Nigerian e-passports need a 35×45mm digital photo with a pure white background uploaded to the NIS portal — the old blue-backdrop studio photo will be rejected. What your interview requires beyond that varies by US mission (New York, Washington DC, Atlanta).
| Print size | 35×45mm (1.38×1.77 in) |
| Digital upload | Min 413×531px @300 DPI, JPEG |
| Background | Pure white only |
| Head height | 31–36mm chin-to-crown |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
| File size | 100KB–500KB JPEG |
The #1 rejection cause: many Nigerian studios still default to the old blue backdrop from the pre-ePassport era. NIS requires pure white — no exceptions.
Even though some missions take a biometric photo on-site, you must first upload a compliant digital photo to the NIS portal just to book the appointment.
New York skips printed photos entirely. Washington DC wants two prints. Atlanta's checklist asks for one. Check your specific mission before your appointment.
| Requirement | Nigeria (NIS Portal) | US Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm (1.38×1.77 in) | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| Digital minimum | 413×531px @300 DPI | 600×600px min |
| Background | Pure white (strict) | White or off-white |
| Head height | 31–36mm chin-to-crown | 1 to 1 3/8 in (25–35mm) |
| Glasses | Not allowed, no exception | Not allowed; medical exception possible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral or natural smile |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
| Printed photo needed? | Depends on mission (see below) | Only for paper applications |
Note: Some third-party guidance cites a 2×2 inch printed photo for the Atlanta consulate's interview checklist — that's likely referring to the physical copy brought in person, not the 35×45mm digital portal upload. When in doubt, generate both formats.
All applications start on the same NIS portal, but what you need to physically bring differs by mission. Always confirm the digital upload rules apply everywhere — only the printed-photo requirement varies.
Apply on the NIS online portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng), select "abroad" → United States → your processing mission, upload your compliant photo, pay online, then attend an in-person biometric appointment (fingerprinting + photo capture) — required for every applicant regardless of age.
Minors (0–17) and seniors (60+) pay the reduced $77 rate. Fees are set by the Nigerian government and can change without notice — confirm current pricing on your mission's page before paying. A valid National Identification Number (NIN) is required for all applicants.
Minors under 16 require a parents' consent letter. First-time applicants need a guarantor form sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths.
US citizens need a visa to visit Nigeria — there's no visa-free tourist entry. Most applicants use the online Nigeria e-Visa platform.
The e-Visa (short visit) caps stays at 90 days; travel must begin within 30 days of approval. Tourist, business, transit, student, and work visas have different document checklists — confirm yours before applying.
The NIS portal runs automated quality checks — a photo that looks fine to the eye can still fail validation:
The #1 cause. Many studios still use the pre-ePassport blue backdrop. NIS requires pure white only.
Not allowed for biometric capture accuracy. No routine medical exception is published.
Phone camera photos default to wide aspect ratios below the 413×531px minimum — often rejected on upload.
Neutral expression with mouth closed is required; head must be straight and facing the camera directly.
We generate a properly cropped 35×45mm photo with a pure white background — NIS-portal ready, plus a print template if your mission requires a physical copy.
Get Started — $6.99Digital download + print template included. Works for passport and e-Visa applications.