KE Eastern Africa visa photo 2x2 inch (Kenya) (51x51mm, 5x5 cm) Processing Times and Tips - Latest Updates

Requirements

Photo Requirements:

• Photo Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm, 5×5 cm) final print size with no cropping or scaling
• Head Height: 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin
• Eye Position: 1⅛–1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom edge of the photo to the center of the eyes
• Background Color: Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns or textures
• Facial Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
• Head Orientation: Directly facing the camera, no tilt, turn or partial profile, with full face in view
• Glasses: If worn, frames must not cover eyes, lenses clear (no tint), no reflections; removal recommended
• Head Coverings: Permitted only for religious reasons; must not obscure hairline, forehead or face edges
• Photo Quality: High resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, true-to-life skin tones, no red-eye
• Recentness: Taken within the last 6 months reflecting current appearance and hairstyle
• Attire: Everyday clothing only; no uniforms, military attire, hats or headgear (except religious)
• Paper Type: Printed on high-quality photo paper with a matte or semi-matte finish

Processing Times:

• Standard Processing: 5–10 working days for regular Kenya visa applications at diplomatic missions
• Expedited Processing: 2–3 working days available at select missions for an additional fee
• Peak Season Delays: Add an extra 5–7 days during high-volume periods (holidays, tourist season)

Tips:

• Digital File Backup: Keep an electronic copy in JPEG format at 600 dpi ready for online submissions
• Professional Studio: Use a visa-compliant photo service to avoid measurement or quality errors
• Self-Check Measure: Print a test copy with a ruler to confirm size, head position and margins
• Envelope Labeling: Securely attach photos with non-reflective photo glue or archival tape
• Embassy Verification: Always double-check the specific Kenyan mission’s website for any local variations

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Capture and prepare your 2×2 inch (51×51 mm, 5×5 cm) EAC visa photo
• Position & framing: Center your full face and shoulders against a plain white background so your head measures 1 – 1 ⅜ inches (25 – 35 mm) from chin to crown (this ensures proper scaling in the final print).
• Lighting & expression: Use even, diffuse light to eliminate shadows on your face and background; keep a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
• Technical specs & file prep: Save as a JPEG (.jpg) with a resolution of at least 600×600 pixels (up to 1200×1200 px) and file size under 10 MB; set color profile to sRGB and ensure no compression artifacts or reflections.
• Print verification (if sending hard copy): Print on high-quality, matte-finish photo paper; measure the printed image to confirm it is exactly 2 × 2 inches with the head correctly centered and scaled.
• Second step: Upload, submit & track – why it matters and processing times
• Create & login: Open the Kenya E-Visa portal (evisa.go.ke/evisa.html) and register an account; accurate personal data reduces rejection risk.
• Form completion: Enter travel details and passport information exactly as shown in your travel document; mismatches lead to delays or denials.
• Photo upload: Select your pre-checked JPEG file and preview it in the portal to confirm correct sizing, no borders, and no background artifacts.
• Payment & submission: Pay the visa fee by credit/debit card; once confirmed, click “Submit” – incomplete submissions stall your application.
• Processing times: Standard processing is 48 – 72 hours; to allow for unforeseen issues, apply at least 10 days before departure.
• Tips for speed & approval:
• Apply early in the week (Mon–Wed) to avoid weekend backlogs.
• Monitor your email (including spam folder) for requests for additional information.
• If you need your visa within 24 hours, select the “Rush Processing” option during payment and pay the expedited fee.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact size verification: Use a precision ruler to confirm the 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) output and crop accurately to avoid sizing rejections
• Uniform background: Choose a plain white or light grey background ensuring no shadows or patterns to meet Kenya’s strict contrast rules
• Proper head positioning: Center the face so it covers 70–80 percent of the frame with the top of the head about 1/8 inch below the top edge to comply with biometric standards
• Quality printing on matte paper: Print at 600 DPI on non-glossy photo paper to prevent glare and preserve detail essential for facial recognition
• Early submission and pre-check: Submit photos at least 5 business days before your travel date and use online preview tools to catch errors and avoid processing delays

Conclusion

Conclusion: The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm/5×5 cm) Kenya visa photo is a critical component of your Eastern Africa eVisa or embassy application. Standard eVisa processing takes 2–3 business days (express options available), while paper applications via an embassy or consulate may require 5–10 business days. Ensuring your photo meets every technical and compositional requirement is the fastest path to approval.

Key Points:

• Exact size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm/5×5 cm), printed on high-quality photo paper
• Background: plain white or light-neutral, no shadows or patterns
• Head position: centered, full face visible, eyes open, neutral expression
• Technical specs: true-to-life color, no reflections or red-eye, matte finish
• Recent capture: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
• Processing times: eVisa standard 2–3 business days; embassy 5–10 business days
• Express options: available for urgent travel (24–48 hours for eVisa)

Top Tips:

• Use a professional studio or certified passport-photo service
• Verify dimensions with a ruler or digital template before printing
• Remove glasses and headgear (unless for religious reasons), tuck hair away from face
• Submit digital files in the required format (JPEG, 300 dpi) for eVisa portals
• Double-check country-specific guidance on the official Kenya eVisa website or consulate site