How should a Panama visa photo look?
Panama requires a 35×45 mm white-background photo for the cédula de identidad personal (national ID card) and for the ICAO-compliant biometric passport. The photo must be attached to the application within six months of the capture date. The same standard applies to both citizens and resident foreigners.
Issuing authority: Autoridad de Pasaportes de Panamá · Tribunal Electoral
Passport applications are handled by Autoridad de Pasaportes de Panamá (APAP), and identity document applications by Tribunal Electoral. Applications are accepted at authorised offices and service centres, and the photo requirements follow ICAO 9303.
Workflow after the shoot
The frame is loaded into PhotoID Studio and the Panama preset is selected; the app aligns the face, cleans the background to pure white and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI. The same print can be used for both the cédula and the passport. If a Schengen or US format is needed from the same frame, switch the preset and re-export.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of the white backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression". Religious head coverings are accepted as long as the face is not obscured.
Reasons for rejection at Tribunal Electoral and Migración
• A non-white background: grey, cream or coloured backdrops are rejected. • A photo older than six months from the capture date. • A smile, visible teeth or an open mouth. • Glasses glare or tinted lenses. • Head too small in the frame; the face must adequately fill the image area. • Visible digital retouching: obvious editing marks result in rejection.
For studios in Panama City
Studios in Panama City benefit from high expat and tourist demand for cédula and passport renewal photography throughout the year. The PhotoID Studio Panama preset delivers the 35×45 mm white-background standard automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Can the same photo be used for the cédula and the passport?
Yes. Both documents accept the 35×45 mm white-background standard, so a single print works for both.
What background colour is required for a Panama passport photo?
Plain white. A grey, cream or coloured background will cause the application to be rejected.
How long is a Panama passport photo valid?
The photo must be attached to the application within six months of the capture date.
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