Colombia Passport Photo Guide for Foreigners (2026)
Living in Colombia and need a document photo? Colombian passport photos are 35×45mm — a taller, narrower rectangle, NOT the 2×2 inch square used for US passports. If you use an American-sized photo, it will be rejected. Here's everything you need to know.
Key Specs
| Size | 35 × 45mm (NOT 2×2 inch) |
| Background | White, plain |
| Glasses | Not recommended (glare issues) |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Photo size | 35 × 45mm (3.5 × 4.5cm) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Color | Full color (natural skin tone) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not recommended (remove if possible) |
| Head coverage | 70-80% of photo height |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
What’s Different from US/UK Photos?
If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, the first thing to know: Colombian passport photos are NOT the same size as yours. This is the most common mistake foreigners make.
| Spec | Colombia | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45mm (rectangle) | 2 × 2 inches / 51 × 51mm (square) |
| Head height | 70-80% of frame | 50-69% of frame |
| Background | White | White |
| Glasses | Not recommended | Not allowed |
The Colombian format is taller and narrower than the US square. If you go to a photo shop and just say “passport photo,” they’ll likely give you the correct local format — but verify by asking for “foto de tres y medio por cuatro y medio” (3.5 by 4.5).
Who Needs a Colombian-Format Photo?
As a foreigner in Colombia, you may need a Colombian-format photo for:
- Cédula de extranjería (foreigner ID card) — required for long-term residents
- Visa colombiana (Colombian visa) — various categories (M, R, V)
- Permiso de permanencia (stay permit)
- Driving license (licencia de conducir) — if obtaining a Colombian license
- University enrollment — some universities require document-style photos
If you need a photo for your home country’s passport (e.g., renewing your US passport at the embassy in Bogota), the specs are different. Check our country guides for your home country’s requirements.
Where to Get Your Photo in Colombia
Option 1: Our Online Tool (Cheapest)
Take a photo at home with your phone, upload it to our tool, and we handle the rest — background removal, 35×45mm crop, head ratio adjustment. The entire interface works in English. Total cost: COP $4,200 ($1 USD) + printing.
Option 2: Photo Studio (Estudio Fotográfico / Foto Japón)
Look for signs that say “Fotos” or “Foto Japón” — a popular photo chain in Colombian cities. Most shopping centers and areas near government offices have studios. Cost: COP $10,000-25,000 (~$2.50-$6 USD).
Option 3: Papelería or Centro de Copiado
Many papelerías (stationery shops) and centros de copiado (copy centers) offer passport photo services. They take and print the photo on the spot. Cost: COP $8,000-15,000 (~$2-$3.50 USD).
| Method | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online tool + print at papelería | ~COP $6,200 (~$1.50 USD) | 3 min + pickup |
| Foto Japón / photo studio | COP $10,000-25,000 | 15-30 min |
| Papelería (full service) | COP $8,000-15,000 | 10-20 min |
Where to Print
Once you have the digital file, you need to print it. Here are your options:
Papelería (stationery shop) — Found on almost every block in Colombian cities. Bring your file on USB or send it via WhatsApp. Ask for “papel fotográfico, tamaño cuatro por seis.” Cost: COP $1,000-2,000 per 4×6 print.
Panamericana — A major office supply and stationery chain. Locations in most large cities. Cost: COP $2,000-4,000.
Éxito / Jumbo — Large supermarket chains with photo printing services at some locations. Cost: COP $2,000-5,000.
Centro de copiado — Copy centers, common near universities and business districts. Cost: COP $1,500-3,000.
Don't speak Spanish?
Our tool works entirely in English. Upload your photo, we handle the Colombian specs automatically. When printing, the phrase you need is: “Necesito imprimir esta foto en papel fotográfico, tamaño cuatro por seis” (I need to print this photo on photo paper, 4×6 size). You can also show them the file on your phone and point to the size.
Useful Vocabulary
| Spanish | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| pasaporte | pah-sah-POR-teh | passport |
| foto | FOH-toh | photo |
| foto tipo carnet | FOH-toh TEE-poh kar-NET | ID/document-style photo |
| cédula de extranjería | SEH-doo-lah deh ex-trahn-heh-REE-ah | foreigner ID card |
| Cancillería | kahn-see-yeh-REE-ah | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Migración Colombia | mee-grah-SYON | Immigration Colombia |
| papelería | pah-peh-leh-REE-ah | stationery shop / print shop |
| fondo blanco | FOHN-doh BLAHN-koh | white background |
| imprimir | eem-pree-MEER | to print |
| lentes | LEN-tehs | glasses |
Important: Government Office Photos
For Colombian passports (if you’re a Colombian citizen), the Cancillería handles the process. You’ll need to bring printed photos to your appointment.
For cédula de extranjería and visa matters, deal with Migración Colombia. Some Migración offices take your photo digitally on site, while others require you to bring printed photos. Check with your specific office before your appointment.
For US/UK/Canadian passport renewals at embassies in Colombia, you need your home country’s photo specs — NOT Colombian specs. The US Embassy in Bogota requires 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photos, not 35×45mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Colombian passport photo?
Colombian passport photos are 35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm), a vertical rectangle. This is different from the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format. Using a US-sized photo for a Colombian document will be rejected.
Can I wear glasses in a Colombian passport photo?
It's not recommended. Glasses cause glare that interferes with biometric facial recognition. The safest approach is to remove glasses entirely. If you must wear them for medical reasons, ensure there's zero glare and both eyes are fully visible.
Where can I print passport photos in Colombia?
Local papelerías (stationery shops) print photos from about COP $1,000-2,000 per sheet. You can also print at Panamericana stores, Éxito supermarkets, or centros de copiado (copy centers). Most accept USB drives or WhatsApp file transfers.
How is a Colombian passport photo different from a US passport photo?
Three key differences: (1) Size — Colombia uses 35×45mm rectangle vs US 2×2 inch square, (2) Head ratio — Colombia requires 70-80% head height, (3) Both require white background and discourage glasses.
What documents might I need a Colombian-format photo for?
As a foreigner in Colombia, you may need a 35×45mm photo for: cédula de extranjería (foreigner ID card), visa colombiana, permiso de permanencia (stay permit), or any official document. Check specific requirements for each.
Can I use a US passport photo for Colombian documents?
No. The dimensions are completely different. A US passport photo is 51×51mm (square) while Colombian photos are 35×45mm (rectangular). You need a new photo in the correct format.
What is the Cancillería?
The Cancillería is Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It handles passport issuance for Colombian citizens. As a foreigner, you'll more likely deal with Migración Colombia for visa and residency matters, but photo specs are the same.
Create Your Colombia Photo — English Interface
Upload a photo from your phone. Our tool handles Colombian specs automatically — background removal, 35×45mm crop, head ratio check. No Spanish required.
Create Colombia Passport Photo~COP $4,200 (~$1 USD) · Digital file + printable 4×6 sheet with 6 photos