Zambia Passport/Visa Photo Requirements and Size

The application process of getting a Zambia passport, while it is not complicated, it requires a little bit of time and effort on your part. You have to put together the necessary documents and go to the issuing authority to fill in a form.

Photo specs

Required photo size: 4.5 cm in height and 3.5 cm 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. Earrings are not permitted, either.
Beard: permitted if it represents your everyday appearance
Number of photos necessary: 2

Zambia Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide

zambia passport photo requirement and size

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

Taking your own passport photo or visa photo is not a complicated task. You must, however, keep in mind that there are a few rules you have to follow. After all, you are not taking a selfie, but a photo that ends up on an official travel document. Here are the rules you must consider when taking your own picture:

The right setting in which you can take your own passport photo or visa photo must include a white wall because the background must be white. However, if you do not have access to a white wall, take a white sheet that is not see-through, and hang it on a wall. Please note that the background cannot have colors, patterns, or shadows on it. It has to be plain white.
In order to avoid shadows on your face, choose a frontal source of light. Also, make sure that the light is not too bright or too dim.
When you snap your photo, your head has to be straight and facing forward. You cannot rotate your head in any way. Bear in mind that both sides of your face must be visible equally. If you submit a portrait-style photo, it will be rejected, and you will be asked to retake your pictures.
In your passport photo or visa photo, you cannot appear smiling. The only permitted facial expression is neutral.
The best course of action is for you to take off your glasses during the photo session. Your eyes cannot be obscured by anything, and lenses can create a flash reflection in the picture. Sunglasses and eyeglasses with tinted lenses are not permitted either.
When you take your passport photo or visa photo, you are not allowed to wear a hat or a scarf. There is an exception, though. If you are bound by your religious beliefs to cover your head (i.e., hijab,) you can do so. All you have to remember is that your face must be seeable from top to bottom. Also, your headwear should not cast shadows on your face.
It is not mandatory to shave your beard if it represents your everyday look.

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

The rules above apply to children’s passport photos or visa photos too. The only significant difference between a child’s photo and an adult’s photo is that the child’s head is smaller and occupies less space in the shot. Other than that, here are a few helpful tips:

When you snap the picture, your child must be awake. The eyes must be open.
The most convenient way of photographing newborns is to lay them on their backs and take the photos from above. If you want to proceed as such, you have to place a white sheet underneath to ensure a white background.
You can also use the car seat method. It is more comfortable for some parents. If you want to do this, remember to cover the backrest of the chair with a white layer. Once again, the background has to be white.
Only your child can appear in the shot. If you want to hold your child during the photo session, not even your hands can appear in the picture.
Before taking the photo, make sure that your baby has no headwear and/or pacifier.