South Africa Visa photo requirements
South African visa applications (form BI-84) need two recent, identical 35 x 45 mm passport photos with a white background. Instant or machine photos are not accepted.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | Not published — check official source |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain white |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing | Optional paid replacement if your background fails our check; retaking is safest |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Official source: dirco.gov.za
How to take your South Africa Visa photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain white wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a South Africa Visa photo in pixels?
- 413 x 531 px, JPEG, on a plain white background. The printed size is 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in).
- Can I take my South Africa visa photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: plain white. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://dirco.gov.za/benin/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/20190506-Requirements-for-Visitors-visa-Holiday-purposes-to-print.pdf. Last verified: 2026-09-27.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.