Costa Rica Passport Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about Costa Rica passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant Costa Rican passport photo at home.
Costa Rica Passport Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Country
Costa Rica
Document Type
Passport (Pasaporte)
Photo Size
35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Resolution (DPI)
600
Head Size
32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo)
Top Margin
Approximately 3 mm from top of photo to top of head
Background Color
Plain white
Printable
Yes — on matte photo-quality paper
Digital Photo Size
827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Color
Color only (black and white not accepted)
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
Quantity
2 identical color photos
Issuing Authority
Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all ICAO biometric standards for Costa Rica passports.
Detailed Costa Rica Passport Photo Requirements
Costa Rica passports follow ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) biometric standards. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Photo Basics
Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
No filters or editing — do not digitally alter your appearance
Must reflect your current appearance
You need 2 identical color photos
Size and Dimensions
Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Your head must measure 32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of the photo)
The distance from the top of the photo to the top of the head should be approximately 3 mm
Printed on matte photo-quality paper
Pose and Expression
Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead, and ear to ear
Background
Use a plain white background
No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
No shadows on your face or behind your head
Even lighting with no red-eye effect
Glasses
Glasses are NOT allowed in Costa Rican passport photos. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses.
Head Coverings and Hats
No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious or medical reasons
If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from chin to forehead
No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices
Clothing
Wear normal everyday clothing — do not wear uniforms
Avoid wearing white tops that may blend with the white background
Choose clothing that provides contrast with the white background
Children and Baby Photos
The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
The child's eyes must be open and visible
No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
A plain white sheet may be used as a background for babies
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps using your smartphone.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone camera can take a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and set to the highest resolution. Ask someone to take the photo for you — avoid selfies.
2
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows.
Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically replace it with white.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera. Keep your shoulders relaxed and head level — not tilted.
5
Maintain a Neutral Expression
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling or frowning.
Good and Bad Examples
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Costa Rica passport photo?
A Costa Rica passport photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). The head must measure 32–36 mm from chin to top of head, occupying 70–80% of the photo.
Can I wear glasses in my Costa Rica passport photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in Costa Rican passport photos. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
How many photos do I need for a Costa Rica passport?
You need 2 identical color photos for your Costa Rica passport application. Both must meet the same 35×45 mm requirements.
Can I take my Costa Rica passport photo with my phone?
Yes! Upload your phone photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements.
What background color is required?
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, or shadows. Our tool will automatically replace your background with white if needed.
How recent must my Costa Rica passport photo be?
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
Can I smile in my Costa Rica passport photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.
What happens if my photo is rejected?
If your passport photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all requirements before you submit.
