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El Salvador Passport Photo Size & Requirements
El Salvador passport photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by El Salvador Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería / Ministério das Relações Exteriores) — Passport Division. In this guide, you can confirm the exact 35×45 mm size, 413×531 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your El Salvador passport application. A key local rule to remember is: El Salvador requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official El Salvador passport photo rules
- El Salvador requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
- Applicants must remove glasses, coloured contact lenses and any hair accessory that changes the outline of the face.
- El Salvador Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería / Ministério das Relações Exteriores) — Passport Division accepts photos taken within the last 6 months that accurately reflect your current appearance, including recent facial hair, glasses frames or hairstyle changes.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in El Salvador passport photos
- Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 35×45 mm used by El Salvador, and studios often print the wrong size unless the exact dimensions are stated in millimetres.
- Photos taken with a warm-white desk lamp that shifts skin tone away from the reference — Latin American passport offices frequently flag colour cast at the enrolment counter.
- Uploading a photo whose background reads as off-white or cream once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- Submitting a photo older than 6 months even if you look the same — El Salvador Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería / Ministério das Relações Exteriores) — Passport Division matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
Passport vs visa photo differences in El Salvador
The passport photo in El Salvador is 35×45 mm, while the visa photo is 35×45 mm. The size is the same for both documents, but you should still verify the specific submission rules for the visa application. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated El Salvador visa photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
Guatemala (35×45 mm)Honduras (35×45 mm)Mexico (35×45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in El Salvador?
El Salvador nationals apply through El Salvador Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería / Ministério das Relações Exteriores) — Passport Division at the nearest passport office. Payment is usually made online before the appointment. Booking an appointment online first is standard practice and rarely optional.
Is a white background required in El Salvador passport photos?
Yes. El Salvador Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería / Ministério das Relações Exteriores) — Passport Division requires a white background at the 35×45 mm print size. Substituting another colour or an off-white tone triggers rejection at the biometric pre-check even when the framing and lighting are otherwise correct.
What is the official passport photo size for El Salvador?
The official El Salvador passport photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a El Salvador passport photo?
El Salvador passport photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.