Burkina Faso Passport Photo

Burkina Faso Passport Photo -- DGPN Requirements for Burkinabe Travelers

Burkina Faso's passport system operates under the Direction Generale de la Police Nationale (DGPN), which manages civil identity documents through its Service des Passeports. Passport applications are processed at the Direction de la Surete de l'Etat in Ouagadougou and at regional police commissariats in Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, Ouahigouya, and other cities. Burkina Faso introduced ECOWAS biometric passports aligned with the Economic Community of West African States format, replacing the older machine-readable booklets. These ECOWAS passports facilitate movement within the 15-member West African bloc and store facial biometric data on an embedded chip, making accurate photo compliance a prerequisite for border system compatibility.

The DGPN and police services provide application information through regional offices and at police.gov.bf. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres) oversees consular passport services for Burkinabe citizens abroad. Passport processing in Burkina Faso can take several weeks -- sometimes 4-8 weeks for standard applications -- and photo non-compliance is among the leading causes of delays and resubmission requests. Burkinabe citizens abroad apply through consulates, primarily in Paris, Abidjan, Accra, and Washington, D.C.

Photo Dimensions and Technical Specifications

Print format:

• 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height from chin to crown: 28-34 mm
• Face centred in the frame with even spacing on left and right
• Eye line positioned roughly in the horizontal middle of the image
• 3-5 mm clearance above the top of the head

Background:

• White only -- the ECOWAS biometric format requires a white background across all member states
• Uniform illumination with no shadows, gradients, or visible texture
• No objects, patterns, or other people behind the subject
• Strong contrast between the background and the applicant's hair and clothing

Print quality:

• Photo-quality paper -- not regular office paper
• Matte or semi-glossy finish
• Sharp image with no blur, graininess, or visible compression artifacts
• True colour rendering with no oversaturation or colour casts

Pose, Expression, and Face Visibility

• Neutral expression -- lips together, no smile, no frown
• Both eyes open and looking straight at the camera
• Face perfectly frontal with no rotation or head tilt
• Full face from chin to hairline visible without obstruction
• Both ears visible -- hair pulled back or arranged so ears are not covered
• No squinting, closing of one eye, or heavy-lidded expressions

Rules Specific to Burkina Faso

Head coverings and traditional dress: Burkina Faso's population is approximately 60% Muslim, and many women and some men wear head coverings daily. The passport office permits religious head coverings (hijab, turban) in photos, provided the full face from forehead to chin remains visible and the covering does not create any shadow on the face. Traditional Burkinabe head wraps (foulards) worn for cultural rather than religious reasons are generally not permitted.

Glasses: Burkina Faso does not allow glasses in biometric passport photos. Remove all eyewear before the photo is taken -- prescription frames, reading glasses, and sunglasses alike.

Skin tone and lighting balance: The DGPN's photo guidelines emphasise proper lighting for subjects with darker complexions. The photo must show clear facial features with visible contrast between skin tone and the white background. Studios in Ouagadougou are experienced with this; if taking photos at home, use multiple light sources positioned at 45-degree angles to illuminate the face evenly.

Scarification and facial features: Some Burkinabe ethnic groups practise traditional facial scarification. These marks are considered identifying features and must be clearly visible in the passport photo. Do not obscure them with makeup or photo retouching.

Digital retouching: The biometric enrollment process captures a live facial image that is compared to the submitted photo. Any digital alterations -- skin smoothing, face reshaping, or filter effects -- will be detected through the comparison and cause rejection.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou studios (studio photo): Photo studios are concentrated along Avenue Kwame Nkrumah, near the central market (Grand Marche), and around the Zone du Bois neighbourhood. These studios handle passport photos daily and understand ECOWAS biometric requirements. Pricing: 500-2,000 XOF for a set of 4-6 photos. Studios near the Direction de la Surete de l'Etat are the most reliable for compliance.

Bobo-Dioulasso: The country's second-largest city has photo studios along Avenue de la Revolution and near the central market. Expect 500-1,500 XOF per set. Ask for "photo d'identite biometrique" (biometric identity photo) to ensure the correct format.

Regional towns: In Koudougou, Ouahigouya, Banfora, Kaya, and other regional centres, small photography shops near government offices offer passport photo services. Prices range from 300-1,000 XOF. Quality can be inconsistent -- verify the background is pure white and the print is sharp before accepting.

Market photographers: Itinerant photographers who operate near municipal offices and markets provide basic passport photos, sometimes using portable white backdrops. These are the most affordable option (200-500 XOF) but quality is variable. Inspect the prints carefully.

Burkinabe diaspora: Citizens in Paris, Abidjan, Accra, or Rome should use local photo studios and specify "35x45mm, fond blanc, photo biometrique" (white background, biometric photo). French photo booths (Photomaton) produce compliant 35x45mm output by default.

ECOWAS Passport and Regional Compatibility

The ECOWAS biometric passport issued by Burkina Faso follows a harmonised format across all 15 member states (including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, and Mali). The photo specifications are consistent across the bloc:

• 35 x 45 mm dimensions
• White background
• Biometric facial data stored on chip
• No glasses, neutral expression, frontal face

This means a photo compliant with Burkina Faso's requirements will also satisfy the format used by other ECOWAS nations. However, each country's passport office may enforce minor variations in strictness -- Burkina Faso's DGPN tends to be moderately strict compared to, for example, Ghana's passport service.

Child and Baby Passport Photos

Children of all ages need individual ECOWAS passports for international travel.

Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby face-up on a white cloth and photograph from above. Only the baby should be visible -- no hands, blankets, or toys. For infants under 6 months, partially closed eyes are accepted. The baby's head must be correctly proportioned in the 35x45mm frame.

Young children (1-5 years): Seat the child in front of a white backdrop. A parent can support from behind if entirely hidden from the camera. Both eyes open, neutral face. Studios in Ouagadougou's central district have experience with children.

Children (6 and older): Full adult specifications apply. Ears visible, no glasses, neutral expression, white background, 35x45mm.

Common Rejection Reasons at Burkinabe Passport Offices

1. Head covering casting shadows -- loosely draped scarves that create shadow across the forehead or cheeks
2. Glasses worn in photo -- applicants unaware of the glasses prohibition
3. Background not white -- cream or off-white backgrounds, or blue backdrops from older ID photo conventions
4. Low print quality -- photos printed on regular paper instead of photo paper, resulting in faded or pixelated images
5. Face not centred or head too small -- incorrect framing that places the face off-centre or leaves too much empty space
6. Cultural head wrap worn by non-religious reason -- decorative foulards that do not qualify for the religious exemption

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Burkina Faso use the ECOWAS biometric passport? A: Yes. Burkina Faso issues the ECOWAS biometric passport, which is standard across the 15 Economic Community of West African States member countries. The photo requirements are harmonised across the ECOWAS format.

Q: Can I wear a hijab or turban in my Burkinabe passport photo? A: Yes, if it is worn for religious reasons. The full face must remain visible with no shadows. Cultural or decorative head wraps that are not part of religious observance are not permitted.

Q: Are glasses allowed? A: No. Burkina Faso prohibits all glasses in biometric passport photos, including prescription frames.

Q: How many photos are required for a passport application? A: Four identical photos are typically required. Bring extras as insurance against rejection.

Q: How much do passport photos cost in Ouagadougou? A: Studios charge 500-2,000 XOF per set. Market photographers offer photos for 200-500 XOF but with less consistent quality.

Q: What currency is used for passport fees in Burkina Faso? A: The West African CFA franc (XOF), which is used across the eight UEMOA member states in West Africa.