Photo PassMake my photo New Zealand visa and NZeTA photo requirements
Check New Zealand online visa and NZeTA photo format, 3:4 ratio, file-size range, face coverage and strict no-editing rules.
Online photo requirements at a glance
Immigration New Zealand requires a natural, recent and unaltered portrait for online visa and NZeTA applications. The file must be JPG or JPEG, use a portrait 3:4 aspect ratio and be between 512 KB and 3.14 MB. The face should cover 70% to 80% of the image and remain centred.
- Aspect ratio
- 3:4 portrait
- File type
- JPG / JPEG
- File size
- 512 KB–3.14 MB
- Face coverage
- 70–80%
Immigration New Zealand explicitly says not to manipulate or enhance the photo with AI or other editing tools. If the original needs extensive repair or background replacement, take a new photograph.
Photo age and authenticity
The portrait must have been taken within the last six months and look like the applicant. Do not photograph an existing printed photo or reuse an image that no longer reflects current appearance.
Turn off automatic beautification and filters in the phone camera. Keep the original file because repeated editing and compression can reduce quality or move the file outside the upload limits.
Face position and expression
Look straight at the camera with the head upright, a neutral expression and the mouth closed. Keep the face in the middle of the frame and ensure it covers 70% to 80% of the image. The eyes must be open and the photo should be sharp.
Hair should not cover the face or ears, except where a religious or medical head covering applies. Such a covering must not hide the mouth or sides of the face.
Background and lighting
Use a plain, neutral background showing no other person, object or pattern. Immigration New Zealand warns that background objects can stop its system from recognising the face.
Keep shadows off both the face and background. The authority suggests standing about 0.5 metres from the background while the photographer stands about 1.5 metres away. This also helps avoid wide-angle distortion.
Glasses and selfies
Clear prescription glasses may be worn if they have no tint, heavy frame, glare or reflection. Removing them is safer when they interfere with the eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
Selfies are difficult to make compliant and are only permitted in the specific NZeTA mobile-app flow described by Immigration New Zealand. For a normal visa photo, ask another person to take the image at eye level.
Online and paper applications are different
| Route | Photo format | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Online visa | JPG/JPEG, 3:4 portrait, 512 KB–3.14 MB | Use the upload feedback and do not digitally alter the photo |
| NZeTA website | One acceptable digital photo | Use the same passport intended for travel |
| NZeTA mobile app | App capture may allow a carefully framed selfie | Phone at eyebrow height, arm extended, good light |
| Paper visa | 35 × 45 mm print | Read the exact paper application form for quantity and handling |
What not to edit
- Do not apply filters, beautification or AI enhancement.
- Do not change brightness, contrast, colour or sharpness.
- Do not reshape the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, eyebrows or face.
- Do not smooth skin or slim the face.
- Do not cut out the head and shoulders to place them on another background.
- Do not digitally remove glasses, jewellery, toys or other objects.
Official source
Read Immigration New Zealand’s current visa and NZeTA photo standards. The upload system and immigration officer determine whether a file is acceptable.
Related visa photo guides
Requirements change by destination, visa category and submission channel. Use the guide for the exact application you are preparing.
Prepare the photo after checking the rules
Photo Pass can frame and export the image for this preset in your browser. It does not submit an application or guarantee that an authority will accept the photo.
Prepare a New Zealand visa photo