Everything you need to know about Cuba visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, and how to take a compliant Cuban visa photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Cuba |
| Document Type | Visa |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 34.5 mm from chin to top of head (60–80% of photo) |
| Top Margin | 3 mm from top of photo to top of head |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — on glossy or matte photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes |
| Digital Photo Size | 827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Digital File Format | JPG / JPEG / PNG |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Cuba requires compliant visa photographs for non-tourist visa applications. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses are not recommended for Cuba visa photos. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses, no tinted lenses, and your eyes are fully visible. It is strongly recommended to remove glasses entirely.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Cuba visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera 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.

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.

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.

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or squinting.

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
A Cuba visa photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm), following standard ICAO biometric format. The head must occupy 60–80% of the photo.
Standard tourist cards (tarjeta de turista) for stays up to 30 days generally do not require a photograph. Photos are required for non-tourist visa types such as business, family visits, or longer stays. Check with the Cuban embassy or consulate for your specific visa type.
Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare, no tinted lenses, and your eyes are fully visible. It is best to remove them entirely.
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 Cuba visa 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, our tool will automatically replace your background.
You typically need 2 identical color photos for a Cuba visa application. Check with the specific Cuban embassy or consulate where you are applying, as requirements may vary.
If your visa photo doesn't meet the requirements, your visa application will be delayed or returned. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all requirements before you submit.