US embassy warns Nigerians against using AI-edited passport photos

The United States Mission in Nigeria has warned Nigerians against using artificial intelligence (AI) or digital editing tools to alter passport photographs submitted for US passport applications, saying such images will be rejected.

In a statement shared on its official X account, the mission stressed that passport photos must be authentic, unfiltered and accurately reflect an applicant's current appearance.

"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 stated.

According to the advisory, passport photographs must have been taken within the last six months and should closely resemble the applicant to enable officials of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to verify their identity without difficulty.

"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 added.

The US Mission also cautioned that submitting digitally altered or AI-enhanced passport photographs could lead to delays in processing passport applications.

Applicants were advised to carefully follow the official US passport photo guidelines before submitting their applications to avoid unnecessary delays or rejection.