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The Challenge
Costa Rica uses 50×50mm square passport photos — not the 35×45mm that most competitor sites incorrectly claim. Embassy applications require two identical photos with white background and ears visible. Applying inside Costa Rica? Migración captures your photo on-site — this tool is for embassy applications abroad and visa submissions.
Costa Rica uses 50×50mm — NOT 35×45mm
- Official Costa Rican embassy documents specify 5×5 cm (50×50mm) square photos
- Many competitor websites incorrectly list 35×45mm — this will get your application rejected
- Costa Rica follows a US-influenced square format, not the European 35×45mm standard
- If applying inside Costa Rica, you don't need photos — Migración captures them at your appointment
When do you actually need Costa Rica passport photos?
If you are applying for or renewing your Costa Rican passport inside the country, you do not need to bring photos. The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería captures biometric photos at the appointment, whether at Migración offices, Banco de Costa Rica branches, or Correos de Costa Rica locations. You need physical photos only when applying at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate abroad. Visa applicants (tourist, work, study, residency) must also submit physical photos with their applications.
Costa Rica passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 50×50mm square dimensions (NOT 35×45mm)
- Plain white background with no shadows or objects
- Face covers 60-70% of photo height (30-35mm chin to forehead)
- Both ears must be exposed and visible
- Facing camera directly, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- No glasses unless medically required with doctor's statement
- No hats or head coverings (religious/medical exceptions with documentation)
- Taken within last 6 months
- Colour photo, sharp and in focus
- No uniforms — wear regular clothing
- Head straight, not tilted or rotated
- Both shoulders visible in frame
Common rejection reasons at Costa Rican embassies
- Using 35×45mm European format instead of required 50×50mm square
- Ears not visible (hair covering ears, or cropped too tight)
- Head tilted or not centred in square frame
- Shadows on face or white background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Photo older than 6 months
- Only submitting one photo instead of two identical copies
- Wearing uniform or official attire
- Background not plain white (cream, grey, or patterned)
How to print Costa Rica passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (glossy or matte accepted). Embassy does not specify paper type.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 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 50×50mm (5×5 cm). Use ruler to confirm — square format means width equals height.
- Submit two identical photos with your application — keep extras for other documents.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '50×50mm square on photo paper' or '5×5 centímetros'.
Costa Rica visa photo requirements
All Costa Rican visa types use the same 50×50mm square photo specification: tourist visas (single and multiple entry), work visas, study visas, religious visas, visas authorised by the DGME, and residency applications. The official embassy requirement states one colour photo, 5×5 cm, white background, glued to the first page of the visa application form. For residency regularisation applications at Migración, two passport-sized photos are required. The same 50×50mm format applies across all submission types.
Ears must be visible — unique Costa Rican requirement
Costa Rica specifically requires both ears to be exposed in passport and visa photos. This is stricter than many countries where ears may be covered by hair. If your hair covers your ears, pin it back or tuck it behind your ears before taking the photo. This requirement applies to all applicants regardless of hair length. Religious head coverings are permitted but must not cover the ears or obscure facial features.
Costa Rica vs US passport photo comparison
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white blanket or sheet on floor
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame
- Both ears must be visible — even for infants
- Eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression
- No other people, hands, toys, or pacifiers visible in frame
- Use natural light to avoid shadows on face and background
- Take multiple shots — expect 10-20 attempts for one compliant photo
- Each child needs their own passport with their own photo, regardless of age
Applying inside Costa Rica vs at embassy abroad
Inside Costa Rica, the biometric passport system captures your photo digitally at the appointment — at Migración offices in La Uruca, Banco de Costa Rica branches, or Correos de Costa Rica locations. You do not bring physical photos. Abroad, you must provide physical printed photos to the embassy or consulate. The Costa Rican embassy in London, Washington, New York, Ottawa, and other locations all require printed 50×50mm photos submitted with the application form. Some embassies require the photo glued to the application form's designated space.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services
- Professional photo studio: $12-20 for 2 photos
- Drugstore/pharmacy (US): $12-15 for 2 photos (may not know 50mm format)
- This tool: Free — print at home for $0.25-0.50 per sheet
- Print at photo shop with your file: $3-8 for custom square format
- Warning: Most US/UK photo services default to 51×51mm (US) or 35×45mm (EU). Specify '50×50mm' or '5 by 5 centimetres' explicitly.
