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Sierra Leone Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Sierra Leone visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Sierra Leone Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior. 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 Sierra Leone visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Sierra Leone requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
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 Sierra Leone visa photo rules
- Sierra Leone requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are usually required, with the studio's stamp on the reverse of at least one print.
- Sierra Leone Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior accepts photos taken within the last 6 months that accurately reflect your current appearance, including recent facial hair, glasses frames or hairstyle changes.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in Sierra Leone visa photos
- Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 35×45 mm used by Sierra Leone, and studios often print the wrong size unless the exact dimensions are stated in millimetres.
- Choosing an off-white studio backdrop — many African passport scanners read cream as a coloured background and reject the file.
- Uploading a photo whose background reads as off-white or cream once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- Submitting a photo older than 6 months even if you look the same — Sierra Leone Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Sierra Leone
The visa photo in Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
Guinea (35×45 mm)Ghana (35×45 mm)Nigeria (51×51 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone nationals apply through Sierra Leone Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior at the nearest passport office. Most offices require an online appointment before walk-in submission. Booking an appointment online first is standard practice and rarely optional.
Is a white background required in Sierra Leone passport photos?
Yes. Sierra Leone Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior requires a white background at the 35×45 mm print size. Substituting another colour or an off-white tone triggers rejection at the biometric pre-check even when the framing and lighting are otherwise correct.
What is the official visa photo size for Sierra Leone?
The official Sierra Leone visa photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Sierra Leone visa photo?
Sierra Leone visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.