Mexican visa photo rules in plain words
The Consulate of Mexico in Boston asks for 1 colour passport-size photo of 39x31 mm (taken as 31 mm wide by 39 mm high, 1.22 x 1.54 in) on a white background. The photo must be frontal and without glasses. Religious head coverings are allowed only if the face is fully visible.
- Copies: 1.
- Colour: colour photo, not black and white.
- Glasses: not allowed.
- Head size: not specified officially.
Consulates differ. Some accept 2x2 in photos, and some state a minimum of 32x26 mm up to a maximum of 39x31 mm. Check the page of the consulate that will process your application,.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
Stand in front of a plain white wall and use soft window light in front of you. Hold the phone at eye height, look straight into the lens and keep your face frontal, with no tilt. Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open.
- Remove your glasses.
- Keep shadows off your face and off the wall by standing slightly away from it.
- Do not use filters, which can alter colours.
IDPhotoly processes the image in your browser without uploading it, crops it to the small 31x39 mm format, replaces the background with white and checks the framing.
Common reasons for rejection
- Black-and-white print. A colour photo is required.
- Glasses on. Glasses are not accepted.
- Non-frontal pose. The face must look straight at the camera.
- Coloured background. It must be white.
- Size not accepted by the consulate. Some consulates prefer 2x2 in or a different range, so check before printing.
Printing the photo
The Mexican visa application takes a printed photo. Download the file and print 1 copy at 300 DPI at 31x39 mm, or at the size your consulate names. Use photo paper for a sharp, colour-accurate print.
Tips for a clean result
The small format magnifies flaws, so make sure the picture is sharp and the lighting is even before you order a print. Payment is one-time, and you receive a full refund if an authority rejects the photo.
Final checks before you submit
Mexican consulates publish their own instructions, so start by reading the visa page of the consulate that will handle your application and note the exact size, number of photos and any extra rule such as the age of the photo. If it asks for 2x2 in instead of 39x31 mm, print the same file at the size the consulate names.