Home › Visa Photo Size › Ethiopia
Ethiopia Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Ethiopia visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Immigration, Nationality & Vital Events Agency (INVEA). In this guide, you can confirm the exact 35×45 mm size, 413×531 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Ethiopia visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Two identical 4×4 cm (40×40 mm) square colour photos on white background are required.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official Ethiopia visa photo rules
- Two identical 4×4 cm (40×40 mm) square colour photos on white background are required.
- The 4×4 cm square is unique to Ethiopia and Ecuador — no other African country uses this size.
- Photos must be no more than 3 months old, half the shelf-life accepted elsewhere.
Common mistakes in Ethiopia visa photos
- Ordering 35×45 mm prints — Ethiopia requires 40×40 mm square.
- Using 6-month-old photos accepted elsewhere; INVEA enforces a 3-month window.
- Netela head-coverings that shadow the forehead.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Ethiopia
The visa photo in Ethiopia is 35×45 mm, while the passport photo is 35×45 mm. The size is the same for both documents, but you should still verify the specific submission rules for the passport application. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Ethiopia passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
Kenya (51×51 mm)South Africa (35×45 mm)United Arab Emirates (43×55 mm)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ethiopian passport photo size?
4×4 cm (40×40 mm) square, on white background, taken within the last 3 months. Two identical colour prints are required at the INVEA office in Addis Ababa or regional capitals.
Why does Ethiopia use a square passport photo?
The 40×40 mm square format was adopted alongside the country's modern biometric passport rollout to standardise on a face-detection-friendly aspect ratio. Ethiopia and Ecuador are the two most-searched countries using this square.
What is the official visa photo size for Ethiopia?
The official Ethiopia visa photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Ethiopia visa photo?
Ethiopia visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.