Applying for a Myanmar visa requires a photo that meets strict government specifications. An incorrect photo is one of the most common reasons for eVisa delays or rejection. This guide covers every requirement – size, format, background, expression rules, and digital upload specifications – so your application goes through on the first try.
Myanmar eVisa Photo Specifications
The Myanmar Ministry of Immigration and Population sets specific photo dimensions for the eVisa application. Here are the official technical requirements:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 38 × 46 mm (3.8 × 4.6 cm) |
| Aspect ratio | 19:23 |
| Head coverage | 70-80% of the photo |
| Chin to top of hair | 33-34 mm |
| Top of hair to photo edge | 3-4 mm |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum (600 DPI recommended) |
| Digital dimensions | 400 × 600 px minimum, 800 × 1200 px maximum |
| File format | JPEG, JPG, or PNG |
| File size | Under 1 MB (under 120 KB preferred) |
| Color | Full color only |
| Background | Plain white or light grey |
| Recency | Taken within the last 3 months |
| Quantity | One photo for eVisa application |
These dimensions apply specifically to the eVisa online application submitted through the official portal at evisa.moip.gov.mm. If you are applying through a Myanmar embassy or consulate, printed photos may follow the standard passport photo size of 35 × 45 mm.
Background Requirements
The background of your Myanmar visa photo must meet these standards:
- Color: Plain white or light grey. No patterns, textures, or objects.
- Shadows: No shadows on the background or on your face. Use even, diffused lighting.
- Contrast: There must be good contrast between your face and the background. If you have light skin, a white background is acceptable. If you have darker skin, light grey works better.
- No borders: Do not include any white border around the photo. Borders will alter the effective dimensions and may cause rejection.
Face and Expression Rules
Myanmar immigration officers check your facial expression and positioning carefully:
- Expression: Neutral. Do not smile, frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows.
- Mouth: Closed. No showing teeth.
- Eyes: Open and clearly visible. Your pupils and irises must be distinguishable.
- Head position: Centered in the frame, facing directly at the camera. No tilting or turning.
- Full face: Your entire face must be visible from chin to hairline. No hair covering your eyes or eyebrows.
- Gaze: Look straight into the camera lens.
Glasses and Head Coverings
Glasses
- Do not wear glasses in your Myanmar visa photo if possible.
- If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure your eyes are fully visible with no glare, no reflections, and no tinted lenses.
- Sunglasses are not allowed under any circumstances.
- Remove glasses before taking the photo to avoid rejection.
Head Coverings
- No hats, caps, or headbands. These are not permitted.
- Religious head coverings (hijab, turban, yarmulke) are allowed if you wear them daily for religious reasons.
- Religious headgear must not obscure any part of your face – forehead, chin, and both ears must be visible.
- If you wear religious headgear, you may need to submit a written explanation confirming daily religious use.
Photo Quality Standards
Your digital photo must be technically sound:
- Sharpness: In focus with no blur, motion artifacts, or pixelation.
- Lighting: Even illumination across the face. No harsh shadows, overexposure, or underexposure.
- Color balance: Natural skin tones. No colour cast from artificial lighting.
- Red eye: No red-eye effect. Avoid using a direct flash.
- No editing: Do not retouch, digitally alter, or filter the photo. No beauty filters or smoothing.
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI. The recommended digital resolution is 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI.
Children and Infant Photo Rules
Special rules apply when submitting photos for children:
- Babies under 1 year: Eyes do not need to be open. The photo must still be a frontal view with clarity.
- Children under 7: Must be the only person in the photo. No toys, bottles, or other people visible.
- Older children: Same requirements as adults – neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, facing the camera.
- Separate application: If your child has their own passport, they need a separate eVisa application with their own photo.
How to Take a Myanmar Visa Photo at Home
You can take a compliant photo at home using a smartphone. Follow these steps:
- Set up lighting. Stand facing a window during daylight hours for even, natural lighting. Avoid direct sunlight that creates harsh shadows.
- Choose a background. Stand against a plain white wall. Move at least 1 meter away from the wall to avoid casting shadows on it.
- Position the camera. Place the camera at eye level, approximately 1.5 to 2 meters from your face. Have someone else take the photo – selfies are not accepted.
- Frame the shot. Your head and shoulders should fill the frame. Leave a small margin above your head and below your chin.
- Check your appearance. Remove glasses. Comb hair away from your face. Wear regular street clothes – no uniforms.
