ZM Zambia visa 2x2 inches (from USA) Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) printed on high-quality photo paper with no cropping or borders
• Head size and placement: head height (from chin to crown) 25–35 mm (1–1⅜ inches) centered vertically with eyes 28–35 mm (1⅛–1⅜ inches) from bottom edge
• Background color: solid white or off-white with uniform lighting and no shadows, textures, or patterns
• Head orientation: full-face view directly facing camera, both ears visible, no tilt or turn
• Facial expression: neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open and mouth closed
• Lighting and exposure: even front lighting, no red-eye, reflections, glare, overexposure or underexposure
• Attire and accessories: normal daily clothing—no uniforms, camouflage, or headgear unless worn daily for religious reasons (hairline and facial features must remain visible)
• Glasses: no tinted lenses or heavy frames; allowed only if medically necessary with signed doctor’s note and free of glare
• Head coverings: only for religious purposes; must not obscure hairline or cast shadows on face
• Photo quality: sharp focus, fine detail and contrast, no ink marks or creases, printed on photo paper with continuous-tone quality
• Color and finish: color photo (no black-and-white), matte or glossy finish without retouching or digital alterations
• Age-specific requirements: for infants, ensure eyes are open and no toys or pacifiers are visible; background and head positioning rules still apply
• Number of copies: submit two identical photos printed within the last six months, on the same type of paper, with no signs of wear
• Date and labeling: lightly print applicant’s name and date of birth on back of each photo in pencil or felt-tip pen without obscuring image
• Digital submission (if applicable): file in JPEG format, 600 dpi resolution, less than 240 KB, dimensions exactly 600×600 pixels, no compression artifacts

Step-by-Step Process

• Verify official Zambia visa photo specs: confirm you need two identical 2×2-inch (51×51 mm) color photos with a plain white background, full-face view, neutral expression, 80–86% face coverage, and eyes 1 to 1 3/8 inches from bottom edge per Zambia Embassy in Washington, D.C. guidelines.
• Set up your shooting space: choose a room with even, soft lighting (no shadows or glare) facing a smooth white wall or backdrop; place two 45°‐angled light sources at head height to eliminate facial shadows.
• Position and pose the subject: seat the applicant 4 feet from the background, camera at eye level on a tripod 4–6 feet away; have them look directly into the lens, keep a neutral expression with closed mouth, and remove glasses, hats, or accessories.
• Configure your camera or smartphone: select the highest resolution (≥300 dpi), disable flash if external lights are used, set aspect ratio to 1:1, and ensure proper white balance for true skin tones against white.
• Capture multiple shots: take at least five photos to allow for selection; review each for focus (sharp eyes), even lighting, correct framing (top of hair to shoulders visible), and absence of red-eye or shadows.
• Check and crop composition: import the best image into editing software, crop exactly to 2×2 inches, center the head so it covers 1 to 1 3/8 inches of the frame from chin to crown, and verify eyes are positioned 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom edge.
• Adjust color and exposure only if needed: use minimal editing to ensure natural skin tones, no retouching to alter appearance, maintain a clear distinction between the applicant and background, and save the file at 300 dpi.
• Print on quality photo paper: use inkjet or laser printers with dye‐ or pigment-based inks on glossy or matte photo paper, set printer to “photo print” mode, and verify actual print size is exactly 2×2 inches.
• Perform a final quality check: measure printed photo with a ruler, confirm all specifications (size, head position, background, expression) match Zambia visa requirements, and that images are free of spots or creases.
• Label and package correctly: write the applicant’s full name and passport number lightly on the back in pencil, place photos in a sealed plastic sleeve, and include them with your visa application packet per Embassy mailing instructions.

Tips and Best Practices

• Precise Dimensions: Ensure the photo is exactly 2"x2" with head height between 1" and 1⅜" – even a millimeter off can trigger automatic rejection.
• Uniform White Background: Use a plain white backdrop with no shadows, patterns, or gradations – uneven backgrounds are a top reason for visa photo refusals.
• Neutral Expression & Full Face: Maintain a straight face with both eyes open, mouth closed, and no hair covering the brow – facial obstructions or smiles invalidate identity checks.
• No Glasses or Reflections: Remove all eyewear and use diffused lighting to eliminate glare and shadows – glasses reflections obscure your eyes and breach standards.
• Professional Print Quality: Produce a 600 dpi print on matte, high–quality photo paper with no borders – low resolution or glossy finishes often fail embassy scanning requirements.

Conclusion

Conclusion

This Zambia visa photo guide ensures your 2×2-inch (51×51 mm) photo from the USA meets Embassy and Department of Immigration standards:

• Photo dimensions: exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) with square corners
• Head size and position: head height between 1″–1⅜″ (25–35 mm) and centered vertically
• Background: plain, uniform white or off-white with no shadows or patterns
• Image quality: high-resolution color print on matte or glossy photo paper, no pixelation or ink marks
• Facial expression and pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, direct gaze, no head tilt
• Accessories: no hats, head coverings (unless for religious reasons), or tinted/glare glasses; ears visible unless covered for religious purposes
• Lighting: even lighting on face, no shadows, flash reflections or red-eye
• Digital format (if required): .jpg or .jpeg, uncompressed, at least 600 dpi, file size between 10 KB–240 KB

Next Steps

• Measure and crop your photo precisely to 2 × 2 inches, ensuring head and background meet specifications
• Use a professional passport-style photo service or high-quality home printer with proper paper
• Double-check against the latest Zambian Embassy guidelines to avoid rejections
• Submit your compliant photo with your visa application to prevent delays or additional fees

By following these key points, you’ll minimize the risk of photo rejection and keep your Zambia visa application on track.