Ghanaian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – MFA Biometric ePassport Rules

The following specifications apply to all Ghanaian ePassport applications and renewals at Passport Application Centres within Ghana and at Ghanaian embassies and high commissions abroad.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard).
• Background: Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly white.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted. The MFA Passport Office follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric passport photos.
• Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Head coverings: Permitted for religious or medical reasons provided the full face from forehead to chin is completely visible.
• Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.

Ghana introduced its biometric ePassport in 2007, making Ghana one of the earliest African countries to adopt ICAO-compliant biometric travel documents. The ePassport contains a contactless RFID chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303 standards. The chip enables the passport to be verified at automated e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers.

Passport applications are handled by Passport Application Centres operated by the Passport Office under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. In many application centres, biometric data — including the facial photograph — is captured on-site during the appointment using a controlled biometric camera. Confirm the exact procedure before your appointment at the relevant centre.

Ghanaian children under 18 require their own passport. The photo specifications are the same as for adults:

• 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, both eyes open, no glasses.
• The child's full face must be clearly visible and centred.
• No parent, guardian, or caregiver may appear in the frame.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child at the Passport Application Centre and provide the required consent and identity documentation. Confirm current requirements with your local Passport Application Centre or Ghanaian embassy.

The Ghana Card is Ghana's national identity card, issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) to Ghanaian citizens and eligible residents. The Ghana Card uses the same ICAO photo specifications as the passport: 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses.

Ghana Card biometric enrolment — including the facial photograph and fingerprints — is captured on-site at NIA registration centres. You cannot substitute a printed 35×45mm photo for Ghana Card enrolment. The passport photo requirements in this guide apply specifically to the Ghanaian ePassport issued by the MFA Passport Office.