Nepal Passport Photo Requirements (2026)
Planning to apply for or renew a Nepal passport in 2026? Getting your passport photo right the first time saves you from costly delays at the Department of Passports office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. This complete guide covers every official requirement you need to know โ from photo dimensions and background color to facial expression and print quality.
Photo Size and Dimensions
The official Nepal passport photo size is 35 mm ร 45 mm (3.5 cm ร 4.5 cm), equivalent to approximately 1.37 ร 1.77 inches. At a resolution of 600 DPI (dots per inch), this translates to 413 ร 531 pixels. Photos that do not meet these exact dimensions will be rejected at the time of application. You are typically required to submit four (4) identical copies of the photo with your application.
Background Requirements
Your Nepal passport photo must have a plain white or very light grey background with no patterns, textures, shadows, or gradient effects. The background must be uniform throughout the entire image. Any shadows falling on the background from the subject will result in automatic rejection. Make sure the background is well-lit and clearly distinguishable from your face and hair.
Head Size and Positioning
The head โ measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin โ must occupy between 70% and 80% of the total image height. Your face must be centered within the frame, looking directly at the camera. The head must not be tilted, turned, or rotated in any direction. Both ears should ideally be visible. The top of the shoulders should also be included at the bottom of the frame to provide proper context and proportions.
Facial Expression and Eyes
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, or any exaggerated expression is not allowed. Both eyes must be fully open, clearly visible, and looking directly at the camera. Your eyes should be positioned within the upper half of the photo, roughly between 50% and 65% of the image height from the bottom. Blinking or partially closed eyes are grounds for rejection.
Photo Quality and Technical Standards
The photo must be in full color โ black-and-white photos are not accepted. The image must be sharp, in focus, and free from pixelation or blurring. There must be no digital alterations, retouching, filters, or color corrections applied. Lighting must be even across the face with no harsh shadows, hot spots, or glare. The print must be on high-quality photo paper โ glossy or matte โ and the colors must be true to life. For digital submissions, the file format should be JPEG, and the file size should ideally remain under 300 KB.
Clothing and Accessories
Wear your everyday clothing for the photo. Uniforms, costumes, or clothing that resembles any official or military attire is strictly prohibited. Hats and head coverings are generally not allowed, with the only exceptions being those worn for documented religious or medical reasons โ in which case a signed statement from a religious authority or a doctor must accompany the application. Eyeglasses may only be worn if required for medical purposes (with documentation); otherwise, they must be removed. Sunglasses are never permitted under any circumstances. Jewelry and small facial accessories are allowed as long as they do not obscure or cast shadows on any part of your face.
Photo Recency
Nepal passport photos must be taken within the last six months of the application date. Photos that are older than six months are considered outdated and will not be accepted. This ensures that the photo accurately reflects the applicant's current appearance.
ePassport vs. MRP Applications
As of 2026, Nepal's Department of Passports has largely transitioned to issuing ePassports (biometric passports) at the central office in Kathmandu. Some District Administration Offices (DAOs) in remote regions may still process Machine Readable Passport (MRP) applications. The photo requirements are identical for both document types: 35 ร 45 mm on a white background at high resolution.
Common Reasons for Rejection
The most frequent reasons Nepal passport photos are rejected include: shadows on the background or face, incorrect head size proportions, photo older than six months, background color that is not plain white or light grey, digital enhancements or retouching, poor print quality from low-resolution studio prints, and wearing non-permitted accessories such as sunglasses or hats.
Tips for a Perfect Nepal Passport Photo
Use even, diffused natural lighting or a professional studio setup. Position yourself approximately one metre from the camera. Have someone else take the photo โ selfies are not acceptable for official passport applications. Use a tripod for the camera to avoid motion blur. Always verify your photo against the official dimensions and head-size ratios before submitting your application at the Department of Passports.