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The Challenge
Chile uses an unusual 45×45mm square passport photo format—different from both the EU 35×45mm and US 2×2 inch standards. Head height must be exactly 27mm (60% of frame). Many photo services produce wrong dimensions because they confuse Chilean requirements with other standards. Wrong size = rejection and resubmission delays at Registro Civil or consulate.
Chile uses a square 45×45mm format—not EU or US standard
- Chile passport: 45×45mm square—NOT EU 35×45mm or US 2×2 inch (51×51mm)
- Chile visa: 50×50mm square—different from passport, see Chile visa photo tool
- Using EU or US passport photos will result in rejection
- In Chile, Registro Civil captures your photo digitally—this tool is for consular applications abroad and consular file photos
Chilean passport photo requirements
Chilean passports issued since 2013 are biometric documents following ICAO standards, manufactured by the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación. When applying at consulates abroad, applicants must provide passport-sized photos (45×45mm) with white background, colour, facing camera with neutral expression. The face must be centred and the head height from chin to crown of hair must be approximately 27mm—60% of the frame height. Photos must represent current appearance and be taken within the last 6 months. While the Registro Civil captures photos digitally at offices within Chile, consulates abroad require physical photos for consular registration files.
Chile passport photo requirements checklist
- 45×45mm square dimensions (NOT 35×45mm EU or 51×51mm US)
- White background with no shadows or patterns
- Head height approximately 27mm (60% of 45mm frame)
- 7.5mm space from top of photo to top of hair
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and fully visible
- No glasses unless medically required (no tinted lenses, no glare)
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions with face visible chin to forehead)
- Colour photo—black and white not accepted
- 1063×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for print quality
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons
- Using EU 35×45mm or US 51×51mm format instead of required 45×45mm
- Head height not 27mm—too large or too small in frame
- Shadows on face or white background
- Wearing glasses (glare or frames covering eyes)
- Photo older than 6 months—does not reflect current appearance
- Non-white background or patterned background
- Not facing camera directly—head tilted or rotated
- Wearing uniform (military, police, hospital, etc.)
- Photo taken in vending machine booth (not accepted by Chilean authorities)
Applying at Chilean consulates abroad
Chilean passports and cédulas de identidad are manufactured in Chile and take approximately 5–8 weeks to be received at the consulate. Applicants must appear in person with valid cédula de identidad (or request both documents simultaneously). While some consulates now capture photos digitally on-site, many still require two colour passport-sized photos (45×45mm) for consular registration files. Check with your specific consulate before your appointment. For minors, both parents must be present or provide notarised authorisation.
How to print Chile passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (matte or glossy accepted). Available at most stationery stores.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for multiple 45×45mm photos per sheet.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 45×45mm square. Use ruler to confirm both dimensions are equal.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '45×45mm square format on photo paper'—emphasise square, as many shops default to rectangular.
Good vs bad Chile passport photo examples
Chile passport photo vs visa photo
Chile passport photos are 45×45mm while Chile visa photos (for foreigners entering Chile) are 50×50mm. Both are square formats with white backgrounds, but dimensions differ. You cannot use a passport photo for a visa application or vice versa. If applying for a Chilean visa, use the dedicated Chile visa photo tool with 50×50mm dimensions.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting—no direct flash
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred
- For infants: eyes not fully open is acceptable
- All other children: eyes must be open, looking at camera
- No other person, hands, toys, or pacifier visible in photo
- Same 45×45mm dimensions and white background required as adults
- Both parents must authorise passport applications for minors
Cost comparison: professional vs DIY
- Photo studio in Chile: CLP $3,000–6,000 (US $3–6) for passport photos
- Photo studio abroad (US/Europe): $10–20 for passport photos
- This tool: Free—download and print at home for cost of paper and ink
- Print at photo shop: $2–5 if you provide file and specify dimensions
- Note: Many international photo services don't stock Chilean 45×45mm templates—DIY avoids this problem
Official Chilean Government Resources
- Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación Official Chilean civil registry—issues passports and cédulas de identidad within Chile
- ChileAtiende - Pasaporte Official government guide to passport requirements and process
- Consulado.gob.cl - Consular Services Chilean consular services portal for Chileans abroad
- Chilean Embassies and Consulates Worldwide Find your nearest Chilean consulate for passport and identity document services
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines (27mm height)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 45×45 mm (square format)
- Resolution
- 1063×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 27 mm (60% of frame)
- Top Margin
- 7.5 mm from top of photo to top of hair
- Background
- White
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Photo paper (matte or glossy)
- Valid For
- Chilean passport, cédula de identidad (consular applications)
Best Practices
- Chile uses square 45×45mm format—confirm dimensions before printing as many services default to rectangular
- Head height must be approximately 27mm—use crop guidelines to position correctly
- White background only—no off-white, grey, or cream accepted
- No glasses unless medically required with documentation
- Vending machine and photo booth photos are rejected by Chilean authorities
- Uniforms are not permitted—wear everyday clothing
- Photos are valid for 6 months—plan your consular appointment within this window
- Within Chile, Registro Civil captures photos digitally—this tool is primarily for consular applications abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Chilean passport photos?
Chilean passport photos are 45×45mm—a square format. This is different from EU standard (35×45mm) and US standard (51×51mm). The square format is specific to Chile and some other Latin American countries.
Can I use EU or US passport photos for Chilean passport?
No. EU photos are 35×45mm rectangular and US photos are 51×51mm square. Chilean passport photos must be exactly 45×45mm. Using wrong dimensions will result in rejection.
What background for Chilean passport photos?
White background only. Official Chilean government requirements specify 'fondo blanco' (white background). Off-white, cream, grey, or coloured backgrounds are not accepted.
Can I wear glasses in Chilean passport photos?
No. Chilean authorities require photos without glasses unless medically necessary. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, they cannot be tinted, must not cause glare, and frames cannot cover your eyes.
Do I need to bring photos to Registro Civil in Chile?
No. When applying within Chile at Registro Civil offices, your photo is captured digitally on-site. This tool is for consular applications abroad where physical photos may be required for consular registration files.
How recent must Chilean passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Photos must reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly (weight, hair), a new photo is required even if less than 6 months old.
Can I use Chilean passport photos for visa applications?
No. Chilean visa photos are 50×50mm while passport photos are 45×45mm. Different documents require different photo dimensions. Use the Chile visa photo tool for visa applications.
Are photo booth or vending machine photos accepted?
No. Chilean authorities explicitly reject vending machine and photo booth photos. Photos must be professionally taken or created with a proper tool that ensures correct dimensions and quality.
What is the pixel resolution for Chilean passport photos?
1063×1063 pixels at 600 DPI for high-quality printing. Minimum acceptable is 531×531 pixels at 300 DPI, but higher resolution is recommended to avoid pixelation.
What's the difference between Chile passport and cédula de identidad photos?
Both use the same 45×45mm square format with white background. One photo set works for both documents. When applying at consulates, both passport and cédula are processed simultaneously if your cédula is expired.