Photo Requirements for Mexican Visa

Overview

If you are applying for a Mexican visa, submitting a compliant photograph is mandatory. The Mexican visa photo rules cover size, background, facial position and expression, technical image quality, allowed accessories, and special cases (for example, newborns). Non-compliant photos can delay or cause rejection of your visa application.

Required size and format

  • Photo size: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.38 in x 1.77 in).
  • Color: the photo must be in color.
  • File format (for digital submission): JPEG.
  • Printed photos should be on high-quality photographic paper.

Background and lighting

  • Background must be plain, light-colored and free of patterns or shadows. The source states white or light grey as acceptable; white or light blue is also mentioned as preferred.
  • Lighting should be even across the face and background with no harsh shadows or reflections.

Head position, framing and proportions

  • Face and shoulders must be centered and facing the camera directly (head straight, not tilted).
  • Eyes should be looking straight ahead.
  • The head size must be between 25 mm and 35 mm measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • The face should occupy about 70–80% of the photograph.

Facial expression and visibility

  • Maintain a neutral expression with mouth closed.
  • Eyes must be open and clearly visible.
  • No smiling, frowning, or expressions that might be interpreted as aggressive or fearful.

Glasses, headwear and accessories

  • Glasses: Generally not recommended. If worn, they must be prescription (not tinted) and must not obscure the eyes; eyes must remain clearly visible. Avoid reflections on lenses.
  • Headwear: Only allowed for religious or medical reasons. If headwear is worn for such reasons, it must not obscure any part of the face and must not cast shadows. Headscarves are acceptable only if the full face is visible.
  • Do not wear headphones, wireless hands-free devices or similar items. Hearing aids and similar medical devices are acceptable if they do not obscure the face.
  • Avoid uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform (unless religious/medical reasons apply).

Technical image quality: resolution and file size

  • The source includes two resolution references: a minimum of 200 dpi for a digital photo and a separate requirement of at least 300 dpi for high-resolution images. To meet both statements, use at least 300 dpi.
  • Maximum digital file size: 240 KB.
  • Digital photos must be in JPEG format.

Print requirements

  • If submitting printed photos, print on high-quality photographic paper. The printed photo must match the 3.5 x 4.5 cm size and other composition rules.

Recency

  • The photo must be recent — taken within the last 6 months.

Newborn and infant photos

  • Use a plain white or light-colored background.
  • Ensure even lighting without harsh shadows; avoid flash that creates reflections.
  • Position baby facing forward with the head centered; eyes should be open and looking ahead if possible.
  • No hands, objects or blankets covering the face; make sure face is clearly visible.
  • Dress the baby in light-colored clothing that contrasts with the background.
  • Take the photo when the baby is calm (after feeding or napping) to increase chances of a usable image.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Wrong size or incorrect cropping (photo must be 3.5 x 4.5 cm and not distorted).
  • Non-compliant background (patterns, textures, shadows, or busy scenes).
  • Poor lighting or shadows on the face.
  • Head tilted or not centered; eyes not looking directly at camera.
  • Expression other than neutral (smiling broadly, frowning, etc.).
  • Wearing tinted glasses, sunglasses, hats or headphones.
  • Using an old photo (older than 6 months).
  • Digital photo over the 240 KB file size or not in JPEG format.
  • Low resolution—use at least the higher stated value (300 dpi) to be safe.

Practical, step-by-step preparation checklist

1. Find a plain white, light-grey or light-blue background and ensure even lighting.

2. Use a high-resolution camera (set to at least 300 dpi if possible) and save as JPEG.

3. Position yourself square to the camera with head straight and shoulders visible. Look directly into the lens.

4. Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open.

5. Make sure head from chin to crown measures between 25 mm and 35 mm in the final photo and that the face occupies ~70–80% of the image.

6. Remove non-permitted accessories; only wear religious/medical headwear if necessary and ensure it doesn’t obscure the face.

7. Check image size: final JPEG must not exceed 240 KB. If printed, print on high-quality photographic paper at 3.5 x 4.5 cm.

8. Verify the photo is recent (within 6 months) and unaltered/unedited.

How to validate your photo before submission

  • Measure printed photo: confirm 3.5 x 4.5 cm dimensions.
  • Measure head size on the print (chin to crown should be 25–35 mm).
  • Inspect background for shadows or patterns.
  • Confirm eyes are fully visible and no reflections from lenses.
  • Check file properties of digital image: JPEG, resolution (prefer 300 dpi), and file size ≤ 240 KB.
  • Ensure the photo was taken within the past 6 months.

Practical tips to avoid common pitfalls

  • When using eyeglasses, remove them if possible; if not, ensure lenses are not tinted and there are no reflections.
  • Use two light sources placed at 45-degree angles to reduce shadows.
  • Stand 1–2 meters from the background to avoid background shadows.
  • Take multiple shots to choose the best compliant one.
  • If in doubt about resolution or file size, save a high-resolution image and use simple resizing tools that preserve JPEG quality to meet the 240 KB limit.

Final reminders

  • Mexico’s photo rules include specific technical and composition requirements — follow both the size/format and visual composition rules.
  • Because the source text lists a couple of overlapping technical values (200 dpi and 300 dpi), use the stricter (300 dpi) to avoid rejection.
  • Always check the embassy/consulate instructions at the time of application in case of updates, and prepare multiple compliant copies (digital and printed) to avoid delays.