Ethiopia e-Visa photo requirements: exact size and file limits

Ethiopia's e-Visa photo must be 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) in physical size, in color against a plain white background, and no larger than 2 MB as a JPG or PNG file. The head should measure roughly 31.5 to 36 mm from chin to crown, with the top of the head about 3 mm from the top edge of the photo. The photo should be recent, sharp, and free of shadows or heavy compression artifacts.

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The size and file limits

35 x 45 mm is the standard passport-photo size used across several African e-visa portals, but Ethiopia's own spec pairs it with a 2 MB maximum file size and requires a white, pattern-free background. A phone photo straight off the camera is almost always well under that 2 MB ceiling once cropped to the right dimensions, so the more common failure is background or lighting, not file size.

Getting the crop right

Aim for a head height (chin to crown) between 31.5 and 36 mm within the 45 mm tall frame, with a small margin of about 3 mm above the head. Keep the expression neutral, both eyes open and visible, and no head covering unless it is worn daily for religious reasons and your face remains fully visible.

Frequently asked questions

What size photo does Ethiopia's e-visa need?

35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm), with head height between 31.5 and 36 mm from chin to crown.

What is the maximum file size for an Ethiopia e-visa photo?

2 MB, as a JPG or PNG file. Most correctly cropped photos land well under that limit.

Can I use a black and white photo for the Ethiopia e-visa?

No. The photo must be in color and should accurately show your natural skin tone, not a filtered or monochrome image.

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