Colombia Passport/Visa Photo Requirements and Size

Passport and visa photos are important for travelers as they are required for identity verification and security purposes. Colombia, like most countries, has specific requirements for passport and visa photos that must be followed to ensure the photo is acceptable.

Passport and visa photos must be taken against a white or light-colored background and must be of high quality. The subject must be facing the camera with a neutral facial expression, and their eyes must be open and clearly visible. The head must be centered in the frame, and the subject must not be wearing any headwear, except for religious purposes. Glasses can be worn but must not obstruct the eyes.

The size of the photo must be 3.5cm x 4.5cm, which is approximately 1.38 inches x 1.77 inches. The photo must also be printed on high-quality photo paper with a resolution of 300 dpi or higher. The photo must be in color and must not be retouched or altered in any way.

In addition to the physical requirements of the photo, there are also specific requirements for the subject's appearance. The subject must have a natural facial expression, with their mouth closed and eyes open. The subject's hair must not cover their face or eyes, and their ears must be visible. The subject must not be wearing any jewelry or accessories that could obstruct their face, and there must be no shadows or reflections in the photo.

It is important to note that the photo requirements for passports and visas may differ slightly, so it is important to check the specific requirements for each document. In Colombia, passport photos must be taken by a professional photographer, while visa photos can be taken at home as long as they meet the requirements.

Overall, following the specific requirements for passport and visa photos is crucial for ensuring that the photos are accepted and that the travel process is not delayed. It is important to carefully review the requirements and ensure that the photo meets all of the necessary criteria.

When applying for a passport or visa to travel to Colombia, you will need to submit a passport-sized photograph that meets certain requirements. The photo is an important part of the application process, as it will be used to identify you throughout your travels.

In Colombia, passport and visa photos must be taken within the last six months and meet the following requirements:

  • Size: The photo must measure 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm (1.37 inches by 1.77 inches).
  • Background: The background must be white, without any patterns or shadows. The photo must be taken against a plain white or light-colored background.
  • Head position: The applicant’s head should be straight and facing the camera directly, with the eyes looking straight ahead. The face should be centered in the photo and the applicant should have a neutral expression.
  • Lighting: The photo should be well-lit and have even lighting across the face, without any harsh shadows or reflections.
  • Clothing: The applicant should wear everyday clothing that is not too bright or busy. The clothing should not cover the face or create any shadows.
  • Head covering: Applicants are not allowed to wear head coverings or hats, unless it is for religious or medical reasons. Even in these cases, the face must be fully visible.
  • Glasses: If the applicant wears glasses, they must be worn without any tinted lenses and the frames should not cover any part of the eyes.

It's important to ensure that your passport or visa photo meets all of these requirements, as a photo that doesn't meet the requirements can cause delays in the processing of your application. It's recommended to have the photo taken by a professional photographer who is familiar with these requirements to ensure that the photo is suitable for submission.

In conclusion, when applying for a passport or visa to travel to Colombia, it's important to provide a passport-sized photo that meets the specific requirements outlined by the Colombian government. By following these guidelines and having your photo taken by a professional photographer, you can ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

How to take a passport/visa photo for Colombia

If you're planning to travel to Colombia, you'll need to submit a passport-sized photo as part of your passport or visa application. Here's how you can take a suitable passport/visa photo for Colombia:

Choose a suitable location: Look for a location that has a plain white or light-colored background. This could be a white wall or a white sheet hung up behind you.

Get the lighting right: Make sure that the lighting is even across your face and there are no harsh shadows or reflections. Avoid using the flash on your camera as it can cause shadows.

Position yourself correctly: Stand or sit directly facing the camera with your shoulders and face centered in the frame. Ensure that your head is straight and not tilted to one side.

Maintain a neutral expression: Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, meaning you should not be smiling, frowning or raising your eyebrows.

Ensure your face is fully visible: Your face should take up about 70-80% of the photo. Make sure that your face, including your forehead, cheeks, and chin, is fully visible.

Avoid any accessories that could obstruct your face: Remove any hats, headbands, glasses with tinted lenses, or anything else that could obstruct your face.

Wear everyday clothing: Wear normal, everyday clothing that is not too bright or busy. Avoid anything that could create shadows or distract from your face.

Get the right size: The photo must measure 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm (1.37 inches by 1.77 inches) with no border.

