May 28, 2026 · Country Guides
Peru Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – RENIEC Rules (4×4cm Format)
Peru uses a 4×4cm (40×40mm) square format for passport and national ID photos — different from the ICAO standard 35×45mm used across Europe and most of the world. This distinction is especially important for Peruvian citizens who need a Schengen visa, which requires a separate 35×45mm ICAO photo.
Important: Peru uses 40×40mm — not the ICAO standard
Peruvian passport photos are 40×40mm (4×4cm) square, not the 35×45mm rectangular ICAO format used in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, and most other countries. Submitting a 35×45mm photo for a Peruvian passport application will result in rejection. If you are a Peruvian citizen applying for a Schengen visa, you will need a separate 35×45mm ICAO-compliant photo.
Peruvian Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 40×40mm (4×4cm) — square format |
| Authority | RENIEC / Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Eyes | Fully open, looking directly at lens |
| Head position | Straight, no tilt |
| Document covered | Pasaporte Electrónico and DNI (national ID) |
| Online renewals | migraciones.gob.pe (verify current availability) |
The Peruvian Biometric Passport (Pasaporte Electrónico) and DNI
Peru issues a biometric Pasaporte Electrónico (electronic passport) that contains an RFID chip storing the holder's facial and fingerprint biometric data. Passports and national identity renewals are managed by two authorities:
- RENIEC (Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil) — responsible for the DNI (national identity card).
- Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones — responsible for the Pasaporte Electrónico and immigration services. Online services are available at migraciones.gob.pe.
Despite using the ICAO chip data format internally, Peru chose a 40×40mm square print size for the physical photo rather than the ICAO 35×45mm rectangular format. This is a national choice and means Peruvian passport photos are not interchangeable with standard ICAO photos for other purposes.
Format Comparison: Peru vs ICAO vs Schengen Visa
| Document / Purpose | Size | Shape | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peruvian passport / DNI | 40×40mm | Square | White |
| ICAO standard (EU/DE/CH/AU/etc.) | 35×45mm | Portrait rectangle | White or off-white |
| Schengen visa (for Peruvian citizens) | 35×45mm | Portrait rectangle | White or off-white |
| US passport | 51×51mm (2×2 inch) | Square | White |
Always verify with the official issuing authority. Requirements may change.
Peruvian Citizens Applying for a Schengen Visa
Peru is not in the Schengen Area. Peruvian 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 Peruvian 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 a Peru passport photo?
Peruvian passport photos must be 4×4cm (40×40mm) — a square format. This differs from the ICAO standard of 35×45mm used across Europe and most of the world. The 40×40mm format applies to both the biometric Pasaporte Electrónico and the national identity card (DNI) issued by RENIEC.
What photo format do Peruvian citizens need for a Schengen visa?
For a Schengen visa application, Peruvian citizens must submit a standard ICAO-compliant photo measuring 35×45mm — not the 40×40mm Peruvian 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.
Can I take a Peruvian passport photo at home?
For the Peruvian passport (Pasaporte Electrónico), biometric data including the photo is typically captured directly at RENIEC offices or Migraciones offices during your appointment. For visa application photos (such as Schengen), photos can be taken at authorised studios or at home meeting the relevant requirements. Always check current instructions at migraciones.gob.pe or reniec.gob.pe before your appointment.
Are glasses allowed in Peruvian passport photos?
No. Glasses are not permitted in Peruvian biometric passport or DNI photos. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, tinted glasses, and sunglasses. All eyewear must be removed before the photo is taken.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. RENIEC and Migraciones photo requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official RENIEC, Migraciones, or consular guidance.
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