Osaretin Osadebamwen
The US Mission in Nigeria has cautioned passport applicants against submitting photographs edited with artificial intelligence or any digital enhancement tools, warning that such images will be rejected outright.
In a public advisory posted on its official X handle on Friday, the mission reiterated that all passport photos must be authentic, recent, and a true reflection of the applicant’s current physical appearance.
The embassy made it clear that applicants must refrain from using AI-powered applications, filters, or any form of digital retouching when capturing their passport photographs.
“Reminder! Do NOT use AI or digital editing tools on your passport photo. We will not accept photos that are edited or filtered,” the mission wrote.
It added that passport photographs must have been taken within the last six months and should closely resemble the applicant to enable easy identification by U.S. border officials.
“Your photo should be recent (taken within the past six months) and look like you (the TSA or CBP agent must be able to tell it’s you),” the statement said.
The mission further warned that submitting a digitally enhanced image could cause significant delays in processing passport applications.
“Submitting a digitally enhanced photo will significantly delay your application.”
Applicants were also directed to the U.S. Department of State’s passport photo guidelines for more information on the required standards.