Once you have taken the photo, check it carefully to ensure that it meets all of the requirements outlined by Colombian authorities. If you are unsure, it's recommended to have the photo taken by a professional photographer who is familiar with these requirements.

In conclusion, taking a suitable passport/visa photo for Colombia is a simple process, provided that you follow the guidelines carefully. By following these steps, you can ensure that your application process is smooth and efficient.

Common mistakes to avoid when taking a passport/visa photo for Colombia

Taking a passport or visa photo for Colombia can be a simple task, but there are some common mistakes that people make that can lead to their application being rejected. Here are some mistakes to avoid when taking a passport or visa photo for Colombia:

Using the wrong background color: The background of the photo should be white or a light-colored background. Avoid using busy or dark backgrounds as they will not be accepted.

Poor lighting: Ensure that the lighting is sufficient and evenly distributed so that there are no shadows or reflections on your face.

Wrong head position: The head should be centered and facing the camera directly. Avoid tilting your head or looking down as this can lead to an inaccurate representation of your face.

Wrong facial expression: Your facial expression should be neutral, with your mouth closed, and eyes open. Do not smile or frown as this can lead to a rejected photo.

Wearing glasses: If you wear glasses, make sure there is no glare on the lenses, and your eyes are visible. Avoid wearing tinted or reflective glasses, as they are not allowed.

Using a low-quality camera or printer: The photo must be clear and of high quality. Avoid using a low-quality camera or printer that produces grainy or blurry images.

Retouching or altering the photo: Do not retouch or alter the photo in any way. This includes removing blemishes or changing the background color.

Not following the required size and dimensions: The photo must be 3.5cm x 4.5cm in size, and the resolution must be 300 dpi or higher. The photo should also be printed on high-quality photo paper.

Not following the specific requirements for passports or visas: The requirements for passport and visa photos may differ slightly, so make sure to follow the specific requirements for each document.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your passport or visa photo is accepted and that your application is processed smoothly.

Where to get your passport/visa photo taken in Colombia

If you're in Colombia and need to get a passport or visa photo taken, there are several options available to you. Here are some places where you can get your passport/visa photo taken in Colombia:

Photography studios: Many photography studios in Colombia offer passport/visa photo services. Look for a reputable studio that has experience taking these types of photos.

Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, such as Farmatodo and Cruz Verde, offer passport/visa photo services. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer this service.

Copy centers: Copy centers, such as FedEx and UPS stores, often provide passport/visa photo services. Check with your local copy center to see if they offer this service.

Shopping centers: Many shopping centers in Colombia have photo booths that offer passport/visa photo services. Look for a photo booth that meets the requirements for passport/visa photos in Colombia.

Online services: There are also online services that allow you to upload a photo and receive a passport/visa photo that meets the requirements for Colombia. Some popular online services include ePassportPhoto.com and iVisaPhotos.com.

When selecting a location to get your passport/visa photo taken, make sure that they are familiar with the specific requirements for photos in Colombia. You can also ask to see examples of previous passport/visa photos they have taken to ensure that they meet the requirements.

Getting a passport/visa photo taken in Colombia is easy and convenient, with many options available to you. By selecting a reputable location that is familiar with the specific requirements for photos in Colombia, you can ensure that your application process goes smoothly.

How to edit your passport/visa photo for Colombia

When applying for a passport or visa for Colombia, it's important to have a high-quality photo that meets the specific requirements. Here are some steps on how to edit your passport/visa photo for Colombia:

Use a photo editor: There are many photo editing tools available, including Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Canva. Choose a tool that you are familiar with or one that is easy to use.

Check the requirements: Before editing your photo, review the requirements for the passport or visa photo for Colombia to ensure that you meet all of the specifications.

Crop the photo: Use the cropping tool in your photo editor to crop the photo to the required size, which is 3.5cm x 4.5cm.

Adjust the brightness and contrast: Use the brightness and contrast adjustment tools to ensure that the photo is well-lit and has good contrast.

Remove any blemishes: Use the spot removal tool or the clone stamp tool to remove any blemishes or marks on your face.

Ensure the background is correct: The background should be white or a light-colored background. If necessary, use the eraser tool to remove any background color or pattern.

Save the photo in the correct format: The photo should be saved in JPEG or PNG format, with a resolution of 300 dpi or higher.

Print the photo: Print the edited photo on high-quality photo paper to ensure that it meets the required specifications.

