the reflector low to avoid glare on the forehead and cheekbones. Cue: "chin level, no glasses, mouth closed, neutral expression".
Why the NIS image-compliance portal rejects frames
• Frame older than 3 months; outside the recency rule. • Head height outside 31-36 mm or hair gap below 3 mm. • A non-white backdrop; grey or coloured background. • File below 600×600 px; file above 2 MB. • Glasses worn without a medical justification. • A smile, visible teeth or a closed eye. • Heavy compression artefacts; low detail.
For studios in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt
Thousands of passport renewals, NIN ID issuances, driver licences and international visa applications fuel constant studio traffic in Nigeria. The PhotoID Studio Nigeria preset locks the 35×45 mm head range and 3-5 mm hair gap automatically; switching to UK, Schengen or US format from the same frame is a single click.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Nigerian passport photo valid?
Just 3 months. This is stricter than the 6-month norm in most countries; older frames are flagged by the image-compliance portal.
What is the image-compliance portal?
passport.immigration.gov.ng/image-compliance auto-validates the uploaded photo against ICAO criteria before booking, flagging any non-compliance.
Can the photo be taken with glasses?
Only with a medical justification and no lens reflection; in the standard case glasses must be removed.
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