Colombian Passport, Visa, and Identity Photo Requirements
Getting your Colombian identity documents ready requires specific photo sizes depending on whether you apply for a passport, visa, or identity card. You can prepare these pictures easily using the tool above.
Passport and National ID Photos
The supplied facts list a 40×50 mm passport photo, with no head-height measurement and printed submission[1]. Check the passport authority’s current instructions before submitting it.
For the national identity card, the supplied facts list a 40×50 mm photo and a head height of 35–40 mm, with both printed and digital submission[2]. For a child identity card, they list the same size and head height, with printed submission[3]. Check the relevant instructions for current requirements. Keep your shoulders square and look straight ahead into the camera lens.
Visitor Visas and Foreign Resident Cards
The supplied facts list a 30×40 mm visitor visa photo, with digital submission and no head-height measurement[4]. Check the visa application instructions for current photo requirements. Because digital uploads have strict file size limits, you should check the pixel dimensions and file format before you upload your image.
The supplied facts list a 35×45 mm common photo size for the foreign resident identity card, with printed submission[5]. Confirm the current photo instructions with Migración Colombia. Make sure your face is centered in the frame with plenty of plain background visible around your head and shoulders.
Driving Licences, Protection Permits, and Crew Books
The supplied facts list a common 35×45 mm photo size and printed submission for a Colombian driving licence. Source[6] does not specify those photo requirements; check with the licensing authority.
The supplied facts list a common 35×45 mm size and printed submission for the PPT photo[7]. For the road crew book, they list a 35×45 mm official size and printed submission[8]. Check the application instructions; the cited pages do not establish all of these photo requirements. Double-check your paperwork before heading out to any government appointment.
Checking Your Document Requirements
Because different Colombian documents require different dimensions and submission formats, you must check your specific document type carefully before you start[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Submitting the wrong size or format can cause delays in your application process. Reading the official guidelines saves you time and prevents extra trips.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the listed dimensions for your document. Adjust the crop to center your face.
Practical Steps for Taking Your Photo
To get the best results, stand facing a bright window to capture even natural lighting on your face. Avoid harsh shadows by turning off overhead lights that create dark spots under your eyes or chin. A plain white or light gray wall works best as a background so nothing distracts from your facial features.
Ask a friend or a family member to take the picture for you instead of attempting a blurry selfie. Keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Remove your eyeglasses, keep your hair away from your eyes, and maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple errors when taking ID photos at home, such as wearing uniforms, hats, or tinted glasses. Keep your everyday clothing plain and avoid wearing white tops if your background is also white, otherwise your shoulders will blend into the wall.
Another frequent mistake is tilting your head or smiling broadly. Official guidelines require a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and looking directly at the lens. Taking multiple test shots helps you find the right posture before you settle on the final picture.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Colombian passport photo?
A Colombian passport photo measures 40×50 mm and is submitted in printed format[1].
What are the head height rules for a cédula digital?
The head height for a national identity card or cédula digital must be between 35 and 40 mm, within a 40×50 mm photo[2].
Are visitor visa photos digital or printed?
Colombian visitor visa photos are submitted in digital format and measure 30×40 mm[4].
What size is required for a Colombian driving licence photo?
A Colombian driving licence photo measures 35×45 mm, which is a common size with no single official size[6].
Do foreign resident identity cards have a set head height?
The head height is not set for the foreign resident identity card photo, which measures 35×45 mm[5].
Can I smile in my Colombian ID photo?
Official rules generally require a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes looking straight ahead[2].