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The Challenge
Chile visa applications require 50×50mm square photos—different from the 45×45mm passport format. The official consulado.gob.cl specifies '5×5 cm' with full face visible, no glasses, no headwear. Many applicants confuse visa and passport dimensions, causing automatic rejection and resubmission delays.
Chile visa photo is DIFFERENT from Chilean passport photo
- Visa: 50×50mm (5×5 cm) — Passport: 45×45mm (4.5×4.5 cm)
- Both are square formats but different dimensions
- Cannot use passport photo for visa application—sizes don't match
- Official source: consulado.gob.cl specifies 5×5 cm for visa applications
Chile visa photo requirements
The Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) requires 50×50mm square colour photos for all visa and autorización previa applications. As stated on consulado.gob.cl, photos must have a white background with full face visible, no accessories such as glasses, scarves, or hats. The visa application is processed through the online Servicios Consulares en línea platform, and applicants upload their photo digitally. For consulate submissions, 2–4 printed photos may be required depending on visa type. Photos must be taken within 6 months and accurately represent current appearance.
Chile visa photo requirements checklist
- 50×50mm square dimensions (5×5 cm)—NOT 45×45mm passport size
- White background with no shadows or patterns
- Face covers 60–70% of photo height
- Full face visible from chin to forehead, ear to ear
- Taken within last 6 months
- Colour photo—no black and white
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No glasses of any kind (not even clear prescription)
- No scarves, hats, or head coverings (religious exception with full face visible)
- No uniforms—everyday clothing only
- 1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI for print quality
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
- 2–4 identical copies for consulate submission
Common visa photo rejection reasons
- Using 45×45mm passport format instead of required 50×50mm visa format
- Wearing glasses—Chilean visa requirements prohibit ALL glasses
- Wearing scarf, hat, or head covering (unless religious with face fully visible)
- Wearing uniform in photo
- Shadows on face or background
- Face not fully visible (hair covering forehead, chin cut off)
- Photo older than 6 months
- Non-white background
- Low resolution or blurry image
Chile visa types using this photo format
All Chilean visa categories use identical 50×50mm photo specifications. The autorización previa (visa) under Ley 21.325 covers: tourist visas for recreational travel up to 90 days (extendable by 90 days through Servicio Nacional de Migraciones), work-related visas for technical experts, artists, and conference speakers, student visas, and transit visas. The visa application is processed through the online SAC (Sistema de Atención Consular) platform at tramites.minrel.gov.cl. Approved visas are issued electronically and emailed to the applicant for printing.
How to submit photos for Chile visa application
- Online submission: Upload colour photo to SAC Ciudadano platform at tramites.minrel.gov.cl
- Digital format: JPEG recommended, documents must be in PDF format (photo may be embedded)
- File naming: Do not use special characters, symbols, or graphics in filename—causes upload errors
- Consulate submission: Bring 2–4 identical printed photos on photo paper
- Print size verification: Photos must measure exactly 50×50mm (5×5 cm square)
- After approval: Visa is emailed electronically—print and carry with your passport when entering Chile
How to print Chile visa photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (matte or glossy accepted).
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for multiple 50×50mm photos per sheet.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 50×50mm. Both sides must be equal—square format.
- Quantity: Print at least 4 copies for consulate submission (some visa types require 4 photos).
Chile visa photo vs passport photo vs US 2×2 inch
Additional visa application requirements
Beyond the photo, Chile visa applications require: valid passport copy, proof of residence status if applying from a country other than your nationality, financial means documentation (three months of pay stubs or bank statements), and an explanation of travel purpose and duration. Minors under 18 must travel with a parent or guardian, or have written authorisation that is either apostilled or legalised by Chilean consular authority. Applications with multiple entries must justify the number of entries requested. Processing involves possible interview at the consulate—all original documents must be presented.
Cost comparison: professional vs DIY
- Professional photo studio: $10–20 depending on country
- Photo booth/vending machine: Not recommended—Chilean consulates may reject
- This tool: Free—download and print at home
- Print at photo shop: $2–5 if you provide file
- Note: Many photo services don't have Chilean visa templates—specify '50×50mm square' explicitly
Official Chilean Government Resources
- Autorización Previa o Visa - Consulado.gob.cl Official visa requirements including photo specifications from Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Servicios Consulares en Línea (SAC) Online visa application platform for Chile
- Servicio Nacional de Migraciones Chilean migration services—visa extensions and residence permits within Chile
- Visa Aranceles (Fee Schedule) Official visa fee schedule by nationality and visa type
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face (60–70% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 50×50 mm (5×5 cm square)
- Resolution
- 1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Coverage
- 60–70% of photo height
- Background
- White
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Photo paper
- Quantity
- 2–4 identical photos (varies by visa type)
- Valid For
- Autorización previa, tourist visa, work visa, transit visa
Best Practices
- Chile visa requires 50×50mm—different from 45×45mm Chilean passport format
- No glasses of any kind permitted—Chilean visa rules are stricter than passport rules on this
- No scarves, hats, or head coverings unless religious with face fully visible
- White background only—no off-white, cream, or coloured backgrounds
- File names must not contain special characters when uploading to SAC platform
- Print 4 copies—some visa types require up to 4 identical photos
- Photos can be scanned from physical prints if needed—scan one at a time in colour
- Approved visa is emailed electronically—print and carry with passport when entering Chile
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Chile visa photos?
50×50mm (5×5 cm) square format. This is the official specification from consulado.gob.cl. It is different from Chilean passport photos (45×45mm) and US passport photos (51×51mm).
Can I use Chilean passport photos for visa application?
No. Passport photos are 45×45mm, visa photos are 50×50mm. Different dimensions mean different crops and face positioning. You must create separate photos for each application.
Can I wear glasses in Chile visa photos?
No. The official Chilean government requirement explicitly states 'sin accesorios como lentes'—no glasses of any kind, even clear prescription glasses. This is stricter than many other countries' visa photo rules.
How many photos do I need for Chile visa?
2–4 identical photos depending on visa type. For online applications through SAC, one digital upload suffices. For consulate submissions, check with your specific consulate—some require up to 4 printed copies.
Can I apply for Chile visa online?
Yes. The autorización previa (visa) is processed through the SAC Ciudadano platform at tramites.minrel.gov.cl. Upload your photo digitally and submit supporting documents in PDF format. Approved visas are emailed electronically.
What background for Chile visa photos?
White background only. The official requirement is 'fondo blanco'. No patterns, shadows, or coloured backgrounds accepted.
Is the Chile visa photo the same as US 2×2 inch?
No. US 2×2 inch is 51×51mm. Chile visa is 50×50mm. While the difference is only 1mm, strict dimensional requirements mean a US-format photo may be rejected. Use the correct 50×50mm template.
Can I wear a headscarf in Chile visa photos?
Only for religious reasons. Your face must be fully visible from chin to forehead and from ear to ear. The headscarf cannot cast shadows on your face or background.
What happens after my Chile visa is approved?
The consulate emails the visa electronically to your registered email address. You must print the visa and carry it with your valid passport when entering Chile. The visa allows stay up to 90 days, extendable through Servicio Nacional de Migraciones.
Can I use a scanned photo for the online application?
Yes. You can scan an existing physical photo for digital submission. Scan one photo at a time, in colour, ensuring both front is clearly visible. Do not place the photo on another piece of paper when scanning.