Mexico Visa Photo Requirement for 2025
Photo Requirements for Mexican Visa
Your Mexico visa photo must meet specific size, format, quality and composition rules to avoid delays or rejection of your application, so follow each guideline carefully before submitting your photograph .
The required physical photo size is 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.38 in x 1.77 in) and the image must be in color on a plain light-colored background, printed on high-quality photographic paper when submitting a print copy .
Digital photos are accepted but must meet technical specifications: the file must be in JPEG format and one section of the source indicates a digital image should be at least 200 dpi while the technical requirements list a minimum of 300 dpi and a maximum file size of 240 KB, so ensure your digital file is JPEG, high resolution and under 240 KB .
Head positioning must be straight and centered with the face looking directly at the camera; technical guidance specifies the head size should be between 25 mm and 35 mm measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head .
The applicant’s face should occupy about 70–80% of the photograph so that facial features are clear and easily identifiable in the image .
Facial expression must be neutral with the mouth closed and both eyes open and visible, avoiding smiles, frowns, or any expression that could be misinterpreted as aggressive or fearful .
Backgrounds must be plain, free of patterns and shadows, and light-colored—white or light grey/light blue are acceptable—to ensure contrast and clarity of the facial image .
Glasses are allowed only if they are prescription and not tinted, and the eyes must remain fully visible; headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons and must not obscure any part of the face .
Remove headphones, wireless devices, sunglasses, and other accessories that obstruct the face; normal street clothing is recommended and uniforms should be avoided except for religious or medical reasons as specified by the guidelines .
Ensure good lighting with even illumination across the face and background to avoid glare, shadows, or reflections; avoid harsh flash that can create hotspots or wash out features .
Photos must be recent (no more than six months old) so that they accurately represent your current appearance, and images must not be digitally altered or retouched in any way that changes your natural features .
For newborns and infants, use a plain white or light-colored background, position the baby facing forward with the head centered and eyes open if possible, avoid obstructions such as hands or toys, and ensure even lighting without harsh shadows or reflections from flash .
Common mistakes that cause rejection include wrong size or crop, non-white or patterned backgrounds, shadows on the face, tilted head or non-neutral expression, tinted glasses or obstructive headwear, low resolution or excessive file size, and submitting an old or retouched photo .
Practical step-by-step checklist: 1) Use a plain light background; 2) Face camera squarely with neutral expression; 3) Ensure head size is 25–35 mm and face fills ~70–80% of frame; 4) Use good, even lighting and high-resolution capture; 5) Save as JPEG and confirm file size is under 240 KB for digital submissions; 6) Print on high-quality photographic paper for physical copies .
Actionable tips for preparation: wear normal clothing that contrasts with the background, pull hair away from the face so ears are visible, remove non-essential jewelry and glasses (unless prescription and non-tinted), check camera resolution settings, and take multiple shots to select the best compliant image .
How to validate your photo before submission: measure the printed photo to ensure it is 3.5 x 4.5 cm, verify head measurement (chin to crown) is between 25–35 mm, confirm no shadows or patterns in the background, check that the expression and eyes match requirements, and ensure digital files are JPEG and below 240 KB if submitting electronically .
If your photo does not comply, expect requests for re-submission which can delay processing and increase cost, so follow the guidelines precisely and double-check both printed and digital specifications before sending .
Always check for updates because requirements can change; verify the most current technical and composition rules before you prepare or upload your photo to avoid avoidable delays to your Mexico visa application .