Mexico Passport & Visa Photo Tool - 35×45mm SRE Official Format

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The Challenge

Mexico requires 35×45mm photos taken within only 30 days—the strictest recency rule worldwide. Many SRE offices now take photos digitally in-office, but consulates abroad and some delegaciones still require applicants to bring printed photos. Retouched or digitally altered photos are explicitly rejected.

Does your SRE office still require photos?

Modern SRE offices and most consulates now take your passport photo digitally in-office
Some consulates abroad and older delegaciones still require you to bring printed photos
Visa applications at Mexican consulates still require printed photos
Contact your specific SRE office or consulate to confirm before printing

Mexican passport and visa photo requirements

Mexico's Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) specifies 35×45mm colour photos with white background for passport and visa applications. The most notable requirement is the 30-day recency rule—photos must be taken within 30 days of application, making Mexico the strictest country worldwide for photo recency. SRE explicitly prohibits digitally altered, retouched, or pixelated photos. For modern electronic passports (pasaporte electrónico), most SRE delegaciones and consulates capture biometric photos on-site. However, consulates abroad may still require applicants to bring printed photos—check with your specific consulate.

Mexico photo requirements checklist

35×45mm dimensions (3.5×4.5 cm)
Taken within last 30 days (strictest recency requirement worldwide)
Pure white background, no shadows or patterns
Colour photo—black and white not accepted
Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
Both eyes open and clearly visible
Head uncovered—no hats, caps, or headwear
No glasses or dark glasses (prescription or otherwise)
No headwear or accessories that impede identification
No retouching, Photoshop, filters, or digital alteration
Not pixelated—high-resolution original photo only
600 DPI minimum for printing
Head height 30–36mm (face occupies 70–80% of photo)

Common rejection reasons at SRE and consulates

Photo older than 30 days (most common rejection—Mexico enforces this strictly)
Digitally retouched or Photoshopped photos (explicitly prohibited by SRE)
Pixelated or low-resolution photos
Wearing glasses of any kind (prescription or sunglasses)
Head covering impeding identification
Shadows on face or background
Photo not colour or printed on regular paper instead of photo paper
Head too small or not centred in frame
Eyes closed or partially closed

Passport applications in Mexico vs abroad

For domestic passport applications at SRE delegaciones or oficinas de enlace within Mexico, the office takes your biometric photo digitally on-site—you do not need to bring photos. For applications at Mexican consulates abroad (US, Canada, Europe, etc.), requirements vary by consulate. Some modern consulates also take photos on-site, while others still require three printed 35×45mm photos. Always verify with your specific consulate through the MiConsulado platform before your appointment. Do not assume you need printed photos—calling ahead saves time and money.

Mexico visa photo specifications

Visa applications at Mexican consulates require one passport-size colour photo (35×45mm) with white background, front view, no glasses. Some consulates also accept 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format. The visa photo must be taken within 30 days. This applies to tourist visas, temporary resident visas, permanent resident visas, and work visas. Unlike passport applications, visa applicants must always bring their own photo—consulates do not take visa photos on-site.

How to print Mexican passport photos at home

Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. SRE prefers professional-quality prints.
Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 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 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
Quality check: Photos must not look pixelated or digitally altered. SRE will reject retouched photos.
Alternative: Print at local photo shop. In Mexico: typical cost $30–60 MXN at photo studios near SRE offices. In US: CVS, Walgreens, or local photo shops.

Good vs bad Mexican passport photo examples

Taken within last 30 days, reflects current appearance

Photo older than 30 days (will be rejected)

Head centred, 70–80% of frame, white background

Head too small or off-centre

Neutral expression, mouth closed, no teeth

Smiling showing teeth

No glasses of any kind

Wearing prescription glasses (not accepted even with medical note in most cases)

Original unretouched photo, high resolution

Retouched, filtered, or Photoshopped (SRE explicitly rejects)

Head uncovered, face fully visible

Hat, cap, or headwear impeding identification

Taking passport photos of babies and children

Lay baby on plain white blanket on floor
Ensure only the child is visible—no hands, toys, or supports
Use natural window light or even overhead lighting
Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred
For infants: it is acceptable if eyes are not fully open
All other children: eyes must be open and visible
Minors must appear in person at SRE with both parents
Take multiple shots—10–20 for one compliant photo

Passport costs and validity (2025)

Mexican passports can be issued for 3, 6, or 10 years (10 years only for adults over 18). Children under 3 can get 1-year passports. Costs vary—check the Ley Federal de Derechos for current year pricing. There is a 50% discount for people over 60, those with disabilities, and temporary agricultural workers in Canada. Application requires appointment through MiConsulado platform or by calling your local consulate.

