Photo Requirements for Mexican Visa
A correct visa photo is essential for a Mexico visa application; Mexican authorities require photos that meet specific size, background, lighting, expression, and quality rules to avoid delays or rejection .
You can get a compliant Mexico visa photo online in 30 seconds with instant download of a JPG and a print-ready PDF, with acceptance guaranteed or your money back, but you must still follow the exact photo rules below .
Photo size and exact measurements: the required photo size is 35 × 45 mm, the distance from the chin to the top of the hair must be 26 mm, and the space from the top of the hair to the top edge of the photo must be 1.7 mm—these measurements must be respected for acceptance .
Background and color requirements: the background must be plain gray with no shadows or objects behind you, and the photo must be in color (not black and white) so your features are clearly visible .
Recency and number of photos: photos must be recent—taken within the last six months—and you should provide identical photos taken within that period; for online applications one copy of a photo usually suffices, though an embassy or consulate may request more or fewer copies .
Camera distance and framing: keep the distance between the face and camera at 1 to 2 meters (3 to 7 feet) and it’s better if someone else takes the picture so framing and measurements are accurate, with your face positioned straight ahead and centered in the frame .
Head pose and camera position: position your face directly in front of the lens, with the camera at eye level, maintaining a straight posture and not tilting your head so the measurements (chin to hair and top gap) and face orientation are correct .
Lighting and picture quality: ensure even illumination on both sides of your face with no shadows, the photo must be sharp and in focus (no motion or focus blur), without visible pixels or printer dots, and without flash disruption such as red‑eye .
Facial expression rules: keep a neutral facial expression, look straight at the camera, do not smile showing your teeth, and keep your eyes open so pupils and irises are clearly visible in the photo .
Posture and attire guidance: stand straight and wear everyday clothing; if your job requires a uniform daily (e.g., police, nurse), remove it for the photo, and religious attire is permitted only if it does not cover important facial features .
Accessories policy: do not wear hats or head coverings unless you are medically or religiously required to wear them all the time (in which case you must provide a doctor’s statement as proof), do not wear glasses that cover or distort your eyes or cause glare (medically required glasses are allowed if they do not interfere), avoid jewelry that obscures your face, and hearing devices may be worn .
Scanning existing physical photos: you may scan an existing printed photo if you follow rules—scan one photo at a time, scan in color, make sure the scan clearly shows the front and the back, and do not put the photo on another piece of paper when scanning .
Printing requirements: when printing photos for a Mexico visa, use high-quality photo paper and ensure the print preserves the required size, measurements, color, and clarity specified by Mexican authorities .
When to retake a photo: take a new photo if your current photo is older than six months, if you have gained or lost a considerable amount of weight, if you have undergone facial surgery or trauma, changed gender, or removed numerous tattoos or piercings; note embassies may also ask for a new photo if the provided one does not represent your current look .
Common mistakes to avoid: avoid wrong background color or shadows, blurred or pixelated images, incorrect size or measurements, smiling with teeth, tilted head, wearing uniforms or obstructive accessories, glasses glare, and low-quality printing or scanning—any of these can lead to rejection .
Quick pre‑submission checklist (actionable): confirm photo is 35×45 mm; verify chin-to-hair is 26 mm and top gap 1.7 mm; ensure plain gray background with no shadows; confirm color, sharpness, and no red-eye; neutral expression and eyes open; no hats/glasses unless medically/religiously required with proof; remove uniform; print on high-quality paper or upload correct scanned file; submit one identical recent copy for online applications .
Step‑by‑step actionable process to take a compliant photo: 1) set up a plain gray background free of objects, 2) position the camera 1–2 meters away and at eye level, 3) have someone else take the photo to ensure correct framing, 4) use daylight or even lighting to avoid shadows, 5) check measurements (chin to hair 26 mm, top gap 1.7 mm) and overall size 35×45 mm, 6) ensure neutral expression and eyes open, 7) scan or save in color and keep a high-quality digital file or print on quality photo paper for submission .
Troubleshooting tips and final reminders: take photos in daylight to reduce shadows, avoid flash if it causes reflections or red-eye, remove any uniform and obstructive jewelry, confirm medical or religious coverings are supported by documentation when required, and if in doubt use a service that provides an acceptance guarantee to minimize the risk of rejection .
Following these exact photo requirements, measurements, and actionable steps will help ensure your Mexico visa photo complies with Mexican authorities and reduces the chance of application delays or rejection .