Select File
or drag and drop files here
The Challenge
Colombia requires 4×5cm (40×50mm) photos for passports, cédula de ciudadanía, and nationality applications — NOT the 3×4cm visa format. Many photo tools and competitors list incorrect sizes. White or blue background accepted. Using wrong dimensions causes rejection at Cancillería offices.
Colombia passport photos are 4×5cm — NOT 3×4cm
- Colombian passports, cédula, and nationality applications require 4×5cm (40×50mm)
- Colombian VISA applications use a DIFFERENT smaller size: 3×4cm (30×40mm)
- Many online tools and photo booths list the wrong size — always verify before printing
- Some competitors incorrectly list 1.5×2.5 inches — this size is NOT used in Colombia
- For visa photos, use our separate Colombia Visa Photo tool
4×5cm format for Colombian passports, cédula, and nationality
The Colombian Cancillería (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) requires 4×5cm photos for pasaporte (passport), cédula de ciudadanía (citizenship ID card), tarjeta de identidad (identity card for minors), and nationality/naturalisation applications. This is a distinct size from the 3×4cm format used for Colombian visa applications. The photo must be frontal, recent, with white or blue background, in JPG format for digital submissions.
White or blue background — both accepted
Colombia officially accepts both white and blue backgrounds for passport and cédula photos. The Cancillería states 'fondo blanco o azul' (white or blue background). This gives more flexibility than most countries. White is the safest universal choice. If using blue, it should be a plain, uniform light blue — not dark navy. No patterns, gradients, or shadows on either colour.
Colombian passport photo requirements — will your photo be accepted?
- 4×5cm (40×50mm) dimensions — NOT 3×4cm visa size
- White or blue background, plain and uniform
- Frontal pose facing camera directly
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No glasses, sunglasses, or prescription glasses
- No hats, headbands, or head coverings (religious exemptions apply)
- Simple hairstyle recommended, ears uncovered
- No large earrings, piercings, or scarves covering face
- Head height approximately 27mm with 10mm top margin
- Colour photo, JPG format for digital submission
- Photos must be identical if submitting multiple copies
- No retouching, filters, or Photoshop alterations
Common rejection reasons at Colombian offices
- Wrong photo size — using 3×4cm visa format instead of 4×5cm passport format
- Wearing glasses of any kind (prescription or sunglasses)
- Background not plain white or blue
- Photo retouched or pixelated
- Photo older than 6 months
- Not facing camera directly or head tilted
- Wearing hat, headband, or head covering
- Large earrings, piercings, or accessories obscuring face
- Shadows on face or background
Colombian glasses policy — no glasses permitted
Colombia does not allow any glasses in passport or cédula photos — neither prescription glasses nor sunglasses. The Colombian consulate explicitly recommends removing all eyewear. Unlike some European countries that allow clear prescription lenses, Colombia prohibits them entirely. This applies to all document types using the 4×5cm format.
How to print Colombian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at Éxito, Falabella, Panamericana, or online.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode, 600 DPI.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 3-4 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 4×5cm (40×50mm). Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at local foto estudio. Specify 'foto tipo documento 4×5cm, fondo blanco'.
- For nationality applications: Print 4 identical copies.
Colombia passport (4×5cm) vs visa (3×4cm) — key differences
Taking passport photos of children (tarjeta de identidad)
- Setup: Lay child on plain white or blue sheet on floor for infants.
- Lighting: Natural window light or even overhead lighting. No flash, no shadows.
- Position: Photograph from directly above for babies. Older children sit facing camera.
- Same 4×5cm size as adults — no different dimensions for children.
- No accessories, toys, dummies, or other people visible in frame.
- Simple hairstyle, ears uncovered, no hair covering face.
- Eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression (infants may have relaxed rules).
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in Colombia
- Photo studio in Bogotá/Medellín/Cali: COP $8,000-20,000 (~$2-5 USD) for 4 photos
- Centro comercial photo booth: COP $5,000-12,000 for 4 photos
- Cancillería on-site photo service: Available at some offices
- This tool: Free. Print at home or at Panamericana/Éxito photo counter
- For Colombians abroad: Photo studios near consulates typically charge $10-25 USD
- DIY saves significantly for families needing multiple document photos
Official Colombian Government Resources
- Cancillería — Passport Requirements Official Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs passport and nationality requirements
- Cancillería — Visa Requirements (Spanish) Official visa photo specification: 4×5cm, JPG format, white background
- Colombian Consulate Miami — Photo Specifications Detailed head measurement specs for passport and identity documents
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Face
Select Enhancement Variant
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 4×5 cm (40×50 mm)
- Resolution
- 945×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- ~27 mm (chin to crown)
- Top Margin
- ~10 mm from crown to top edge
- Background
- White or blue
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Quantity
- 4 identical photos (nationality); 1 digital JPG (visa/passport)
- Digital Format
- JPG
- Valid For
- Passport (pasaporte), cédula de ciudadanía, tarjeta de identidad, nationality
Best Practices
- Colombian passport photos are 4×5cm — NOT 3×4cm (that's the visa size)
- White OR blue background both accepted — 'fondo blanco o azul'
- No glasses of any kind — prescription and sunglasses both prohibited
- Simple hairstyle with ears uncovered recommended by Colombian consulates
- Nationality applications require 4 identical photos; passport requires 1 digital JPG
- No retouching or Photoshop — pixelated or altered photos are rejected
- Head height approximately 27mm with 10mm margin from crown to top edge
- For visa applications, use the separate 3×4cm Colombia Visa Photo tool
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Colombian passport photo?
4×5cm (40×50mm). This is the official size required by the Cancillería for passports, cédula de ciudadanía, tarjeta de identidad, and nationality applications. This is NOT the same as the 3×4cm visa format. Many online sources list incorrect sizes.
Is the Colombian passport photo the same as the visa photo?
No. Passport and cédula photos are 4×5cm (40×50mm). Visa photos are 3×4cm (30×40mm). They are different sizes and cannot be interchanged. Using the wrong size causes rejection.
What background for Colombian passport photos?
White or blue — both are officially accepted by the Cancillería. The background must be plain and uniform with no patterns or shadows. White is the safest choice if unsure.
Can I wear glasses in Colombian passport photos?
No. Colombia prohibits all glasses in document photos — both prescription and sunglasses. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
How many photos for Colombian nationality application?
4 identical photos, 4×5cm, frontal, white or blue background, recent. All four must be identical to each other.
What is the digital format for Colombian passport photos?
JPG format. The Cancillería requires 1 digital photo in JPG for passport applications submitted online. Resolution should be 945×1181 pixels at 600 DPI for print-quality output.
Can I use this photo for my Colombian cédula?
Yes. Cédula de ciudadanía and tarjeta de identidad both use the same 4×5cm format as passports. One photo set works for all these document types.
Where can I print Colombian passport photos?
In Colombia: foto estudio, Panamericana, Éxito, or any photo shop (COP $5,000-20,000). Abroad: photo studios near Colombian consulates ($10-25 USD). At home: print on matte paper for under $1 total.
Why does my competitor say Colombia uses 1.5×2.5 inches?
That measurement (approximately 38×63mm) is incorrect. No Colombian government source uses this size. The official Cancillería requirement is 4×5cm (40×50mm) for passports and 3×4cm (30×40mm) for visas.