SRE's ban on retouched photos

Mexico is unusually explicit about prohibiting digital alteration. SRE regulations state: 'No se aceptarán fotografías digitales, digitalizadas o con retoque' (digitised or retouched photos will not be accepted). This means no Photoshop, no beauty filters, no blemish removal, no skin smoothing. The photo must represent your natural, current appearance. SRE staff are trained to identify retouched photos and will reject applications. This tool's enhancement variants only adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness—not facial features—ensuring compliance with SRE's no-retouching policy.

Official Mexico Government Resources

Step-by-Step Workflow

Upload Photo

Position Head Using Guidelines

Select Enhancement

Download or Print Sheet

Specifications

Photo Size: 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
Resolution: 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
Head Height: 30–36 mm (67–80% of frame)
Background: White (required)
Recency: Taken within last 30 days (strictly enforced)
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Paper Type: Matte photo paper
Quantity: 3 photos (passport), 1 photo (visa)
Valid For: Passport (consular), visa, residency permit

Best Practices

Mexico has the strictest recency requirement worldwide—photos must be taken within 30 days
Most SRE offices now take your photo digitally in-office—call ahead before printing
Visa applicants must always bring printed photos—consulates don't take visa photos on-site
SRE explicitly bans retouched/Photoshopped photos—any digital alteration causes rejection
No glasses at all—Mexico does not allow prescription glasses in passport photos
Head uncovered—no hats, caps, or headwear of any kind
White background only—no cream, grey, or off-white accepted
For consular applications abroad, bring 3 photos for passport, 1 for visa
Book appointment through MiConsulado platform before visiting SRE or consulate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring photos for my Mexican passport?

It depends. Most modern SRE offices and consulates take your photo digitally on-site—no need to bring photos. However, some consulates abroad and older delegaciones still require three printed 35×45mm photos. Always check with your specific SRE office or consulate through MiConsulado before your appointment.

How recent must Mexican passport photos be?

Within the last 30 days. This is the strictest recency requirement of any country (UK is 1 month, US is 6 months). Photos taken more than 30 days before your appointment will be rejected.

Can I wear glasses in Mexican passport photos?

No. SRE requires photos without glasses of any kind—prescription, sunglasses, or tinted lenses. Unlike some countries that allow medical exemptions, Mexico's policy is strict: no glasses.

Why does SRE reject retouched photos?

SRE explicitly prohibits 'fotografías digitales, digitalizadas o con retoque' (digitised or retouched photos). This includes Photoshop, beauty filters, blemish removal, and skin smoothing. Photos must show your natural current appearance for biometric accuracy.

Can I use the same photo for Mexican passport and visa?

Yes, if both applications are within the 30-day window. Both use identical 35×45mm specifications with white background. However, passport requires 3 photos and visa requires 1.

What's the pixel size for Mexico passport photos?

826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures print quality meets SRE standards for biometric identification.

How much does a Mexican passport cost?

Costs vary by validity (3, 6, or 10 years) and are set annually in the Ley Federal de Derechos. There's a 50% discount for people over 60, those with disabilities, and agricultural workers in Canada. Check gob.mx/sre for current year pricing.

Where can I print Mexican passport photos?

In Mexico: photo studios near SRE offices ($30–60 MXN). In the US: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or local photo shops. Specify '35×45mm passport photo on matte paper'. Print at home for $0.25–0.50 per sheet.

What's the difference between SRE and INM?

SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) handles Mexican passports. INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) handles visas and residency permits for foreigners. Both use 35×45mm photo specifications but different application processes.

Can I apply for a Mexican passport online?

You must appear in person for biometric capture (fingerprints, photo). However, you can schedule your appointment online through MiConsulado (citas.sre.gob.mx) or via WhatsApp with SRE's chatbot.