Zimbabwe Passport/Visa Photo Requirements and Size

Applying for a Zimbabwe passport is not a challenging task. You have to take it seriously because it is an official travel document. Still, the process you have to go through is not complicated. You must gather a few documents and then go to the issuing authority to fill in an application form. You must also submit 2 passport photos.

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

Zimbabwe Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide

zimbabwe passport photo requirement and size

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

Taking your own passport photo or visa photo is not hard. You must, however, follow a few basic rules that make the difference between a passport photo and a selfie. Below, you will find some guidelines that you have to take into account when you take your own picture.

The background of a passport photo or a visa photo is almost always white. The one for a Zimbabwe passport makes no exception. Take your picture against a white wall, and if you do not have one, use a white sheet. Just make sure that it is not see-through. All you have to remember is that the background cannot contain colors, patterns, and shadows.
If it is not adequate, the lighting can create shadows on your face or modify facial features. So, choose a frontal source of illumination. You must also make sure that the intensity is just right. It cannot be too bright or too dim.
Your head must be straight and facing the camera. Please note that since both halves of your face must be equally visible, you cannot submit a portrait-style photo. If you do, it will be rejected. No exceptions.
The only permitted facial expression you can display in a passport photo or visa photo is neutral. Therefore, you cannot smile, squint, frown, or raise your brows.
Your eyes cannot be obstructed by your hair or eyeglasses. If you have prescription glasses, you should take them off. Sunglasses and eyeglasses with tinted lenses are not permitted in your picture, either.
Headwear is not allowed unless you cover your head for religious or cultural reasons. For instance, you can keep your hijab during the photo session. However, please make sure that it is tight enough around your head so that it does not cast shadows on your face. Also, your face must be seeable from top to bottom.
If your usual appearance includes a beard, you are not supposed to shave it off before taking your passport photo or visa photo. The whole point of the picture is to show your everyday likeness.

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

Taking the passport photo or visa photo of your child may be a bit more challenging, but the rules are pretty much the same. The only notable difference between a child’s passport photo and an adult’s passport photo is that the former has a smaller head. As a result, a child’s head takes less space in the picture. We put together a few tips for you below.

Your child’s eyes must be visible in the photo as well. Do not photograph him/her when he/she is asleep.
If you have a newborn, you should consider taking the picture from above while the baby is in the lying down position. However, when doing that, do not forget to put a white sheet underneath. The background of the photo must be white.
You may find it more convenient to photograph your child while he/she sits in a car seat. If that is how you want to proceed, cover the backrest of the chair with a white layer. Again, all background rules apply.
The child must appear alone in his/her passport photo or visa photo.
The child cannot appear in the shot with a pacifier in his/her mouth or headwear.