Mexico Passport Photo Requirements

Photo specifications

Rules

• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
• Glasses: Not allowed. Remove all glasses.
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.
• Ears: Both ears must be fully visible. Hair must be pulled back completely.
• Forehead: Must be fully visible. Hair must be pulled back to expose forehead and eyebrows.
• Head coverings: Not allowed unless for religious reasons.
• Background: Plain white only. No patterns, borders, or shadows.
• Lighting: Even, no shadows on face or background.
• Recency: Taken within the last 30 days (stricter than most countries).
• Retouching: No digital retouching or modification of any kind.

Strictest requirements

Mexico is one of the strictest countries for passport photos. Ears and forehead must be completely exposed, no glasses are allowed, and the photo must be no more than 30 days old. Since 2018, biometric photos are captured on-site at SRE offices for in-country passport issuance — printed photos are primarily for consulate applications abroad.

Common rejection reasons

• Hair covering ears or forehead
• Wearing glasses
• Photo older than 30 days
• Background not plain white
• Digitally retouched or altered

Official sources

• Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE)