UK Visa Passport Photo Requirements for Nigerians (2025/2026)

Are you planning a trip to London, Edinburgh, or Manchester? Whether you are applying for a UK Student Visa (Tier 4), a Standard Visitor Visa, or a Skilled Worker Visa, your application starts with one critical detail: the perfect passport photograph.

In Nigeria, one of the leading causes of UK visa delays or rejections at the TLScontact centres (Ikeja, Victoria Island, or Abuja) is submitting a photo that doesn't meet the strict Home Office standards.

In this guide, we break down the exact UK visa photo specifications you need to ensure a smooth application process.

1. Standard UK Visa Photo Size and Dimensions

The British High Commission is very specific about dimensions. Do not use standard Nigerian "2x2" photos; they will be rejected.

• Width: 35mm (3.5cm)

• Height: 45mm (4.5cm)

• Face Size: Your head must fill between 29mm and 34mm of the photo height.

• Resolution: Minimum 600 dpi for digital uploads.

• Margin: There should be a 5mm gap between the top of your hair and the edge of the photo.

2. Lighting, Background, and Color

• Background Color: Unlike many other visas that require white, the UK prefers a light grey or cream background. Pure white backgrounds are often discouraged as they cause "washout."

• No Shadows: There must be no shadows on your face or behind your head.

• Color Only: Black and white photos are strictly prohibited.

• Print Quality: Photos must be printed on high-quality, low-gloss or matte photographic paper with no creases or ink marks.

3. Pose and Facial Expression

The UK government uses facial recognition software, so your "biometric" features must be clear.

• Expression: You must have a neutral expression. No smiling, frowning, pouting, or showing teeth.

• Eyes: Must be open, level, and looking directly at the camera.

• Head Position: Your head must be straight (not tilted) and square to the camera.

• Hair: Hair should be tucked behind the ears or styled so it does not obscure your eyes or the edges of your face.

4. Dress Code: Glasses, Hijabs, and Beards

• Glasses: It is highly recommended to remove your glasses to avoid glare or frame-covered eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never allowed.

• Head Coverings: Religious headwear (like Hijabs) or medical coverings are allowed, but they must not cover any part of the face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.

• Beards: If you usually wear a beard, keep it. If not, ensure you are cleanly shaven. Avoid "temporary" styles that change your look significantly.

5. UK Visa Photo Rules for Babies and Children

Photographing infants is tricky, but the UK Home Office offers some leniency for children:

• Under 1 Year Old: Do not need to have eyes open or a neutral expression.

• Under 6 Years Old: Do not need to look directly at the camera.

• No Interference: No toys, pacifiers, or parents' hands should be visible in the frame. If the child is lying down, use a plain grey sheet as the background.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Recency: Your photo must be taken within the last 30 days. If your appearance has changed significantly (e.g., major weight loss or surgery), take a new one.

• Digital Alteration: Never use "beauty filters" or Photoshop to remove blemishes or change skin tone.

• Selfies: Never use a selfie. The perspective distortion from a phone camera will result in an automatic rejection.

Professional UK Visa Photography in Nigeria

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