What background is required for a Costa Rica visa photo?

The background must be plain white with no patterns, shadows, or objects.

Costa Rica Visa Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Q: What size is a Costa Rica visa photo?

A Costa Rica visa photo must be 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). The head should occupy 70–80% of the photo.

Q: Can I wear glasses in my Costa Rica visa photo?

Glasses are strongly discouraged. If you must wear them, ensure there is no glare and your eyes are clearly visible.

Everything you need to know about Costa Rica visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant Costa Rica visa photo at home.

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Costa Rica Visa Photo Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Country	Costa Rica
Document Type	Visa
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 for Online Submission	Yes
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

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 requirements for your Costa Rica visa application.

Detailed Costa Rica Visa Photo Requirements

Costa Rica visa photos follow ICAO international 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

Pose and Expression

Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
A neutral facial expression is preferred; a very slight natural smile is acceptable as long as your mouth remains 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 strongly discouraged. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited.

Head Coverings and Hats

No hats or head coverings, unless worn for religious reasons
Religious head coverings (such as hijabs) are permitted for women as long as the full face is visible
No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Jewelry

Avoid oversized earrings, nose rings, or lip rings
Small, discrete jewelry is generally acceptable
Jewelry must not obscure any facial features

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 background

Facial Hair

Beards and mustaches are permitted if you normally wear them
Your facial hair must not obscure your chin or the outline of your face

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How to Take a Costa Rica Visa Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps using your smartphone.

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera can take a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and set to the highest resolution. Ask someone to take the photo for you — avoid selfies.

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.

Dress Appropriately

Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes. Avoid oversized jewelry.

Pose Correctly

Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera. Keep your shoulders relaxed and head level — not tilted.

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes open, mouth closed. A very slight natural smile is acceptable but no teeth should be visible.

Good and Bad Examples

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Costa Rica visa photo?

A Costa Rica visa 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 visa photo?

Glasses are strongly discouraged. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited.

Can I smile in my Costa Rica visa photo?

You may have a very slight natural smile, but your mouth must remain closed and no teeth should be visible. A neutral expression is preferred and recommended.

Can I take my Costa Rica visa 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.

Can I wear jewelry in my Costa Rica visa photo?

Avoid oversized earrings, nose rings, or lip rings. Small, discrete jewelry is generally acceptable as long as it doesn't obscure facial features.

How recent must my Costa Rica visa photo be?

Your visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

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 requirements before you submit.