It's important to note that while editing your photo can help to ensure that it meets the requirements, you should not make significant changes to your appearance or alter the photo in any way that could be seen as deceptive. By following these steps, you can edit your passport or visa photo for Colombia and increase your chances of having a successful application.

What to do if your passport/visa photo is rejected by Colombian authorities

If your passport/visa photo is rejected by Colombian authorities, don't worry. Here are some steps you can take to rectify the situation:

Understand the reason for rejection: Find out the specific reason why your photo was rejected. You may have received a notification explaining the reason, but if not, contact the appropriate authorities to find out why your photo was not accepted.

Retake the photo: Once you know the reason for rejection, retake your photo according to the guidelines provided by Colombian authorities. Make sure to address the specific issue that caused the rejection, such as improper lighting, incorrect size, or inappropriate background.

Seek professional help: If you're unsure about how to retake the photo or are having difficulty getting it right, consider seeking professional help. Look for a reputable photography studio or online service that specializes in passport/visa photos for Colombia.

Submit the new photo: Once you have retaken the photo, submit it to the appropriate authorities according to the instructions provided. Make sure to include any necessary documentation or forms, and follow up to ensure that your new photo is accepted.

Be patient: The process of getting a passport or visa can be frustrating, but it's important to be patient and persistent. If your photo is rejected again, try to determine why and take the necessary steps to address the issue.

In conclusion, if your passport/visa photo is rejected by Colombian authorities, don't panic. By understanding the reason for rejection, retaking the photo according to guidelines, seeking professional help if necessary, and submitting the new photo with patience and persistence, you can successfully complete the application process.

Passport and visa photos for babies, infants, and newborns

Passport and visa photos for babies, infants, and newborns have different rules and requirements compared to photos for adults. Here are some important rules and requirements to keep in mind when taking passport and visa photos for babies:

The baby's eyes must be open: The baby's eyes must be open and visible in the photo. If the baby is too young to hold their head up, the photo may be taken with the baby lying down on their back, but the eyes must still be visible.

The baby must be facing forward: The baby's face must be completely facing forward, with no sideways tilt.

The background should be plain white: The background should be plain white, with no patterns or shadows.

The baby must be alone in the photo: Only the baby should be visible in the photo, with no other person, object or even a hand visible in the photo.

The baby must have a neutral expression: The baby should not be smiling, frowning, or have any other facial expression. A neutral expression is best for a passport photo.

The baby's head must be fully visible: The baby's head must be fully visible in the photo, with no hats or headwear that obstruct the view of the face.

No pacifiers or toys are allowed: The baby should not have a pacifier or any toys in their hands or mouth.

The photo must be recent: The photo should be taken within the last 6 months.

Print quality should be high: The photo should be printed on high-quality photo paper, with a resolution of at least 300 dpi.

It's important to keep in mind that different countries may have specific requirements for passport and visa photos for babies. Always check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the latest rules and guidelines. Additionally, it's always best to have the photos taken by a professional photographer who has experience with taking passport and visa photos for babies.

Frequently Asked questions

Passport/visa photos in Colombia must be in color, measure 3 cm x 4 cm, and have a white or light grey background. The photos must be taken within the last six months and show a clear image of your face, with your head facing forward and centered in the frame.

Yes, you can wear glasses or a head covering in your passport/visa photo for Colombia, but only if they do not obstruct your face or create shadows. If you wear glasses, make sure that there is no glare on the lenses. Religious head coverings are allowed, but your face must be fully visible.

No, you cannot smile in your passport/visa photo for Colombia. The photo must show a neutral expression with your mouth closed.

Yes, you can take your passport/visa photo yourself, but it's important to make sure that the photo meets all the requirements. If you're unsure about how to take the photo or want to ensure that it meets the specifications, consider seeking professional help.

If your passport/visa photo is rejected by Colombian authorities, find out the specific reason for the rejection and retake the photo according to the guidelines provided. Seek professional help if necessary, and be patient and persistent in completing the application process.

Passport/visa photos in Colombia are valid for six months from the date they were taken. If you need to renew your passport or visa after this time, you will need to take a new photo.

Yes, you can use a digital photo for your passport/visa in Colombia, as long as it meets all the requirements for size, format, and quality. Check with the appropriate authorities to ensure that digital photos are accepted for your particular application.