The Ethiopia eVisa photo must be 35 mm × 45 mm (portrait), minimum 826 × 1062 pixels at 600 DPI, with a plain white background. Upload a JPEG file under 2 MB (ideally under 120 KB) featuring a neutral expression, frontal view, and no glasses. Any deviation from these Ethiopia visa photo requirements causes automatic rejection by the evisa.gov.et portal.
Ethiopia eVisa Photo Specifications: Dimensions & Background
The Ethiopia eVisa photo requirements mandate 35 mm × 45 mm portrait dimensions (ICAO standard rectangle – square images are rejected automatically) with a minimum resolution of 826 × 1062 pixels at 600 DPI and a plain white background. The applicant’s head must occupy 70-80 % of the frame height, measured from chin to crown, and remain centred within the image. The photo must be in colour (not black and white), printed on high-quality matte photo paper if a physical copy is needed, and free from pixelated or blurry areas.
Any background that is not plain, uniform white – off-white walls, grey gradients, coloured backdrops, or visible shadows – triggers automated rejection. The subject must be clearly distinguishable from the white backdrop to pass Ethiopia eVisa photo portal validation.
| Specification | Required Value |
|---|---|
| Physical size | 35 mm × 45 mm |
| Shape | Portrait rectangle |
| Recommended pixels | 826 × 1062 px |
| DPI | 600 |
| Head-to-frame ratio | 70-80 % |
| Background | Plain white |
Ethiopia eVisa Photo Content Rules: Expression, Clothing & Posture
The Ethiopia eVisa photo requirements mandate a neutral expression with mouth closed, a full frontal face view, and even frontal lighting without harsh shadows or glare. Spectacles, uniforms, and any digital retouching (filters, spot removal, colour adjustments) are strictly prohibited. The photograph must be taken within the last 3 months (maximum 6 months), with shoulders visible and hair not obscuring the face or eyes. Eyes must be open, fully visible, looking at camera, with no red-eye effect. Non-coloured contact lenses are the sole acceptable type. Everyday street clothing is required; no uniforms, no camouflage. Headphones and wireless devices are not allowed. Jewellery and facial piercings are permitted only if they do not hide the face.
Glasses and Headwear Exceptions
Ethiopia eVisa photo requirements specify that eyeglasses must be removed entirely – even clear lenses risk glare or frame obstruction that triggers automated rejection. A medical exemption requires a signed doctor’s statement. Religious headwear is permitted if worn daily for religious reasons, provided the full face remains visible from chin to hairline with both edges of the face uncovered. Ear visibility is preferred but not mandatory. These Ethiopia eVisa photo rules apply identically to minors.
Digital File Requirements & Upload Troubleshooting
The Ethiopia eVisa portal accepts JPEG or PNG files under 2 MB in sRGB colour space, with filenames containing no spaces, accents, or special characters. Convert CMYK files from UK print shops to sRGB to avoid distorted skin tones. Digital watermarks or photographer timestamps are not recommended and may trigger rejection. Name your file firstname_lastname_photo.jpg. Rejected formats: HEIC, HEIF, BMP, TIFF, PDF.
Quick-check pre-upload checklist:
File is JPEG or PNG
File size under 2 MB (ideally under 120 KB)
Dimensions 826 × 1062 px at 600 DPI
Background is plain white
Filename: no spaces or special characters
Colour space is sRGB (not CMYK)
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| “File too large” | Image exceeds 2 MB limit | Compress to under 120 KB using an online tool |
| “Invalid file type” | HEIC, BMP, or non-image file | Convert to JPEG using a free online converter |
| “Photo too small” / “Low resolution” | Pixels below acceptable threshold | Re-shoot or resize to 826 × 1062 px minimum |
| “Upload timeout” | Slow connection or browser cache | Clear cache, disable VPN, use stable Wi-Fi |
iPhone HEIC to JPG Conversion
iPhone users: go to Settings > Camera > Formats > select “Most Compatible” to save future photos as JPEG. For existing HEIC files, use a free online converter or export via the Photos app on Mac.
Browser & Network Tips
Use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge (latest versions) for the most reliable Ethiopia eVisa photo upload experience. Clear cache and cookies before retrying. Disable VPN. Avoid Safari on older iOS versions.
Ethiopia eVisa Photo for Children, Infants & UK Providers
Children and infants require the same 35 × 45 mm Ethiopia eVisa photo with white background as adults. Infants under 1 year: eyes do not need to be open; a natural expression is accepted. The child must appear alone in frame – no other people, no toys. For infants who cannot sit upright: lie on back on a plain white sheet, or place in a car seat covered with a plain white sheet.
- Timpson: nationwide UK stores; passport photo booths; approximately £6 per set
- Boots / Superdrug: in-store photo services with biometric capability
- Reload Internet: 197 Praed Street, London W2 1RH; phone 0207 262 4111; open 7 days a week; photo ready in 5 minutes; set of 4 photos; next-day postal delivery available UK and worldwide
- CIBTvisas UK: phone 0844 800 4650 for visa expediting services
- My Biometric Photos: online tool; upload a selfie, receive compliant JPEG and print-ready PDF in 30 seconds; acceptance guaranteed or money back; 24/7 support
For the most current Ethiopia visa photo requirements, always refer to the evisa.gov.et portal. Portal support: phone +251 (11) 126 2635, email [email protected]. Warning: the website www.ethiopia-evisa.com is not authorised by the Ethiopian Government; applications or payments through that domain are not acceptable. Visa photo requirements may change without notice – verify all specifications on the evisa.gov.et portal 24 hours before uploading your photo. This guide was last updated on 9 September 2026.
FAQ: Ethiopia Visa Photo Requirements 2026
What size should an Ethiopia visa photo be in 2026?
The Ethiopia eVisa photo must measure 35 mm × 45 mm portrait, minimum 826 × 1062 pixels at 600 DPI, head 70-80 % of frame height to meet Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
What background colour is required for an Ethiopia eVisa photo?
Plain, uniform white; no gradients, patterns, or shadows. Off-white or textured backdrops fail Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
What file format does the Ethiopia eVisa portal accept?
JPEG or JPG (recommended) and PNG. HEIC, HEIF, BMP, TIFF, and PDF are rejected. Use sRGB colour space to meet Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
How strict are Ethiopia visa photo requirements?
Highly strict. Any deviation from dimensions, white background, neutral expression, or JPEG under 2 MB causes automatic rejection under Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
Can I wear glasses in my Ethiopia visa photo?
No. Eyeglasses must be removed entirely; even clear lenses risk glare causing rejection. Medical exemptions require a signed doctor statement per Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
Why was my Ethiopia eVisa photo rejected?
Common causes: file over 2 MB, invalid format (HEIC), non-white background, glasses, digital retouching, or pixel dimensions below 826 × 1062 px. Check filename for spaces or special characters to comply with Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
Can I take my own Ethiopia visa photo with a smartphone?
Yes, against a plain white wall with even frontal lighting. Convert iPhone HEIC to JPEG and resize to 826 × 1062 px at 600 DPI to satisfy Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
Do babies need a separate photo for the Ethiopia eVisa?
Yes. Infants need their own 35 × 45 mm photo with white background. Under 1 year, eyes need not be open. Child must be alone in frame per Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
Can my photo have a watermark or date stamp?
No. Digital watermarks or photographer timestamps may trigger automatic rejection under Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
What is the maximum file size for Ethiopia eVisa photo upload?
The maximum is under 2 MB; aim for under 120 KB for faster upload. Exceeding 2 MB blocks the process, so compress before submitting to meet Ethiopia visa photo requirements.
