Complete Democratic Republic of Congo passport 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Requirements for CO - Expert Tips

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (width × height) on high-quality photographic paper with no borders
• Head size: distance from crown to chin must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm (70–80 % of photo height)
• Eye positioning: eyes must sit between 18 mm and 22 mm from the bottom edge of the photo
• Background: plain, uniform light-grey or white background with no patterns, shadows, or objects
• Facial expression: neutral expression with both eyes open, mouth closed, no smile, and natural skin tone
• Head orientation: full face visible, centered, looking straight at the camera, with shoulders squared and head level
• Lighting and shadows: even front lighting, no flash reflections in eyes or on glasses, no shadows on face or background
• Glasses and eyewear: if worn daily, use thin-framed glasses with clear lenses, no tinted or mirrored lenses, no glare on lenses
• Head coverings: permitted only for religious reasons; must not obscure facial features (forehead, cheeks, and chin fully visible)
• Photo currency: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance, no retouching or filters that alter natural features
• Print quality: high resolution (minimum 300 dpi), continuous-tone color, sharp focus, no creases, tears, or ink marks
• Paper finish: matte or semi-matte finish to minimize glare, sized precisely with clean, straight edges and no stitching holes

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Complete Democratic Republic of Congo passport 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Requirements for CO - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Accurate Head Size: ensure the head—from chin to crown—measures 32 ± 2 mm within the 35 × 45 mm frame; why it matters: DRC’s biometric system rejects photos with incorrect head proportions, so use a passport-photo template or a cropping tool to hit the exact dimensions.
• Even Lighting & Plain Background: use soft, diffuse light and a solid white or very light gray background with no shadows or gradients; why it matters: uneven lighting or shadows on the background trigger automatic rejections—avoid by positioning lights at 45° angles and standing at least 1 m from the backdrop.
• Neutral Expression & Open Eyes: keep your mouth closed, eyes fully open, and face relaxed without a smile; why it matters: facial recognition software can’t process exaggerated expressions, so practice maintaining a natural look in front of a mirror before shooting.
• No Obstructive Accessories: remove glasses (even clear lenses), hats, scarves or hair covering (unless for religious grounds), and keep hair away from the face; why it matters: any occlusion of the forehead, eyes, or jawline can invalidate the photo—tuck long hair behind ears and remove eyewear to showcase full facial features.
• High-Quality Capture & Print: use a digital camera with at least 8 MP, ensure sharp focus and accurate color balance, then print on professional-grade matte photo paper; why it matters: low resolution, pixelation or ink streaks can lead to rejections—check the print under LED lighting to confirm uniform tone and clarity.

Conclusion

In summary, adhering precisely to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 35×45 mm passport photo requirements is essential to avoid processing delays or rejections.

• Size and format: 35×45 mm (5×5 cm), color print on high-quality photo paper
• Head dimensions and positioning: head height 32 mm–36 mm, eyes 17 mm–22 mm from bottom edge, centered and facing camera
• Background and lighting: plain white or light gray, no shadows or patterns, uniform illumination
• Expression and appearance: neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile, no teeth showing
• Headwear and accessories: no hats or head coverings except for documented religious reasons, ears fully visible
• Eyewear: clear prescription glasses allowed if eyes fully visible and frames do not cover eyes; no tinted lenses
• Photo currency and quality: taken within last 6 months, sharp focus, no red-eye, no retouching or filters

Following these guidelines will help ensure your DRC passport application proceeds smoothly.