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The Challenge
Venezuela requires 2×2 inch (51×51mm) passport photos — a square format different from EU 35×45mm standard. SAIME biometric passport applications require photos taken within 3 months, white background, and at least 2 photos signed by the photographer. Professional services charge $15-25. Rejected photos delay already slow 8-week processing.
Venezuelan passport photo requirements (SAIME)
Venezuela uses 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square passport photos — the same dimensions as US passport photos but with different face positioning rules. Photos are processed through SAIME (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería), the only government body authorised to issue Venezuelan passports. Photos must have a pure white background, face occupying 66–75% of the frame, taken within the last 3 months. At least two of the submitted photographs must be signed on the back by the photographer verifying their authenticity. Venezuelan biometric passports comply with ICAO and Mercosur standards.
Venezuela passport photo requirements — will your photo be accepted?
- 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square dimensions
- Pure white background — no patterns, no shadows
- Face occupies 66–75% of photo height from chin to crown
- Taken within last 3 months of application date
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Face centred, looking straight at camera, head not tilted
- Both ears visible or both edges of face visible
- No glasses (remove unless medical exemption)
- No hats or head coverings (religious exemptions allowed)
- Shoulders visible in frame
- No uniforms — wear regular street clothes
- At least 2 photos signed by photographer on back
- 1200×1200 pixels at 600 DPI for digital submission
- Printed on matte photo paper for physical submission
- No filters, beauty mode, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons
- Photo older than 3 months (stricter than many countries)
- Face outside 66–75% height range — too small or too large
- Shadows on face or white background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Hair covering eyebrows or eyes
- Smiling with teeth showing or mouth open
- Head tilted or rotated instead of straight-on
- Photos not signed by photographer on back
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Using EU 35×45mm format instead of required 51×51mm square
- Wearing uniform or excessively altering appearance with makeup
Photographer signature requirement
Venezuelan authorities require at least 2 of the submitted passport photographs to be signed on the back by the photographer who took them, verifying their authenticity. If you print photos at home, you may need to have them taken and signed at a professional studio for SAIME acceptance. Some consulates may waive this for renewal applications processed online — verify with your specific consulate or SAIME office.
How to print Venezuelan passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. White background must appear pure white when printed.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (4×6 inch / 102×152mm) for 4 photos, or Letter for 6+ photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 2×2 inches (51×51mm). Use ruler to confirm.
- Photographer signature: For SAIME applications, at least 2 photos must be signed on back by the photographer.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop — specify '2×2 inch passport photo on matte paper'.
Good vs bad Venezuelan passport photo examples
Venezuela passport vs US passport photo — same size, different rules
Both Venezuela and the US use 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos. However, Venezuela requires face coverage of 66–75% (vs US 50–69%), photos within 3 months (vs US 6 months), and at least 2 photos signed by the photographer. Venezuela also requires matte paper specifically, while the US accepts both glossy and matte. If you have US passport photos, they may not meet Venezuelan face-coverage requirements — always verify proportions before submission.
Using photos for SAIME online passport applications
SAIME's online portal (saime.gob.ve) handles passport applications, renewals, and extensions (prórrogas). For online submissions, a digital photo may be required — this tool generates 1200×1200 pixel JPEG files suitable for upload. However, for in-person appointments at SAIME offices or Venezuelan consulates, physical printed photos are required. Venezuelan citizens abroad typically process passports through the Embassy of Venezuela in Mexico (since most US offices are closed) or their nearest consulate. Always bring printed photos to your appointment even if you submitted digitally.
Cédula de identidad photo
The Venezuelan national identity card (cédula de identidad) uses the same 2×2 inch photo format as the passport. The cédula is issued by SAIME and is required for virtually all civil, commercial, and administrative transactions in Venezuela. When attending a SAIME office for cédula processing, the office typically captures your photo and fingerprints on-site. However, having compliant photos prepared in advance is recommended in case of equipment issues at SAIME offices, which are common due to infrastructure challenges.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on white blanket or sheet on floor for white background
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting — avoid flash
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred
- Eyes should be open, mouth closed, remove pacifier
- Both parents must attend SAIME appointment with minor
- Minors' passport applications are filed under parent's SAIME account
- Take 10–20 shots to get one compliant photo — normal for babies
Cost comparison: Professional vs DIY
- Professional photo studio in Caracas: $10–20 for set of photos
- Photo studio abroad (US, Spain, Colombia): $15–25
- Drugstore/pharmacy (where available): $8–15
- This tool: Free — download digital or print at home
- Home printing cost: $0.25–0.50 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: $8–25 per application, significant for family applications
Need Venezuelan visa photo?
Venezuela uses a different 30×40mm (3×4cm) format for visa applications (for foreigners entering Venezuela). This tool is for Venezuelan passport and cédula photos (2×2 inch). For visa photos, use the dedicated Venezuela visa photo tool.
Official Venezuelan government resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- Resolution
- 1200×1200 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Coverage
- 66–75% of photo height
- Background
- White (required)
- Recency
- Taken within last 3 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Passport, cédula de identidad
Best Practices
- Venezuela uses 2×2 inch square format — same as US but with stricter face coverage (66–75%)
- Photos must be taken within 3 months — stricter than US 6-month rule
- At least 2 photos must be signed by the photographer on the back
- White background required — no cream, off-white, or grey accepted
- Remove all glasses unless medical exemption with documentation
- No uniforms — wear regular street clothes only
- Both ears should be visible for best chance of acceptance
- For SAIME online applications, download 1200×1200px JPEG digital file
- Bring printed photos to consulate appointment even if submitted online
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Venezuelan passport photos?
Venezuelan passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — a square format. This is the same size as US passport photos. At 600 DPI, the digital version is 1200×1200 pixels.
Do Venezuelan passport photos need to be signed by the photographer?
Yes. Venezuelan authorities require at least 2 of the submitted photographs to be signed on the back by the photographer verifying authenticity. This is a unique requirement not found in most other countries.
How recent must Venezuelan passport photos be?
Within the last 3 months of the application date. This is stricter than the US (6 months) and most other countries. Photos older than 3 months may be rejected.
Can I use US passport photos for Venezuelan passport?
Possibly, but verify carefully. Both are 2×2 inches, but Venezuela requires face coverage of 66–75% (US allows 50–69%). Your US photo may have the face too small for Venezuelan requirements. Also, Venezuelan photos must be signed by the photographer.
Can I use the same photo for passport and cédula?
Both use 2×2 inch format with identical specifications. However, SAIME offices typically capture your photo on-site for the cédula. Having pre-prepared photos is still recommended as backup.
Can I wear glasses in Venezuelan passport photos?
No. Remove all glasses for the photo. If glasses are medically required, eyes must be fully visible through lenses with no glare or reflections. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never allowed.
What background for Venezuelan passport photos?
Pure white background only. No patterns, shadows, or objects. Cream and off-white are not accepted.
Where do I apply for Venezuelan passport renewal?
Through SAIME's online portal at saime.gob.ve. Venezuelan citizens in the US must process through the Embassy of Venezuela in Mexico, as US-based consulates are currently closed. Processing takes approximately 8 weeks plus shipping.
How many photos do I need?
Typically 3–4 photos for passport applications. At least 2 must be signed by the photographer on the back. Print extras for the appointment.
Can I use this photo for Venezuelan visa applications?
No. Venezuelan visa photos use a different 30×40mm (3×4cm) format. Passport photos are 2×2 inch (51×51mm). Use the dedicated Venezuela visa photo tool for visa applications.