For travelers
Kenya eTA photo: how to take one that passes review
The answer
Verified 30 October 2026What photo does a Kenya eTA need?
A Kenya eTA needs a selfie or passport-type photo of the traveler, according to the official portal. It gives no further specifications, so follow passport-photo practice: a recent, sharp, evenly lit photo of your face, looking at the camera, against a plain light background, with nothing covering your face.
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TL;DR
- Officially: a selfie or passport-type photo. Nothing more is specified.
- Make it recent, sharp and evenly lit, face to camera, plain light background.
- Every traveler needs their own photo, children included.
What the portal asks for
The official requirement is short: a selfie or passport-type photo. There are no published rules on size, background or expression, which is why it's easy to get wrong. A photo that uploads isn't necessarily one a reviewer can use, as the common reasons for refusal show.
How to take one that works
- Stand facing a plain, light-coloured wall, about an arm's length from the camera.
- Use daylight from in front of you, not behind, so there are no shadows on your face.
- Look straight at the camera with your whole face visible: no sunglasses, hats or hair over your eyes.
- Keep it sharp: hold the phone steady and don't zoom in.
- Use the original photo file, not a screenshot or a photo of a printed picture.
For children
Every traveler, including babies and children, needs their own eTA and their own photo. For a baby, lay them on a plain light sheet and take the photo from above, so their face is clear and evenly lit.
The photo is one of several documents; the full documents checklist covers the rest. When you're ready, start your checklist and upload it.