Mexico Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A Mexican passport photo must be 35×45 mm (commonly referred to as "4.5×3.5 cm tamaño infantil") on a plain white background. The Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) issues all Mexican passports. The same format generally applies to the INE/IFE voter ID. For US visas processed in Mexico, the US 2×2 inch standard applies.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Mexico Visa (US-style) | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) | |
| Mexico INE/IFE Voter ID | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain white only. No patterns, no shadows, no colored walls. Off-white is sometimes accepted but pure white is the safe choice.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression with mouth closed. Both eyes open and clearly visible. No smiling.
Glasses
Glasses are allowed only with clear, non-tinted lenses and no glare. Sunglasses are not allowed.
Headwear
No headwear except for daily religious wear. The face must be fully visible.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
Digital format
For online appointment systems at Mexican consulates abroad, digital photo uploads are typically supported in JPEG at 35×45 mm.
Country-specific notes
- Mexico uses the size known locally as "tamaño infantil" (4.5×3.5 cm).
- Mexican-issued US visas use the US 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format, not the Mexican domestic size.
- In practice, your photo will often be re-taken at the SRE office during your passport appointment.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Wrong size — many people bring 2×2 inch US-format photos by mistake.
- 2 Background is not pure white.
- 3 Smiling or showing teeth.
- 4 Glasses cause glare on the lenses.
- 5 Photo is older than six months.
- 6 Head tilted or not centered.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Plain white background
Stand 0.5 m from a pure white wall. Diffuse daylight from in front of you, no shadow behind.
Take a centered neutral shot
Camera at eye level, 1.5 m away. Look straight ahead, mouth closed, neutral expression.
Output Mexican format
Photo must be 35×45 mm ("tamaño infantil"). Our app outputs the correct Mexican format and verifies the SRE rules.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Mexican passport photo? +
Can I use a US 2×2 inch photo for a Mexican passport? +
What background should my Mexican passport photo have? +
Can I take a Mexican passport photo at home? +
Does the same photo work for INE? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.