Guatemala Passport Photo Guide for Foreigners (2026)
Living in Guatemala or dealing with Guatemalan documents? Guatemalan passport photos are 26×32mm — smaller than the standard 35×45mm ICAO format used by most countries, and NOT the 2×2 inch square used for US passports. If you bring a photo in any other size to Migración, it will be rejected. Here's everything you need to know.
Key Specs
| Size | 26 × 32mm (2.6 × 3.2cm — NOT 35×45mm, NOT 2×2 inch) |
| Background | White, plain |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Copies | 2 identical photos |
| Photo size | 26 × 32mm (2.6 × 3.2cm / 1.0 × 1.3 inches) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Color | Full color (natural skin tone) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed (any type) |
| Head coverage | 50-69% of photo height |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Copies needed | 2 identical photos |
What’s Different from US/UK Photos?
If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, the first thing to know: Guatemalan passport photos are NOT the same size as yours. This is the most common mistake foreigners make. Guatemala does not use the standard 35×45mm ICAO format that most countries follow — it has its own smaller 26×32mm size.
| Spec | Guatemala | United States | ICAO Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 26 × 32mm (rectangle) | 2 × 2 inches / 51 × 51mm (square) | 35 × 45mm (rectangle) |
| Head height | 50-69% of frame | 50-69% of frame | 70-80% of frame |
| Background | White | White | White |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed | Varies |
The Guatemalan format is smaller than both the US square and the European/ICAO rectangle. If you go to a photo shop and just say “passport photo,” they’ll likely know the local size — but if in doubt, say “foto tamaño pasaporte, veintiséis por treinta y dos” (26 by 32).
Who Needs a Guatemalan Passport Photo?
As a foreigner in Guatemala, you might need a Guatemalan-format photo for:
- Residency permit (permiso de residencia)
- Work permit (permiso de trabajo)
- Guatemalan visa application
- Driver’s license (licencia de conducir)
- Business documents and registrations
If you need a photo for your home country’s passport (e.g., renewing your US passport at the embassy in Guatemala City), the specs are different. Check our country guides for your home country’s requirements.
Where to Get Your Photo in Guatemala
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, 26×32mm crop, head ratio adjustment. The entire interface works in English. Total cost: Q8 ($1 USD) + printing.
Option 2: Photo Studio (Estudio Fotográfico)
Look for signs that say “Fotos para pasaporte” or “Fotos carnet.” Most city centers and areas near government offices have studios. Cost: Q25-60 ($3-8 USD). Tell them you need “tamaño pasaporte” and they’ll know the size.
Option 3: Copy Centers (Centro de Copiado)
If you already have a digital file, any papelería (stationery shop) or centro de copiado (copy center) can print it on photo paper. Cost: Q3-10 for the print.
| Method | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online tool + local print | ~Q11-18 (~$1.50-2.30 USD) | 3 min + print |
| Photo studio | Q25-60 ($3-8 USD) | 20-30 min |
| Migración office (if available) | Q30-50 ($4-6 USD) | Variable |
Where to Print
Once you have the digital file, you need to print it. Here are your options:
Papelerías (stationery shops) — Found on almost every block in Guatemalan cities, especially near schools, markets, and government offices. Bring your file on a USB drive or send it via WhatsApp. Say “quiero imprimir esta foto en papel fotográfico, tamaño cuatro por seis” (I want to print this photo on photo paper, 4×6 size). Cost: Q3-10.
Librería Progreso — A well-known bookstore/stationery chain with multiple locations in Guatemala City. Many branches offer photo printing services. Cost: Q5-10.
Photo studios — If you just need printing (not a new photo), studios can print your file for Q10-20. They have professional-grade printers.
Don't speak Spanish?
Our tool works entirely in English. Upload your photo, we handle the Guatemalan specs automatically. When printing, the phrase you need is: “Quiero imprimir esta foto en papel fotográfico, tamaño cuatro por seis” (I want to print this photo on photo paper, 4×6 size). Send the file via WhatsApp or bring a USB drive.
Useful Vocabulary
| Spanish | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| pasaporte | pah-sah-POR-teh | passport |
| foto carnet | FOH-toh kar-NET | ID/document photo |
| Migración | mee-grah-SYON | immigration office (passport issuer) |
| DPI | deh-peh-EE | national ID card (Documento Personal de Identificación) |
| papelería | pah-peh-leh-REE-ah | stationery shop (often has printing) |
| centro de copiado | SEN-troh deh koh-pee-AH-doh | copy/print center |
| lentes | LEN-tehs | glasses |
| fondo blanco | FOHN-doh BLAHN-koh | white background |
| tamaño pasaporte | tah-MAH-nyoh pah-sah-POR-teh | passport size |
| imprimir | eem-pree-MEER | to print |
Important: Government Offices
Passport applications are processed at Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM) offices. The main office is in Guatemala City (6a Avenida 3-11, Zona 4). Some offices may take your photo on-site, but it’s best to bring your own photos that meet the specifications.
You will need:
- 2 passport photos (26×32mm, white background)
- DPI (national ID) or birth certificate
- Application form
- Payment of approximately Q200-400
For the most current information, visit the official website: Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración — igm.gob.gt
Currency Note
Guatemala uses the quetzal (Q). At current exchange rates, Q1 ≈ $0.13 USD, so our ~Q8 service fee is approximately $1 USD. ATMs and banks in Guatemala City give quetzales. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but government offices require quetzales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Guatemalan passport photo?
Guatemalan passport photos are 26×32mm (2.6×3.2cm), a vertical rectangle. This is NOT the standard 35×45mm ICAO format — Guatemala uses its own smaller size. It is also different from the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format.
Can I wear glasses in a Guatemalan passport photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in Guatemalan passport photos, including prescription glasses. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
Where can I print passport photos in Guatemala?
Papelerías (stationery shops) and centros de copiado (copy centers) are found throughout Guatemala City and other cities. They print photos on photo paper for about Q3-10 per sheet. You can also go to Librería Progreso or photo studios.
How is a Guatemalan passport photo different from a US passport photo?
Two key differences: (1) Size — Guatemala uses 26×32mm rectangle vs US 2×2 inch square (Guatemala's size is also smaller than the European 35×45mm standard), (2) Head ratio — Guatemala requires 50-69% head height. Both require white background and ban glasses.
What is the DPI and what is Migración?
DPI (Documento Personal de Identificación) is Guatemala's national ID card, issued by RENAP. Migración is the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración, the government agency that issues passports. Their offices are called 'oficinas de Migración.'
How much does a passport photo cost in Guatemala?
Photo studios charge Q25-60 (about $3-8 USD). Our online tool costs approximately Q8 (~$1 USD) plus Q3-10 for printing at a local papelería, totaling about Q11-18 ($1.50-2.30 USD).
Can I use a US passport photo for Guatemalan documents?
No. The dimensions are completely different. A US passport photo is 51×51mm (square) while Guatemalan passport photos are 26×32mm (rectangular). You need a separate photo for each.
Create Your Guatemala Photo — English Interface
Upload a photo from your phone. Our tool handles Guatemalan specs automatically — background removal, 26×32mm crop, head ratio check. No Spanish required.
Create Guatemala Passport Photo~Q8 (~$1 USD) · Digital file + printable sheet · English interface