May 29, 2026 · Mexico
Mexican Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – SRE Rules
Mexico's Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) issues biometric ePassports and sets photo requirements in line with the ICAO standard. This guide covers the official photo specifications, passport validity by age, appointments via pasaporte.sre.gob.mx, the Matrícula Consular, and the different photo format required for US DS-160 visa applications.
Quick summary
35×45mm ICAO (W×H), plain white background, head 32–36mm, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within 6 months. SRE biometric ePassport. Validity: 10 years (adult), 6 years (child 3–17), 3 years (under 3). Online photo tools permitted in Mexico.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Mexican passport applications and renewals at SRE offices in Mexico and at Mexican embassies and consulates abroad.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard). Face (chin to crown) must measure 32–36mm within the 45mm height.
- Background: Plain white, uniformly lit throughout. No patterns, shadows, or gradients.
- Expression: Neutral, relaxed. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and looking directly into the lens.
- Glasses: Not permitted — in line with ICAO biometric standards.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour photograph only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted for religious reasons provided the full face from chin to hairline and ear to ear is clearly visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters, beauty retouching, or alterations to your natural appearance.
- Print quality: Minimum 300 DPI, printed on glossy or semi-gloss photo paper — not regular office paper.
Mexican Biometric ePassport
Mexico issues biometric ePassports through SRE offices (Módulos de Pasaportes) nationwide. The ePassport contains a contactless chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in compliance with ICAO Doc 9303. The biometric photo is captured on-site at the SRE office during the appointment and may also be provided as a printed photograph depending on current SRE procedures.
Validity by age:
- Adults (18 and over): 10 years.
- Children aged 3 to under 18: 6 years.
- Children under 3: 3 years.
Booking an Appointment via pasaporte.sre.gob.mx
Mexican passport applications and renewals require an appointment at an SRE office (Módulo de Pasaporte). Appointments can be booked through the official SRE portal at pasaporte.sre.gob.mx. The portal allows you to select your nearest SRE office, choose an available date and time, and complete the pre-application form.
Mexican citizens abroad can apply at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate. Contact the consulate directly to confirm appointment availability, required documents, and whether you must bring a printed photo or whether biometric capture is done on-site.
Matrícula Consular Photo Requirements
The Matrícula Consular de Alta Seguridad is a consular identification document issued by Mexican consulates to Mexican citizens living abroad. It is widely accepted as a form of identification in the United States and other countries. The photo requirements for the Matrícula Consular are the same as the Mexican passport:
- 35×45mm, plain white background.
- Neutral expression, no glasses, eyes fully open.
- Taken within 6 months of the application.
- Printed photograph — bring to the consulate appointment.
US Visa (DS-160): Different Photo Format Required
Mexican citizens applying for a US visa using the DS-160 form must provide a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photo — the US State Department format. This is different from the 35×45mm Mexican passport format. The DS-160 photo must be uploaded digitally and must meet US State Department requirements: white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within 6 months. Do not use your 35×45mm Mexican passport photo for the DS-160 application.
Mexican Document Photo Requirements Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇲🇽 Mexican Passport (adult) | 35×45mm | Plain white | No | 10 years |
| 🇲🇽 Mexican Passport (child 3–17) | 35×45mm | Plain white | No | 6 years |
| 🇲🇽 Mexican Passport (under 3) | 35×45mm | Plain white | No | 3 years |
| 🪪 Matrícula Consular | 35×45mm | Plain white | No | Per issue |
| 🇺🇸 US Visa (DS-160) | 51×51mm (2×2 in) | White/off-white | No | Per application |
Always verify current requirements with SRE Mexico (gob.mx/sre or pasaporte.sre.gob.mx) or the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons for Mexican Passport Photos
Glasses visible in the photo
Remove all glasses before the photo. SRE follows ICAO biometric standards prohibiting all eyewear.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background only — no patterns, off-white tones, or shadows on the background.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your SRE appointment date. The photo must reflect your current appearance.
Head too small or too large
The face (chin to crown) must measure 32–36mm in a 35×45mm photo. Use a compliant biometric cropping tool to get the proportions right.
Shadows on face or background
Stand away from the wall and use even front lighting. Shadows on the face or background are a common reason SRE rejects photos.
Photo not printed on photo paper
Print on glossy or semi-gloss photo paper at minimum 300 DPI. Regular office paper is not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Mexican passport photo?
Mexican passport photos must be 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard), with the face (chin to crown) measuring 32–36mm within the photo height. The background must be plain white and the expression neutral. No glasses are permitted.
How do I book a Mexican passport appointment?
Appointments for Mexican passport applications and renewals can be booked through the SRE portal at pasaporte.sre.gob.mx. Mexican citizens abroad can apply at the nearest Mexican consulate — contact that consulate to confirm availability.
How long is a Mexican passport valid?
Mexico issues passports with validity based on age: 10 years for adults (18 and over), 6 years for children aged 3 to under 18, and 3 years for children under 3. A new photo is required at every renewal.
What are the Matrícula Consular photo requirements?
The Matrícula Consular uses the same photo format as the Mexican passport: 35×45mm, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within 6 months. Bring a printed photograph to the consulate appointment.
What photo do Mexican citizens need for a US DS-160 visa application?
Mexican citizens applying for a US visa via the DS-160 must provide a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photo — the US State Department format. This differs from the Mexican passport's 35×45mm ICAO format.
Can I use an online tool to create a Mexican passport photo?
Yes. SRE does not restrict the method used to produce the photo. Online passport photo tools are permitted in Mexico, provided the photo meets all dimensional and quality requirements and is printed on photo-quality paper.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — SRE Mexico (gob.mx/sre or pasaporte.sre.gob.mx) or your nearest Mexican embassy or consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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