Panama Biometric Photo Size
35×45 mm, ICAO 9303
How should a Panama passport 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.
Photo Size
35×45 mm
Head Ratio
70%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm
Background Color
White
Standard
ICAO 9303
Requirements & Notes
Panamanian photo follows ICAO standards. White background required.
The bodies that set the spec
The specification for the cédula de identidad is published by the Tribunal Electoral; passport applications are handled by the Servicio Nacional de Migración. Both agencies require a 35×45 mm white-background photo.
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.
Used For
- Passport
- Cedula identity
- Visa
Similar Sizes
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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.
Create Panama Biometric Photos
Creating Panama-compliant photos with PhotoID Studio takes just seconds. Get professional results with AI face detection and automatic background removal.