Mexican Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines
Learn the official rules for a Mexican passport photo, including size, background, and when you need to provide your own printed copy.
How the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores Takes Passport Photos
SRE guidance says a photo is requested only in listed exceptions[1][2]. The listed guidance does not specify how photos are taken in the standard process.
SRE guidance says a photo is required only in listed exceptions and describes it as passport-sized, without giving precise dimensions[2]. Check with your SRE office about the requirements for your exception.
If an exception applies, check SRE’s instructions for that case before preparing a photo[2].
SRE says it requests two passport-size photos exceptionally[1]. Check the instructions for your application to see whether you need to bring photos.
Official Size and Head Measurements
SRE describes the photos as passport-sized but does not give exact dimensions or head measurements[2]. Ask the office handling your case what size to provide.
Ask the office handling your case how the photo should be framed before printing it.
The SRE does not publish exact dimensions or head measurements for these photos[1][2]. Ask the office handling your case what size and framing it requires.
Background Color and Lighting Setup
For listed photo-delivery exceptions, SRE guidance requires a color photo with a white background[2].
To get clean lighting at home, stand facing a window so natural light falls evenly across your face without creating harsh shadows. Ask someone else to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself to keep the angle straight. Keep the camera at your eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from your face, to prevent any lens distortion.
Turn off flash if it creates harsh shadows on the white wall behind you. Natural daylight from the front gives the most accurate skin tones and avoids hot spots on your forehead.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
For the listed photo-delivery exceptions, SRE says the photo must be front-facing[2]. The cited guidance does not specify an expression or mouth position.
For listed photo-delivery exceptions, SRE says not to wear glasses and to have your head uncovered[2].
The cited guidance does not specify an expression or mouth position. For listed photo-delivery exceptions, it says not to wear glasses[2].
Preparing Your Print for Exceptions
If a listed exception applies, check with SRE about how to provide the photo[2]. Its guidance does not specify a 35 by 45 millimeter print layout.
SRE’s guidance does not specify a print layout[2]. Check with the office handling your case before printing a photo.
Use matte or glossy photo paper of good quality if you print at home. Check that your printer is set to high quality so the image is sharp and clear without ink dots.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
For listed photo-delivery exceptions, SRE says not to wear glasses[2]. The cited guidance does not list expression-based refusal reasons.
For listed photo-delivery exceptions, SRE specifies a white background[2]. It does not provide lighting or head-measurement rules in the cited guidance.
SRE specifies a white background for listed photo-delivery exceptions[2]. Its cited guidance does not list shadows or framing as reasons for refusal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need to bring a passport photo to my appointment?
What background color is required for Mexican passport photos?
SRE guidance states that the background must be white for listed photo delivery exceptions[2].
Can I wear my prescription glasses in the photo?
For listed photo-delivery exceptions, SRE says not to wear glasses[2].