Costa Rica Passport/Visa Photo Requirements and Size

The process of acquiring a Costa Rica passport is not overly complicated. You must, however, provide the issuing authority with the necessary documentation.

Photo specs

Required photo size: 4.5 cm in height and 3.5 cm in width. The head must occupy 60-70% of the picture’s surface
The photo you submit must be in color
Head size and position: keep your head straight to the camera
Recency: must be as recent as 6 months
Background: white
Smile: no
Eyes: must be clearly visible
Your ears should appear in the photo
The picture must not be blurry
Glasses: only acceptable if they do not obstruct your eyes
Headgear: as a rule, no. Exceptions are possible for religious purposes
Dimensions and size (pixels): at least 600 dpi
Attire, clothing, dress code: avoid white clothes
Beard: it is allowed only if it reflects your everyday look
Quantity needed in application: 2

Costa Rica Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide

costa rica passport photo requirement and size

Costa Rica Passport Photo and Visa Photo Requirements – Rules, Guidelines, and Specifications

While some people find the Costa Rican passport photo requirements above sufficient, some people will need more information. That is why we provided some additional explanations below. After all, an inadequate passport photo is one of the most common causes of rejection, and we do not want that to happen to you.

The environment in which you choose to take your picture must include a white background. Feel free to use any white wall you may have in the house. If that is not possible, take a white sheet and hang it on a wall. Voila! You’ve got yourself a white background.
When taking the photo for a passport or a visa, you need to place the camera at eye level. That way, your face is clearly visible. You cannot rotate or tilt your head because your facial features must be equally evident on both sides. As you can imagine, portrait-style photos are rejected.
When taking your passport photo or visa photo, you have to adopt a neutral facial expression. The best way to achieve that is by relaxing the muscles of your face. Do not smile, frown, or raise your brows. That will lead to rejection.
Your eyes must be straight into the camera and perfectly visible. They cannot be obstructed of shadowed by anything. If you happen to wear glasses, make sure that the frames do not cover your eyes in any way and that the photo does not contain any glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses have no business being in a passport photo or a visa photo.
When choosing a spot for your passport photo or visa photo, make sure that the source of light comes from in front of you. That ensures no shadows on your face. The intensity of the light must not be too high or too low.
Headwear is acceptable only when your religious beliefs do not allow you to keep your head uncovered. Nevertheless, remember that your face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead and from ear to ear. Make sure that the headwear does not create shadows on your face, either.
If your everyday likeness includes a beard, you are allowed to keep it for the passport photo or visa photo.

Rules and Requirements for Babies, Infants, and Newborn Passport and Visa Photos

Children, no matter their age, must hold their own passport and visa. You need to take their picture too. The tips below should help you with that.

The only difference between an adult’s and a child’s passport/visa photo is that the head of the child can occupy less surface area of the picture. After all, children’s heads are smaller.
Make sure that the child is awake for the photoshoot.
If the baby has a hat and/or pacifier, you need to remove them.
Only the child can appear in the picture.
Photographing your child in a car seat means that you have to cover the backrest with a white layer.
Taking a picture from above while the child is lying on his/her back means that you need to place a white sheet or blanket underneath.