Argentinian Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

The following specifications apply to both the Argentine Pasaporte Electrónico and the DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad), as set by RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas).

• Size: 40×40mm (4×4cm) — square format. Not the ICAO 35×45mm portrait rectangle.
• Background: Plain white. Uniform, no shadows, patterns, or colour gradients.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear — including prescription glasses — before the photo is taken.
• Head position: Straight, facing the camera directly. No tilt or rotation.
• Colour: Full colour photograph only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Retouching: No digital filters, skin-smoothing, or appearance alterations.
• Head coverings: Permitted only for religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to crown is fully visible.

RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas — National Registry of Persons) is the Argentine government authority responsible for issuing both the Pasaporte Electrónico and the DNI. Applicants book appointments through the Mi Argentina app or at renaper.gob.ar.

In most cases, the biometric photograph is captured directly at RENAPER offices or at approved photography studios during the document appointment. Unlike many European countries where applicants bring a printed photo, RENAPER typically controls the biometric capture process on-site. Confirm current appointment and photo submission requirements at renaper.gob.ar before attending.

Argentine citizens living abroad can apply for or renew their passport at Argentine consulates. Confirm whether you need to bring a 40×40mm printed photo or whether the consulate captures the biometric image on-site.

Argentina introduced its biometric ePassport (Pasaporte Electrónico) in 2012. The document contains an RFID chip storing the holder's facial image and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303 standards for chip content. The biometric chip enables automated e-gate verification at Argentine airports and at international borders.

Despite adopting the ICAO chip standard, Argentina chose a 40×40mm square print format for the physical photo page, rather than the 35×45mm ICAO rectangular size. This is a national design decision, similar to how the USA uses 51×51mm and Canada uses 50×70mm for their passport photos.

The Argentine national identity card (DNI) is issued alongside the Pasaporte Electrónico by RENAPER and uses the same 4×4cm (40×40mm) square photo format. The DNI serves as the primary identification document for Argentine citizens for domestic use, banking, healthcare, and travel within MERCOSUR countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia) that accept identity cards in lieu of passports.

Foreign nationals applying for an Argentine visa (for countries that require one) must check photo requirements with the Argentine consulate or embassy in their country of residence. Argentine visas are issued by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM).

MERCOSUR member state nationals (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia) and associated states can generally travel to Argentina with only a national identity card. Citizens of most other countries either benefit from visa-free access or require a visa obtained in advance from an Argentine consulate.

Photo requirements for Argentine visa applications vary by consulate. Confirm the exact size and format with the Argentine consulate in your country before applying. Some consulates follow ICAO 35×45mm; others may specify different sizes. Always check the current official guidance directly.