May 28, 2026 · Country Guides
Argentine Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – RENAPER Rules (4×4cm Format)
Argentina uses a 4×4cm (40×40mm) square format for passport and national ID photos — different from the ICAO standard 35×45mm used across Europe. Understanding this distinction is essential for Argentine citizens applying for a Schengen visa or preparing photos abroad.
Important: 40×40mm — not the ICAO standard
Argentine passport photos are 40×40mm (4×4cm) square, not the 35×45mm rectangular ICAO format used in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Australia, and most other countries. Submitting a 35×45mm photo for an Argentine passport application will result in rejection. If you are an Argentine citizen applying for a Schengen visa, you will need a separate 35×45mm ICAO photo.
Argentine Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 40×40mm (4×4cm) — square format |
| Authority | RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Eyes | Fully open, looking directly at lens |
| Head position | Straight, no tilt |
| Photo recency | Recent (verify current requirement at RENAPER) |
| Document covered | Pasaporte Electrónico and DNI (national ID) |
The Argentine Biometric Passport (Pasaporte Electrónico)
Argentina introduced its biometric e-passport (Pasaporte Electrónico) in 2012. The document contains an RFID chip storing the holder's biometric data — including the facial image — in line with ICAO Doc 9303 standards for chip content. However, Argentina chose its own 40×40mm square print format for the physical photo page, rather than adopting the 35×45mm rectangular ICAO print size.
RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas) is the government authority responsible for issuing both the Pasaporte Electrónico and the DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad). In most cases, the biometric photo is captured directly at RENAPER offices or at certified photography studios during the document appointment. Citizens can book appointments and access some services through the Mi Argentina app.
Format Comparison: Argentina vs ICAO Standard
| Document / Country | Size | Shape | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentine passport / DNI | 40×40mm | Square | White |
| ICAO standard (EU/DE/CH/AU/etc.) | 35×45mm | Portrait rectangle | White or off-white |
| Schengen visa (for Argentine citizens) | 35×45mm | Portrait rectangle | White or off-white |
| US passport | 51×51mm (2×2 inch) | Square | White |
Argentine Citizens Applying for a Schengen Visa
Argentine citizens travelling to Schengen countries on a short-stay visa must submit a photo that meets the EU/ICAO standard of 35×45mm — not the Argentine 40×40mm format. The Schengen visa photo requirements are:
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (portrait rectangle)
- Background: white or off-white, plain and uniform
- Face: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and forward
- No glasses
- Recency: usually taken within 6 months of application
- Physical print required at the visa application centre or consulate
An online service such as ID Wizard generates the 35×45mm ICAO-compliant format needed for Schengen visa applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an Argentine passport photo?
Argentine passport photos must be 4×4cm (40×40mm) — a square format. This is different from the ICAO standard of 35×45mm used by most European countries. The square 40×40mm format applies to both the Pasaporte Electrónico and the national identity card (DNI).
Can I take my Argentine passport photo at home?
In practice, most Argentine passport photos are taken at RENAPER offices or at certified photography studios during the appointment process. RENAPER controls the biometric capture directly. Check current RENAPER guidance at renaper.gob.ar before your appointment, as the process may vary by location.
What passport photo format do Argentine citizens need for a Schengen visa application?
For a Schengen visa application, Argentine citizens must submit a standard ICAO-compliant photo measuring 35×45mm — not the 40×40mm Argentine passport format. The Schengen photo must have a white or off-white background, neutral expression, no glasses, and the face occupying 70–80% of the frame height.
Are glasses allowed in Argentine passport photos?
No. Glasses are not permitted in Argentine biometric passport or DNI photos. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, tinted glasses, and sunglasses. Remove all eyewear before the photo is taken.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. RENAPER photo requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official RENAPER or consular guidance.
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