Somalia Passport/Visa Photo Requirements and Size

In case you decide to travel out of Somalia, know that you are required to apply for a Somalia passport if you do not already have one. Doing so may take a few weeks, but the application process itself is not complicated. You must go to the issuing authority, fill in an application, and submit it along with a few necessary documents.

Photo specs

Required photo size: 45 mm in height and 35 mm in width
The submitted photos must be in color
Head position: straight
Recency: taken no more than 6 months ago
Background: white
Smile: no
Eyes: must be clearly visible
Blurred pictures will be rejected
Glasses: acceptable only if they do not obscure the eyes and there is no glare in the photo
Headwear: not allowed. Exceptions are made for religious/cultural purposes
Resolution (pixels): at least 600 dpi
Dress code: the colors of your clothes must be in contrast with the background. Do not wear white tops
Beard: permitted if it represents your everyday appearance
Number of photos necessary: 2

Somalia Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide

somalia passport photo requirement and size

Please note that you must write your name on the back of both pictures.

Somalia Passport Photos and Visa Photo Requirements – Rules, Guidelines, and Specifications

The requirements above mean nothing unless you learn how to take an adequate passport photo or visa photo at home. We are here to help you with that. Below, you will find the rules and guidelines that should help you take a good picture.

When you are getting ready to take the passport photo or visa photo, position yourself in front of a white wall. The background of your picture must be white. If a white wall is not accessible to you, take a white sheet and hang it on a wall. Make sure that there are no colors, patterns, or shadows in your photo.
The light should come from in front of you so that you do not have shadows on your face. Also, remember that the intensity must be just right. Not too dark, not too bright.
You must appear in your passport photo or visa photo with your head held straight. Do not rotate or tilt it in any direction. Remember that both halves of your face must be visible equally, which is why you cannot submit a portrait-style picture.
You cannot smile in your picture. Nor can you frown or raise your brow. The only facial expression you can display is neutral.
Your eyes must be clearly visible in your passport photo or visa photo. It is recommended that you take your prescription glasses off during the photo session. Needless to say, you cannot wear sunglasses or eyeglasses with tinted lenses.
Headwear is allowed for religious purposes. But please make sure that your face can be seen from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin. Also, the headwear should not create shadows on your face.
As long as your beard represents your everyday appearance, you do not have to shave it for your passport photo or visa photo. Nevertheless, if you plan on making some changes to your facial hair, do so before you take your picture.

Rules and Requirements for Babies, Infants, and Newborn Passport and Visa Photos

Since children need to have their own passport and visas, you are going to have to take their pictures too. The process is pretty much the same as for adults. The only difference is that a child’s head is smaller. Hence, a child’s head can occupy less space in the photo. Below, you are going to find a few useful tips on how to photograph your kids.

Photograph your child when he/she is awake. The eyes must be seeable.
You cannot appear in your child’s passport photo or visa photo. Not even your hands can be visible (if you hold the baby during the photo session.)
The baby cannot appear with headwear on or with a pacifier in his/her mouth. Make sure to remove them.
If you want to photograph your child from above, while he/she is in the lying down position, make sure to place a white layer underneath to ensure a white background.
You can also take the photo of your child in a car seat. If you do that, remember to cover the backrest of the chair with a white sheet. Once again, the background must be white.