Everything you need to know about Colombia visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, digital file specifications, and how to take a compliant Colombian visa photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Colombia |
| Document Type | Visa (Visa para Colombia) |
| Photo Size | 30 × 40 mm (3 × 4 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photo (from chin to top of head) |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — on matte photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes (required for online visa application) |
| Digital Photo Size | 708 × 945 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Maximum File Size | 300 KB |
| File Format | JPG |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) requires specific photo dimensions for visa applications submitted through the online portal. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Colombian visa photos. This applies to all types of eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Remove all glasses before taking the photo.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Colombian visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
A Colombia visa photo must be exactly 30×40 mm (3×4 cm). The head must occupy 70–80% of the photo, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
No. Glasses are strictly prohibited in Colombian visa photos, even if you wear them daily. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
The digital photo uploaded to the Colombian visa portal must be a maximum of 300 KB in JPG format. Our tool will automatically compress your photo to meet this requirement.
Yes! You can take your visa photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Colombian visa photo requirements.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
Your visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance, including any significant changes such as facial hair, weight changes, or facial piercings.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are allowed.
If your visa photo doesn't meet the requirements, your visa application will be delayed or rejected. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit your application, saving you time and hassle.
