ZM Business Visa Photo Requirements - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo Size: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high with no borders, cropping, or trimming
• Head Position: head centered and fully visible, eyes looking straight at the camera, top of shoulders included
• Face Size: face height (from chin to crown) must measure 32 mm–36 mm, occupying 70%–80% of the frame
• Background: uniform plain white or off-white background with no patterns, shadows, or textures
• Photo Quality: high-resolution color image printed on matte or non-reflective photographic paper
• Expression: neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no teeth showing
• Lighting: even front lighting with no shadows across face or background, no red-eye or glare
• Headwear: no hats, headbands, or scarves except for documented religious reasons (must not obscure facial features)
• Glasses and Accessories: no sunglasses or tinted lenses; prescription glasses allowed if frames do not cover eyes and there is no glare
• Recency: photo must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Quantity: submit two identical photos that meet all specifications, printed on the same day

Step-by-Step Process

Content about ZM Business Visa Photo Requirements - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Background uniformity: Ensure a plain white or off-white background with no shadows or patterns, as Zambia’s visa officers require clear contrast to accurately scan facial features.
• Correct head size and positioning: Position your head so it measures 31–36 mm from chin to crown and is centered vertically, since photos with heads too large or small are routinely rejected.
• Neutral expression and eyes visible: Maintain a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed, avoiding smiles or frowns, because Zambia’s requirements mandate an unobstructed, natural likeness.
• High-resolution, matte finish print: Use a professional 600 dpi digital capture and print on matte photo paper without any creases, stamps, or ink marks, as low-quality or marked photos can delay your application.
• Appropriate attire and no reflections: Wear business-casual clothing in contrast to the white background and remove glasses or ensure no glare, since reflections or background-matching outfits often lead to automatic photo refusal.

Conclusion

In summary, ZM business visa photos must strictly adhere to precise measurements, composition, background and quality standards to avoid delays or rejection. Ensuring your photograph meets each criterion will smooth the application process and help secure your visa on first submission.

Key Points:

• Dimensions: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high
• Head size: 28 mm–35 mm from chin to crown
• Background: plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows
• Expression: neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Glasses: permitted if lenses are clear and frames thin, no glare
• Headgear: not allowed except for religious purposes, must not obscure face
• Attire: normal clothing, no uniforms or camouflage
• Photo quality: high resolution, sharp focus, natural color balance, matte finish
• Digital file: JPEG format, minimum 300 dpi, file size 240 KB–1 MB