Colombian Passport Photo Requirements from the US
Colombian passport photos use a 3×4cm format — smaller than both the US and EU standards. Here is what you need and how to get it right from the US.
Colombian passport photos are 3×4cm (30×40mm).
This is smaller than both the US 2×2 inch format and the EU 35×45mm format. It is the most commonly confused passport photo size for Colombian applicants in the US — do not use a standard US or international photo without resizing.
Full Photo Requirements — Colombian Passport
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 3×4cm (30mm wide × 40mm tall) |
| Color | Color — not black and white |
| Background | Plain white — no shadows, gradients, or patterns |
| View | Frontal — face centered, head straight |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open, both clearly visible |
| Ears | Both ears visible |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head covering | Not permitted (religious exceptions with documentation) |
| Head size | Face fills approximately 70–80% of the frame |
| Paper | Matte or semi-matte photo paper |
| Recency | Taken within the last 3 months |
Note
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Cédula de Ciudadanía — Same Photo Format
The Cédula de Ciudadanía (Colombian national ID card) uses the same 3×4cm photo with identical requirements to the passport. If you are renewing your passport and your Cédula at the same time — which is common for Colombians abroad — you can use the same set of photos for both applications.
The Cédula is processed through the Registraduría Nacional at Colombian consulates, not through the Cancillería. You may need separate appointments for passport and Cédula services — check your consulate's scheduling system for both.
How to Renew a Colombian Passport from the US
Get your photos before booking an appointment — consulates may not offer photo services. Most US pharmacy photo centers (CVS, Walgreens) can produce 30×40mm photos on request. Specify '30 by 40 millimeters' or '3 by 4 centimeters' — not 'passport photo' which defaults to the US 2×2 inch size.
Go to tramitesyservicios.cancilleria.gov.co and start a passport application. Complete your personal details and upload a digital version of your 3×4cm photo. Print the completed application form after submission — you'll bring it to your consulate appointment.
Schedule a biometric appointment at your nearest Colombian consulate. Miami, New York, and Los Angeles have the highest demand and longest wait times. If your nearest consulate is very busy, check Atlanta, Houston, or Chicago — you can apply at any Colombian consulate in the US regardless of your state of residence.
Bring: printed application form, current or expired Colombian passport (original), 3–4 printed 3×4cm passport photos, proof of US address, proof of legal US status, and payment. Biometric enrollment (fingerprints + digital photo capture) takes 15–30 minutes at the consulate.
After your appointment, your passport is processed in Colombia and returned to the consulate, which mails it to you. Processing time: typically 4–8 weeks. Track your application status through the Cancillería portal using your application number.
Colombian Consulate Locations in the US
Tip
Most Common Photo Rejection Reasons
Using US 2×2 or EU 35×45mm instead of the Colombian 3×4cm (30×40mm). This is the most common error for Colombians in the US.
Colombia requires photos within 3 months — stricter than the 6-month rule used by most countries.
Must be plain white. Even slightly warm or cool whites may be flagged.
Hair should not cover the ears — both must be clearly visible in the final photo.
Not permitted regardless of prescription or lens type.
Colombian Passport Photo FAQ
What size is a Colombia passport photo?
Colombian passport photos must be 3×4cm (30×40mm) — width 30mm, height 40mm. This is smaller than the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format and smaller than the EU standard 35×45mm. It is a portrait-orientation rectangular photo. If you submit a 2×2 or 35×45mm photo to a Colombian consulate, your application will likely be rejected or you will be asked to resize.
What are the full requirements for a Colombian passport photo?
Colombian passport photo requirements: 3×4cm (30×40mm) size, color photo (not black and white), plain white background with no shadows or patterns, frontal view with face centered and head straight, neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses, no head coverings (except for documented religious reasons), face must fill approximately 70–80% of the frame, ears visible, taken within the last 3 months, printed on matte or semi-matte photo paper.
Can I renew my Colombian passport from the US?
Yes. Colombian nationals in the US can renew their passport through the Cancillería online portal at tramitesyservicios.cancilleria.gov.co, or by visiting the nearest Colombian consulate. The online process requires a digital photo upload; you then visit the consulate for biometric enrollment. Colombian consulates in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington D.C. handle the highest volume of passport renewals.
What is the difference between a Colombian passport photo and a Cédula photo?
Both the Colombian passport and the Cédula de Ciudadanía (national ID card) use a 3×4cm photo with the same specifications. If you are renewing both documents, you can use the same set of photos for both applications. The Cédula de Ciudadanía is the primary identity document for Colombian nationals and is processed through the Registraduría Nacional at the Colombian consulate.
Can I use a US 2×2 photo for a Colombian passport?
No. The US 2×2 inch format (51×51mm) is a square shape and is significantly larger than the Colombian 3×4cm (30×40mm) requirement. A 2×2 photo will be rejected. You must produce a specifically sized 30×40mm photo. US pharmacy photo centers can produce this size on request — ask specifically for '30 by 40mm' or '3 by 4 centimeter' to ensure the correct size.
Where are the Colombian consulates in the US?
Colombian consulates in the US: Miami (the busiest, serving Florida and the Southeast), New York (serving the Northeast), Los Angeles (serving the West Coast), Houston (serving Texas and the Gulf Coast), Washington D.C. (Embassy), Chicago (serving the Midwest), Boston, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Orlando. Miami has the largest Colombian diaspora community in the US and the highest-volume consulate.
How long does a Colombian passport renewal take from the US?
Colombian passport renewal from the US typically takes 4–8 weeks after your consulate appointment for biometric enrollment. The total timeline including appointment wait times can be 2–4 months at busy consulates like Miami and New York. The Miami consulate tends to have the longest waits — applicants in Florida sometimes travel to Atlanta or Houston for faster service.
What documents do I need to renew my Colombian passport from the US?
Documents for Colombian passport renewal: current or expired Colombian passport, Cédula de Ciudadanía (if applicable), 3×4cm passport photos (usually 3–4 copies), proof of US address (utility bill, bank statement, or lease), proof of legal US status (visa, Green Card, or US passport if applicable), and the renewal fee (approximately $160–$175 USD — check your nearest consulate for current rates).