The United States Mission in Nigeria has warned visa applicants against using artificial intelligence or digital editing tools to alter their passport photographs.
The mission said such photographs would not be accepted for visa applications, stressing that applicants must submit recent images that accurately represent their appearance.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday, the mission said passport photographs must have been taken within the past six months and should clearly resemble the applicant.
It warned that submitting an edited or digitally enhanced photograph could significantly delay the visa 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 that the US Department of State would not accept passport photographs that had been altered or filtered using AI or other digital editing tools.
The mission advised applicants to consult the full passport photograph requirements on the US Department of State’s website before submitting their applications.
The advisory comes amid growing efforts by US authorities to ensure that photographs used in official travel documents accurately reflect applicants’ identities and can be reliably matched during identity verification processes.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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