DRC passport photo rules from the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères and DGM
The Democratic Republic of the Congo passport photo specification is set by the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et de la Francophonie and enforced by the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM). The standard print format is 35×45 mm with a plain white background, a neutral expression, and the head occupying 70 to 80 percent of the frame, all aligned to ICAO Doc 9303 biometric standards.
Since the launch of the new DERMALOG biometric passport on 5 June 2025, applicants inside the DRC have their photo captured live at the enrollment station after online pre-registration at passeport.gouv.cd. Printed photos remain required for consular passport applications, the Tenant-Lieu diaspora document, physical visa filings, and the e-Visa upload at evisa.gouv.cd. The same image specification also governs visa applications at DRC embassies worldwide.
DGM reviewers apply the spec strictly. Photos that miss the head-size band, show a non-neutral expression, leave ears or jawline obscured, or fail the recency window of six months are refused, which sends the applicant back to the start of the queue and delays issuance of the passport.
DRC passport photo rules enforced by the DGM
The Direction Générale de Migration applies strict biometric standards to every passport photograph. The rules below cover what the subject must look like in the final image.
Expression & pose
- Neutral expressionThe face must be neutral. Smiling, frowning, and exaggerated expressions are not accepted.
- Mouth closedLips must rest together in a natural position. Visible teeth, a visible tongue, or pressed and tense lips lead to rejection.
- Eyes openBoth eyes must be fully open with the irises clearly visible. Eyelids may not cover more than a small portion of the iris.
- Direct gazeThe applicant must look straight into the lens. Gaze deviation can fail automated validation at DGM enrollment stations.
- Square head and shouldersThe head must face the camera directly with no tilt or rotation. Shoulders must be level and squared to the camera.
Eyewear & lenses
- EyeglassesThe default DRC rule is sans lunettes. Glasses must be removed unless a signed medical statement is provided, in which case frames must not cover any part of the eyes and there must be no glare on the lenses.
- Tinted lensesTinted lenses and sunglasses are prohibited without exception.
- Contact lensesClear prescription contact lenses are permitted. Cosmetic or colored contact lenses are not accepted.
Hair
- Face and eyebrows visibleHair must not cover the face, eyes, or eyebrows. The full eyebrow line must be visible.
- Bangs and fringesBangs may not touch the eyebrows or cast shadows on the eyes.
- Long hairLong hair must be tied back so that the ears and jawline remain visible.
- Hair accessoriesDecorative clips, bands, ribbons, and similar accessories are not permitted.
Ears
- Both ears visibleBoth ears must be clearly visible. When hair is worn down, it must be tucked firmly behind both ears.
Headwear
- General ruleHeadwear is not permitted in DRC passport photographs.
- Religious and medical exceptionsReligious head coverings are accepted when the full facial oval from chin to forehead remains unobstructed and the fabric does not cast shadows on the face. A signed religious statement may be requested.
- Color of permitted headwearPermitted religious head coverings must be a plain color that contrasts with the white background.
Jewelry & accessories
- EarringsSmall studs are tolerated. Large or dangling earrings are discouraged because of glare on DGM scanners.
- NecklacesNecklaces are permitted only when they do not obscure the neckline or jawline.
- Facial piercingsNose, lip, eyebrow, septum, and labret jewelry must be removed before the photograph is taken.
- Wireless earbuds and headphonesVisible wireless earbuds, Bluetooth earpieces, and headphones are explicitly banned by the DGM.
Cosmetics
- MakeupOnly natural makeup is acceptable. Cosmetics may not alter the natural skin tone or obscure identifying facial features.
- Heavy contouringHeavy contouring is banned because it interferes with biometric facial mapping.
- False eyelashesFalse eyelashes are not accepted when they obscure the natural shape of the eye.
- TattoosPermanent facial tattoos are allowed. Temporary tattoos must be removed before the photograph is taken.
Clothing
- Color of clothingTops must contrast with the white background. White tops are not accepted.
- Neck and collarTurtlenecks, high collars, and thick scarves that encroach on or obscure the jawline are explicitly banned by the DGM.
- UniformsMilitary and law enforcement uniforms are prohibited unless accompanied by official travel orders.
Dimensions, resolution & background.
Head position & camera distance.
- Head height, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, must be between 33 mm and 36 mm (roughly 73–81% of the photo height).
- Eyes must sit between 21 mm and 25 mm from the bottom of the photo.
- The head must be centered horizontally in the frame, with a small symmetrical margin on each side.
- Shoulders must be square to the camera and both visible. No three-quarter angles or rotated torso.
- The full face, from chin to crown, must be inside the frame with proper top margin.
How recent the photo must be.
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last six months. A new photo is required sooner whenever your appearance has changed in a way that makes the old photo no longer recognizable.
You need a new photo if you’ve had…
- Facial surgery or a major change to facial structure
- A significant gain or loss of weight that visibly changes your face
- Large facial tattoos or piercings added or removed
- A gender transition that has changed your appearance
You do not need a new photo just because of…
- A new hair color
- Growing or removing a beard or moustache
- Ordinary, minor aging
- A new hairstyle that still leaves the face fully visible
Photos for infants and young children.
The DGM relaxes several pose and expression rules for the youngest applicants.
Infants (under 12 months)
Infants under one year are allowed a relaxed pose and expression. Older children must follow the standard adult rules.
- ExpressionA neutral expression is not required. The mouth may be open.
- EyesEyes do not need to be fully open. Sleeping infants are accepted.
- Pose toleranceHead yaw and pitch may deviate by approximately 25 degrees from a perfect frontal position.
- Subject alone in frameThe infant must be photographed alone. Hands, parents, toys, and other props may not be visible.
Country-specific details to know.
A few DGM rules are specific enough to the DRC that they deserve special attention.
Wireless device ban
The DRC is one of a small group of countries that explicitly prohibits visible wireless earbuds, Bluetooth earpieces, and headphones in passport photographs. Remove all such devices before the photograph is taken.
Jawline coverage
DGM officers reject photographs where turtlenecks, high collars, or thick scarves encroach on the jawline. Choose a top with a low, open neckline.
Glasses presumed off
Unlike the ICAO default of conditional acceptance, the DRC Embassy guidance specifies sans lunettes. Glasses should be removed unless a signed medical note is supplied at submission.
Photo validity window
Photographs must have been taken within the last six months. Significant changes in appearance such as weight change, new facial tattoos, or gender transition require a fresh photograph regardless of date.
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Print & paper standards.
If you submit a printed photo with a paper application, the print itself has to meet acceptance-facility standards in addition to the rules above.
- High-quality photographic paper with a glossy finish.
- Inkjet and dye-sublimation printing are both accepted.
- No visible pixels, banding, dithering, or printer artifacts.
- The print must be undamaged: no creases, holes, smudges, staples, or pinholes.
- 2 identical prints are required.