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

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.

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Cuba Visa Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryCuba
Document TypeVisa
Photo Size35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size34.5 mm from chin to top of head (60–80% of photo)
Top Margin3 mm from top of photo to top of head
Background ColorPlain white
PrintableYes — on glossy or matte photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes
Digital Photo Size827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Digital File FormatJPG / JPEG / PNG
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
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 Cuba visa requirements.

Detailed Cuba Visa Photo Requirements

Cuba requires compliant visa photographs for non-tourist visa applications. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Note on tourist cards: For short-term tourist stays (up to 30 days), Cuba issues a tourist card (tarjeta de turista) which generally does not require a photograph. The photo requirements on this page apply to standard visa applications for longer stays, business, family visits, or other non-tourist purposes.

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 digital alterations — do not apply social media filters or edit your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
  • Your head must measure approximately 34.5 mm from chin to top of head (60–80% of the photo)
  • The distance from the top of the photo to the top of the head should be approximately 3 mm
  • Upper body (shoulders) must be visible

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, looking straight into the camera
  • No smiling, frowning, or squinting
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your 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
  • Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

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.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious or medical purposes
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background
  • Ensure upper body and shoulders are visible in the photo

Digital Submission

  • Digital photos should be in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format
  • File size should be under 120 KB for online submission
  • Minimum resolution of 600 DPI recommended
  • Ensure the digital file is not compressed to the point of blurriness
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How to Take a Cuba Visa Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Cuba visa photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

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.

Taking visa photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best 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 remove and replace the background with the required white color.
Proper lighting setup for visa photo
3

Dress Appropriately

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

Appropriate attire for visa photos
4

Pose Correctly

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.

Correct posing for visa photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

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

Neutral facial expression for visa photo

Good and Bad Examples of Cuba Visa Photos

Good and bad examples of visa photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Cuba visa photo?

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.

Do I need a photo for a Cuba tourist card?

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.

Can I wear glasses in my Cuba visa photo?

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.

Can I take my Cuba visa photo with my phone?

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.

What background color is required?

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.

How many photos do I need for a Cuba visa?

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.

What happens if my visa photo is rejected?

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.