Rwanda Passport Photo
Rwanda's official requirements constrain the photo's shape, eye line and background rather than giving a millimetre size: between square and portrait, white background, eyes 30-50% from the top. This page explains how to meet a shape rule. Based on the Irembo government services platform.
The official rules are about shape, not millimetres
Rwanda’s official government services platform (Irembo) lists passport photo requirements that do not give a millimetre size at all. Instead they constrain the photo’s shape, the eye line and the background. The official wording:
- Shape: Must be between square and portrait (height should be 50-100% of width).
- Background: The passport photo must be on a white background.
- Eye position: Your eyes should be in the upper half of the photo (30-50% from the top).
- Centring: Your face should be centered horizontally.
The specification
| Shape | Between square and portrait — height 50–100% of the width |
| Background | White |
| Eye line | Eyes in the upper half, 30–50% from the top |
| Pose | Face directly toward the camera; neutral expression or a natural smile; face centred horizontally |
| Quality | High resolution, no pixelation or blurriness, no over- or under-exposure, no filters or digital enhancements |
| Size in mm or px | Not published — Rwanda gives a shape ratio, not a size |
| Head height ratio | Not stated; the official rule is about the eye line, not head height |
Working with a shape rule instead of a size
Because there is no millimetre figure, the practical approach is to start from a portrait frame whose height is between half and all of its width, then check the eye line. A standard portrait crop satisfies the shape rule, and the image cropper lets you frame it precisely; check the eyes sit 30–50% down from the top before submitting. The white background is the one firm colour rule — our passport photo backgrounds guide covers getting it even. Confirm the finished file with the passport photo checker and compare formats on the photo size chart.
Common mistakes the official page lists
- More than one person in the photo.
- Smiling too broadly or making facial expressions.
- Poor lighting — shadows on the face or background.
- Wearing headgear (caps, hats) without a valid reason.
- Uploading a scanned photo from an old passport or ID.
The official page adds that non-compliant photos may result in the application not being submitted, and suggests using a professional photo service where possible.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo does Rwanda require?
Rwanda does not publish a size in millimetres or pixels; it requires the shape to be between square and portrait, with height 50-100% of the width.
What background colour is required?
A white background.
Where should my eyes be in the photo?
In the upper half, 30-50% from the top of the photo.
Can I use a filter or edited photo?
No. The requirements say no filters or digital enhancements, and no pixelation or blurriness.
Can I wear a hat or cap?
Not without a valid reason — wearing headgear without a valid reason is listed among the mistakes to avoid.
Can I scan an old passport photo?
No. Uploading a scanned photo from an old passport or ID is listed as a common mistake.
Source: Irembo (Republic of Rwanda government services platform), “Tips and Requirements for Uploading a Compliant Passport Photo” (support.irembo.gov.rw); page modified 25 August 2025; retrieved 2026-09-28. Requirements change, so confirm the current rule on the official page before you apply.