- Take the photo. Look directly at the lens with a neutral expression. Take multiple shots and choose the sharpest one.
- Crop and resize. Use an online tool or photo editor to crop to 38 × 46 mm, adjust the file size to under 1 MB, and save as JPEG or PNG.
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection
Avoid these mistakes that frequently cause Myanmar eVisa applications to be delayed or rejected:
- Wrong dimensions – using passport-size (35 × 45 mm) instead of eVisa-size (38 × 46 mm)
- Photo older than 3 months
- Wearing glasses with glare or tinted lenses
- Background that is not plain white or light grey
- Shadows on the face or background
- Smiling, open mouth, or exaggerated expression
- Hair covering the eyes or eyebrows
- Low resolution or blurry image
- File size exceeding 1 MB
- Wrong file format (e.g., BMP, TIFF, or WebP)
- White border around the photo edges
- Red-eye effect from camera flash
eVisa Photo vs. Passport Photo: What Is the Difference?
Many applicants confuse Myanmar visa photo requirements with passport photo standards. Here is how they differ:
| Feature | Myanmar eVisa Photo | Standard Passport Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 38 × 46 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Usage | Online eVisa application | Physical passport or embassy application |
| Quantity | 1 digital copy | 2 printed copies |
| Background | White or light grey | White, cream, or light grey |
| Recency | Within 3 months | Within 6 months |
| Resolution | 300+ DPI digital | 600 DPI for digital, print-quality paper |
If you are applying for a Myanmar eVisa online, use the 38 × 46 mm specifications. If you are applying at an embassy, the embassy may request standard passport-size prints.
How to Upload Your Photo to the eVisa Application
When you reach the photo upload step in the Myanmar eVisa application on evisa.moip.gov.mm:
- Click the upload button on the photo section of the application form.
- Select your JPEG or PNG file that meets all specifications above.
- The system will validate the file. If the file is too large, compress it before uploading.
- Ensure the photo preview shows your face clearly centered with no cropping issues.
- If the photo is rejected, check the specifications above and re-upload a corrected version.
Digital Photo Tools for Myanmar Visa
Several free and paid tools can help you create a compliant photo:
- Online crop tools – Upload your photo and auto-crop to 38 × 46 mm with correct head positioning.
- Background removal tools – Replace your background with plain white automatically.
- Photo validators – Check your photo against Myanmar visa specifications before uploading.
- Smartphone apps – Passport photo apps let you take and format photos directly on your phone.
Always verify that any tool you use produces photos matching the specifications listed above. Government requirements can change, and third-party tools may not always be updated immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the photo size for Myanmar eVisa application?
The required photo size for a Myanmar eVisa is 38 × 46 mm (3.8 × 4.6 cm). The face should occupy 70-80% of the photograph, with the chin-to-hairline distance measuring 33-34 mm.
What file format should my Myanmar visa photo be in?
Your photo must be in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. Other formats such as BMP, TIFF, GIF, or WebP are not accepted by the eVisa portal.
How recent does my Myanmar visa photo need to be?
The photo must be taken within the last 3 months. Photos older than 3 months may be rejected, even if your appearance has not changed.
Can I wear glasses in my Myanmar visa photo?
It is strongly recommended to remove glasses entirely. If you must wear them for medical reasons, your eyes must be clearly visible with no glare or reflections on the lenses. Sunglasses are never allowed.
What happens if my visa photo is the wrong size?
If your photo does not meet the 38 × 46 mm specification for eVisa applications, your application may be delayed or rejected. You will need to submit a corrected photo before your application can proceed.
Can I use a selfie for my Myanmar visa photo?
No. The photo must be taken by someone else with the camera at eye level. Selfies distort facial proportions and are not accepted.
Is the background colour important for Myanmar visa photos?
Yes. The background must be plain white or light grey. Patterned, coloured, or textured backgrounds will cause rejection. There must be no shadows on the background.
How many photos do I need for a Myanmar visa?
For the online eVisa application, you need one digital photo. If applying at an embassy, you may need two printed copies on high-quality photo paper.
Can babies keep their eyes closed in Myanmar visa photos?
Yes. Babies under 1 year old do not need to have their eyes open. The photo must still be a clear frontal view of the child alone.
What is the maximum file size for a Myanmar eVisa photo upload?
The digital photo file should be under 1 MB. Some sources indicate the portal accepts files up to 3 MB, but keeping the file under 1 MB ensures smooth upload without errors.
