To travel to Cameroon, you must have both a valid passport and a Cameroon visa. When you apply for Cameroon visa, one of the key requirements is submitting a photo that meets official guidelines set by immigration authorities.
These photo regulations are in place to ensure your identity is clearly represented. Failure to follow them could lead to delays or even rejection of your visa application. That’s why it’s important to provide a photo that strictly adheres to the rules regarding size, background, facial expression, and more.
To avoid issues, it’s wise to hire a professional photographer who understands visa photo standards. This simple step can help ensure your travel documents are accepted without complications and your journey to Cameroon goes smoothly.
What is a passport-size photo of Cameroon?
The passport photo must be the correct size, contain a plain white background and clearly show your face in it. You are supposed to face the camera directly and have a neutral expression. Put on simple and neat clothes and avoid wearing a hat or spectacles unless it is medically required. Abiding by these rules will facilitate an easy passport application.
Requirements for the Cameroonian Passport/visa Photo
To ensure you apply for a Cameroon passport without problems, follow these photo rules:
- Size: The photos have to be 2x2 inches (35x45mm).
- Background: Make use of a simple background without any patterns.
- Colour: The photos should be in colours with natural tones.
- Position of the Head: The head should be at the centre and facing forward.
- Expression: Have a neutral expression with a closed mouth.
- Eyes: The eyes need to be open, clearly visible, and not covered by hair.
- Glasses: Glasses can be worn if they don’t cause glare and the eyes are visible.
- Headwear: Hats and head coverings should not be worn unless it’s for religious or medical reasons.
- Editing: Editing, retouching, or any other alteration must not be applied.
For best results, it’s a good idea to use a professional photographer who understands these photo rules. This can help avoid mistakes and make sure your photo is accepted.
Digital Image Requirements for Cameroon Passport Application Online
- Image Format: PDF, JPG, GIF, BMP, and PNG are the most acceptable formats.
- File Size: Applicants should limit the photo size to less than 300 kB.
- Lens Resolution: Use a camera lens of more than 600 dpi.
Note: All the photos have to meet the conditions in terms of the background, quality, sitting position, clothes and items.
Rules for Baby, Infant, and Newborn Passport and Visa Photo
Even babies, infants, and newborns need passport or visa photos when traveling to Cameroon. Taking a suitable photo of a baby can be tricky because they move a lot and don’t follow instructions. Here are some easy-to-follow rules:
- Age Requirement: All ages, including newborns just days old, need a passport or visa photo.
- Clothing: Put your child in comfortable clothes that are plain with a light colour, without any patterns on them. The face and ears should be visible.
- Facial Expression: Aim at having a calm and neutral face. The infant eyes must be open, with a closed mouth and nothing should cover the face.
- Background: A plain background for the photo is required and needs to be light coloured or white without any signs or shadows.
- Head Position: The child should not turn their head, but rather look directly at the camera with a straight head
- Photo Quality: The photo should be in colour and not blurred. It is supposed to be printed out on a good photo paper
- Size Requirements: The photo should be a 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm) photograph. The head of the baby will be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the chin touching the top of the head.
- Renewal: Update passport and visa photos for babies, infants, and newborns every five years or upon passport renewal.
Following these updated guidelines will help ensure a smoother process and prevent delays or issues with your child's passport or visa application.
How do I take a Cameroonian passport and visa photo at home?
You can take a high-quality passport photo at home if you follow these few simple steps:
- Dress Appropriately: the clothes should be simple and plain without any design or pattern, and definitely avoid colors too bright.
- Ensure Good Lighting: Pick a place with bright, even light. Avoid shadows on your face or background.
- Use a Neutral Background: Backgrounds should be plain, like a person standing in front of a single light color wall with no designs.
- Camera Quality: Almost all smartphones have good quality cameras. But that, of course, depends on the clarity and sharpness of the photo. Do not take a selfie.
- Have Someone Else Take the Photo: Ask another person to take the picture, standing 5-7 feet away, to capture just the upper half of your body.
- Use a Tripod: If there's nobody available to lend that extra hand, set your camera on a tripod, and put a timer on. Make sure it's 5 to 7 feet away and aimed properly.
By following these simple steps, you can take a passport photo at home that looks just like a professional one.
Some Tips for Photographing a Cameroon Passport/Visa.
Follow these tips to achieve a high-quality passport photo:-
Camera Distance: For clear identification, position the camera 5-7 feet (1.5-2 meters) away to fully include the head and upper body in the shot. Try different distances to find the best shot.
Posture: While primarily focusing on the face, maintaining a straight but relaxed posture is important. Look directly at the camera to ensure your face is fully visible.
Lighting: Uniform lighting is crucial to highlight facial features without shadows. Aim for even lighting from all directions to avoid any dark spots or glare.
FAQs
The required dimensions for a passport photo from Cameroon are 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) or 35 mm by 45 mm.
The background colour for a Cameroonian passport photo must be white.
Glasses are allowed in a passport photo from Cameroon as long as the eyes are visible and the lenses do not glare.
You need two photos for a Cameroon visa application (Embassy route). Note that eVisa applications don't require a personal photo.
You can get your Cameroon passport photo taken at professional photo studios or shops specializing in passport and visa photography services, ensuring they meet the specific requirements.
A new passport photo is required only with major appearance changes since your last passport, such as significant facial surgery, major changes in facial piercings or tattoos, drastic weight changes, or completing a gender transition.
Minor changes like growing a beard or changing hair colour don't necessitate a new photo. For children under 16, natural ageing does not require a new passport photo.
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in August 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.
