US warns Nigerians against AI-edited passport photos

The United States Mission in Nigeria has warned intending travellers against using artificial intelligence or digital editing tools on their passport photographs. The mission said such photos would not be accepted for visa applications.

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.

The advisory comes amid a broader push by the US authorities to curb the use of AI-manipulated images in official documentation, as facial recognition systems used by border agencies increasingly rely on unaltered, high-fidelity photographs to verify travellers’ identities.

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