The United States (U.S) Mission in Nigeria issued an advisory to Nigerians applying for visa applications to stop using AI-edited passport photographs.
The U.S diplomatic mission warned that submitting altered or digitally enhanced photographs—even minor retouches—will result in application rejections and significant processing delays.
With the widespread popularity of AI photo generators, face-tuning apps, and automated background removers, many applicants have turned to digital tools to enhance their passport photos.
However, foreign diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Department of State, rely on automated facial recognition software alongside human verification by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
When photos undergo digital modification, facial proportions, skin texture, lighting signatures, or background characteristics change.
The U.S Mission to Nigeria said that this causes automated biometric systems to flag the image as AI-edited passport photos.
In a statement on its official X handle on Saturday, the mission said passport photos must be recent and must clearly resemble the applicant. It added that submitting an altered image would delay the application process.
“Do NOT use AI or digital editing tools on your passport photo. We will not accept photos that are edited or filtered.
“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). Submitting a digitally enhanced photo will significantly delay your application,” the mission said.
The warning was accompanied by a flier reiterating the policy in bold terms.
“Do not use AI or digital editing tools on your passport photo. The Department of State will not accept photos that are edited or filtered.
“Using a digitally enhanced photo will significantly delay your application,” the flier read.
The mission directed applicants to consult the full photo requirements on the State Department’s website, travel.state.gov/photo.