- Family of four saves $48-80 using DIY approach
Need cédula de identidad (national ID) photo?
Costa Rica's national ID card (cédula de identidad) uses a different 40×45mm format with grey background, managed by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE). Passport photos (50×50mm, white) cannot be used for cédula applications. Use the dedicated cédula photo tool for national ID applications.
Official Costa Rican Government Resources
- Costa Rica Embassy Photo Requirements Official photo specifications from Costa Rican Embassy in Colombia
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería — Passports Official Costa Rican migration authority passport information
- Visa Requirements — Migración Costa Rica Visa types, requirements, and application procedures
- Costa Rica Embassy in London — Passport Procedure Detailed biometric passport application guide (PDF, November 2025)
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (Ears Visible)
Select Enhancement
Print Two Copies or Download
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 50×50 mm (5×5 cm) — square format
- Resolution
- 1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 60-70% of photo (30-35 mm chin to forehead)
- Background
- Plain white, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Quantity
- Two identical photos required
- Valid For
- Passport (embassy), tourist visa, work visa, residency
Best Practices
- Costa Rica uses 50×50mm (5×5 cm) — most competitor sites incorrectly list 35×45mm
- You only need photos for embassy applications abroad — Migración captures photos on-site inside Costa Rica
- Both ears must be visible — pin hair back if needed
- Submit two identical photos — some embassies require one glued to the application form
- 50mm ≠ 51mm: Costa Rica is 50×50mm, US is 51×51mm (2×2 inches). Don't interchange.
- No uniforms allowed — wear regular daily clothing
- Specify '5 by 5 centimetres' at print shops to avoid getting US or EU format instead
- Same 50×50mm photo works for passport, all visa types, and residency applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Costa Rica passport photos?
50×50mm (5×5 cm) square format with white background. Many websites incorrectly list 35×45mm — this is wrong. The official Costa Rican embassy specifications state 5 cm × 5 cm. Two identical photos required for embassy applications.
Do I need photos for a Costa Rica passport inside the country?
No. If applying at Migración offices, Banco de Costa Rica, or Correos de Costa Rica inside the country, your photo is captured digitally at the appointment. Physical photos are only needed when applying at embassies or consulates abroad.
Is Costa Rica passport photo the same as US passport photo?
No. Costa Rica is 50×50mm (5×5 cm). US is 51×51mm (2×2 inches). The 1mm difference matters — they are not interchangeable. Both are square format with white background, but use the correct dimensions for each country.
Can I use the same photo for Costa Rica passport and visa?
Yes. All Costa Rican document types requiring photos (passport at embassy, tourist visa, work visa, study visa, residency) use the same 50×50mm square specification with white background.
Why do most websites say 35×45mm for Costa Rica?
They're wrong. Some photo tool sites default to the European 35×45mm standard for all countries. Official Costa Rican embassy documents from London, Colombia, and Washington all specify 5×5 cm (50×50mm). Costa Rica follows a US-influenced square format common in Central America.
Do ears need to be visible in Costa Rica passport photos?
Yes. Costa Rica specifically requires both ears exposed and visible. If your hair covers your ears, pin it back. This is stricter than many countries. Religious head coverings are permitted but must not cover ears.
How recent must Costa Rica passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Embassy officials may request new photos if your appearance has changed significantly, even within the 6-month period.
Can I wear glasses in Costa Rica passport photos?
Only if medically required with a doctor's statement. No tinted lenses, no glare or reflections, and frames must not obscure eyes. If in doubt, remove glasses — it avoids rejection risk.
What background for Costa Rica passport photos?
Plain white background only. No shadows, patterns, or objects. This differs from the cédula de identidad (national ID) which requires grey background.
Can I use this for cédula de identidad?
No. The cédula uses 40×45mm format with grey background, managed by TSE. Passport photos (50×50mm, white) will be rejected for cédula applications. Use the dedicated cédula photo tool.