ZM Business Visa Photo Requirements - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (38″ × 77″), with no borders or frames
• Head dimensions: crown-to-chin height 30 mm–36 mm (70–80 % of photo height), face centered vertically and horizontally
• Eye position: eye line 18 mm–22 mm from the bottom edge of the photo
• Background: plain white or off-white, evenly lit, no patterns, textures or shadows
• Image quality: high-resolution color shot with natural skin tones, no visible pixels, printing artifacts or digital alterations
• Finish: professional print on quality photo paper (glossy or matte), no inkjet streaks or scans
• Lighting & exposure: uniform lighting to eliminate shadows or hot spots, no red-eye, correct contrast and brightness
• Expression & pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, face straight at camera, both ears visible
• Eyewear & headwear: no tinted lenses or heavy frames; prescription glasses allowed if no glare; religious head coverings permitted if they do not obscure hairline, face or ears
• Photo recency: taken within the last six months reflecting your current appearance
• Back-print details: lightly write applicant’s full name and date of birth on the back in pencil; do not mark or staple the front surface

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Capture and prepare your photo
• Use a white or off-white background with no patterns or shadows, and ensure even, natural light on the face
• Position the camera at eye level, 1–5 m from the subject, so the head fills about 70–80% of the frame
• Frame dimensions: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high; head height (from crown to chin) 29–34 mm, centered vertically
• Expression: neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the lens, no tilt or turn of head
• Attire: plain clothing in contrast to the background; no uniforms, headwear, or tinted eyewear (religious head coverings allowed if they do not cast shadows on the face)
• Image quality: color JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 dpi, no pixelation or compression artifacts; file size 200 KB–500 KB
• Second step: Print, endorse, and submit—what to do and why
• Print two identical copies on high-quality, non-glossy (matte or semi-matte) photo paper, borderless, at exactly 35 × 45 mm—this meets the Zambian Immigration Department’s physical-photo standard to avoid scanning or cropping errors
• On the back of each print, lightly inscribe applicant’s full name, date of birth, and passport number in pencil—this ensures the photos remain linked to you if they become separated from your application
• Affix photos to the designated spots of the completed business-visa application form or place them in the supplied photo sleeves—this prevents movement during processing and guarantees they meet placement guidelines
• Double-check alignment and legibility before sealing your application packet—correct placement and clear identification reduce the risk of visa delays or outright rejection by Zambian consular officers

Tips and Best Practices

Content about ZM Business Visa Photo Requirements - tips

Conclusion

In summary, Zambia’s business visa photo requirements are designed to ensure clear, standardized identification and to prevent processing delays. By following each specification precisely, applicants can avoid rejections and streamline their visa application.

Key Points:

• Size: 35 mm × 45 mm (width × height)
• Head dimensions: 25 mm–35 mm from chin to crown
• Background: plain light-colored, no patterns or shadows
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Accessories: no glasses or tinted lenses; head coverings only for approved religious reasons with full facial visibility
• Photo quality: high resolution, true-to-life colors, matte or glossy finish
• Age of photo: taken within the last 6 months
• Quantity: two identical photos

Adhering strictly to these guidelines will help ensure your ZM business visa application proceeds without unnecessary delays or costly reshoots.