Mexican Passport Photo Requirements — Complete Guide 2026

Country guide · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Last verified: February 2026

Mexican passport photos use a 35×45 mm format with a white background — standard for most of Latin America. Visa photos use a different size. This guide covers both, plus what to know if you're applying at a Mexican consulate in the US.

Quick facts


Passport size	35×45 mm
Visa size	39×31 mm or 35×45 mm (varies by consulate)
Background	Plain white
Head height	30–36 mm (chin to crown)
Photos required	2
Recency	Within 6 months
Glasses	Not permitted
Source	consulmex.sre.gob.mx

Passport photo specifications

Size and dimensions

Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Head height: 30–36 mm from chin to crown
Face centred in the frame
Shoulders visible in the photo

Background

Plain white. Uniform, shadow-free, no patterns or textures. Good contrast between face and background — avoid white or very light clothing.

Expression and appearance

Expression: neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
Eyes: both open, looking directly at camera
Head position: straight, facing camera directly, no tilt
Glasses: not permitted
Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons (requires supporting documentation). Full face must be visible.
Clothing: everyday attire. No uniforms. Dark or coloured clothing recommended against white background.

Quality

Full colour only — black and white not accepted
Sharp, in focus, no blur or pixelation
Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
Printed on professional photo paper
No digital retouching, filters, or beauty enhancements

Mexican visa photo — different size

Mexican visa photo specifications vary by consulate and visa type. The most common:

Size: 39×31 mm (for many consulate visas in the US)
Some consulates accept 35×45 mm
Background: white

Always confirm the required size with the specific Mexican consulate handling your application before getting photos taken.

Applying at a Mexican consulate in the US

Mexican consulates in the US handle passport renewal and visa applications for Mexican nationals and foreign nationals seeking Mexican visas. Key things to know:

For Mexican passport renewal: 35×45 mm, white background, 2 photos. The consulate does not take photos on-site — bring your photos.

For Mexican visa applications: Photo size requirements can vary. The consulate general in Boston, for example, specifies 39×31 mm or 2×2 inches for visa photos. Check the specific consulate's website for your jurisdiction.

Major Mexican consulates in the US:

New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, San Francisco, Boston, and others

Mexican nationals in the US can typically use any US photo lab for passport photos — confirm the 35×45 mm format rather than the US 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format.

Child passport photos

Same 35×45 mm size applies to all ages.

Child must be alone in the photo — no hands, arms, or other people visible
Infants who cannot sit up: photograph lying on a plain white surface
Children: neutral expression preferred; very young children have more flexibility
Same white background and quality requirements apply

Common rejection reasons

Wrong size — using 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) US format instead of 35×45 mm
Background not white — off-white, patterned, or with shadows
Glasses — not permitted
Non-neutral expression — smiling or open mouth
Head size outside acceptable range
Photo older than 6 months
Digital editing or filters detected
Clothing too similar to background colour

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Mexican passport photo?

35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Head height 30–36 mm from chin to crown.

Is a Mexican passport photo the same as a US passport photo?

No. Mexico uses 35×45 mm; the US uses 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). These are different sizes. Using a US-format photo for a Mexican passport application will cause rejection.

What background colour for a Mexican passport photo?

Plain white. No off-white, no cream. Uniform and shadow-free.

Can I wear glasses in a Mexican passport photo?

No. Glasses are not permitted. Remove all glasses for the photo. Medical exceptions require a doctor's written statement.

Can I get a Mexican passport photo at CVS or Walgreens?

Yes, but you must specify 35×45 mm — not the US 2×2 inch format. Some locations may not have this option. Alternatively, use PixID ($4.99) to generate a correctly sized file and print at any photo lab.

What size is a Mexican visa photo?

Varies by consulate. Common sizes: 39×31 mm or 35×45 mm. Check the specific Mexican consulate website for your jurisdiction before getting photos taken.

How many photos do I need for a Mexican passport application?

Two identical photos, 35×45 mm.

How recent must a Mexican passport photo be?

Within the last 6 months, reflecting current appearance.