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Cuba Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Cuba visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Cuba 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 Cuba visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Cuba requires a 45×45 mm square colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 531×531 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 Cuba visa photo rules
- Cuba requires a 45×45 mm square colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 531×531 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.
- Cuba 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.
- One print on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in Cuba visa photos
- Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 45×45 mm used by Cuba, 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 — Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería / Ministério das Relações Exteriores) — Passport Division matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Cuba
The visa photo in Cuba is 35×45 mm, while the passport photo is 45×45 mm. That size difference is enough to trigger rejection if you upload the wrong file, so always double-check which document you are preparing. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Cuba passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
Mexico (35×45 mm)United States (51×51 mm)Colombia (35×45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in Cuba?
Cuba nationals apply through Cuba 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 Cuba passport photos?
Yes. Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería / Ministério das Relações Exteriores) — Passport Division requires a white background at the 45×45 mm print size (square format). 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 visa photo size for Cuba?
The official Cuba visa photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Cuba visa photo?
Cuba visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.