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The Challenge
Panama requires 35×45mm passport photos with strict dress code—ears visible, shoulders covered, no braids, no coloured contacts. Consulates abroad require applicants to bring their own photos. Professional services charge $10–20. One rejected photo = resubmission delays.
Panamanian passport photo requirements
Panama's Autoridad de Pasaportes (APAP) requires 35×45mm photos with white background and highly specific positioning: head height must be 34.5mm from chin to crown of hair with exactly 4.5mm space above. Panama enforces unusually strict appearance rules—ears must be fully visible, shoulders covered, no sleeveless tops, and hair must be pulled back behind ears. For domestic applications, APAP takes your photo at their office. For consular applications abroad, you must bring your own compliant photos.
Panama passport photo checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with 34.5mm head height
- 4.5mm space from top of photo to top of hair
- Pure white background—no patterns, no shadows
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and clearly visible
- Both ears fully visible—hair behind ears
- No glasses (remove unless medical exemption)
- No coloured contact lenses
- Shoulders covered—no sleeveless shirts, no cleavage
- No white clothing (low contrast against white background)
- No wigs, no extravagant hairstyles, no hair accessories
- No piercings (small earrings only for women, none for men)
- No braids or long loose hair—must be tied back
- 600 DPI minimum resolution
- Colour photo—no black and white
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons
- Ears not fully visible (most common rejection for Panama)
- Wearing sleeveless shirt or showing shoulders/cleavage
- Hair covering ears, eyebrows, or face
- Wearing coloured contact lenses
- Head height not 34.5mm (Panama enforces precise measurement)
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- White clothing blending into white background
- Braids, wigs, or extravagant hairstyles
- Men wearing earrings
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution causing pixelation
Panama's unique dress code for passport photos
Panama enforces stricter appearance rules than most countries. Women must have ears fully visible with hair pulled behind ears—no hair accessories, hooks, or straps. Only small earrings permitted. Blouses must not be notched or expose bare shoulders. Men must not wear earrings and must avoid extravagant hairstyles—long hair must be behind ears. Coloured contact lenses are prohibited for both sexes. These rules are strictly enforced at APAP offices and by consulates abroad.
How to print Panama passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at office supply stores or online.
- 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.
- Quantity: Panama requires 4 photos—print enough copies.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '35×45mm passport photo on matte paper'.
Good vs bad Panama passport photo examples
Domestic vs consular passport applications
For domestic passport applications in Panama, you visit an APAP office where staff take your photo on-site—you don't bring your own. However, Panamanian consulates abroad (including the US, Canada, and Europe) require applicants to bring their own photos meeting the 35×45mm specification. If applying from outside Panama, this tool ensures your photos meet APAP standards before you arrive at the consulate. Note: some consulates in the US may accept 2×2 inch photos instead—verify with your specific consulate before printing.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white blanket on floor
- Ensure only the child is visible in the frame—no hands, toys, or supports
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred
- For infants: eyes not being fully open is acceptable
- All other children: eyes must be open in the photo
- White background—avoid patterns or textures
- Take 10–20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for babies
Need a Panama visa photo?
Panama visa applications use a different format: 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos. Do not use this 35×45mm passport format for visa applications—it will be rejected. Use the dedicated Panama visa photo tool instead.
Official Panama Government Resources
- Autoridad de Pasaportes de Panamá (APAP) - Passport Requirements Official APAP page with passport application requirements and procedures
- Embassy of Panama - Consular Services Consular services for Panamanians abroad including passport renewals
- Servicio Nacional de Migración de Panamá Panama National Immigration Service
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 34.5 mm (chin to top of hair)
- Top Margin
- 4.5 mm from top of photo to top of hair
- Background
- White (required)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Quantity
- 4 photos required
- Valid For
- Panamanian passport (domestic and consular applications)
Best Practices
- Both ears must be fully visible—pull hair behind ears before taking photo
- Shoulders must be covered—no sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or exposed cleavage
- Do not wear white clothing against white background—low contrast causes rejection
- Remove all coloured contact lenses—only natural eye colour accepted
- Men: remove all earrings. Women: small earrings only
- No braids, wigs, or extravagant hairstyles—keep it simple
- Head height must be precisely 34.5mm—use crop guidelines carefully
- Panama requires 4 photos—print a full sheet
- For domestic applications APAP takes your photo in-office—this tool is primarily for consular applications abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Panama passport photo requirements?
Panama passport photos must be 35×45mm with white background, head height 34.5mm with 4.5mm top margin, taken within 6 months. Both ears must be visible, shoulders covered, no coloured contacts, no glasses, neutral expression. 4 photos required.
Do I need to bring my own passport photo to APAP?
No. For domestic applications in Panama, APAP takes your photo at their office. However, Panamanian consulates abroad require you to bring your own 35×45mm photos. This tool is designed for consular applications.
Why must ears be visible in Panama passport photos?
Panama enforces strict biometric identification rules requiring both ears to be fully visible. Hair must be pulled behind ears for both men and women. This is stricter than most countries and is a common rejection reason.
Can I wear glasses in Panama passport photos?
No, unless medically required with documentation. Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes.
Can I wear coloured contact lenses?
No. Panama explicitly prohibits coloured contact lenses in passport photos. Only natural eye colour is accepted. This is enforced at APAP offices and consulates.
What clothing is required for Panama passport photos?
Shoulders must be covered—no sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or exposed cleavage. Do not wear white clothing (low contrast with white background). Everyday attire is required, no uniforms.
Can I use Panama passport photos for visa applications?
No. Panama visa applications require 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos—a completely different format. Use the Panama visa photo tool for visa applications.
How many photos does Panama require?
Panama requires 4 passport photos for most application types. Print a full sheet to ensure you have enough copies.
What's the pixel size for Panama passport photos?
826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures print quality meets APAP standards.
Can men wear earrings in Panama passport photos?
No. Men must not wear earrings. Women may wear small earrings only. All other piercings must be removed.