At most US consulates, you don't bring photos — the consulate captures your photo on-site. But you must comply: no glasses, no smiling, white background. With 50 consulates and often same-day passport delivery, Mexico's US network is the largest of any country.
| Printed size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Background | Plain white, no shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, no smile ("sin sonreir") |
| Glasses | Not allowed ("sin lentes") |
| At consulate | Photo captured on-site |
| For visas | Bring printed photo (size varies by post) |
| Recency | Within 30 days (per some sheets) |
| Delivery | Same day at most US consulates |
Most US consulates capture your passport and Matricula photo digitally during your appointment. You typically don't bring printed photos.
Mexico's passport regulation says "sin lentes." No published medical exception. The consulate will refuse to proceed until you remove them.
Many US consulates deliver your passport the same day — typically 1-3 hours on-site. Much faster than consulates outside the US (which can take weeks).
| Requirement | Mexico Passport | Mexico Visa (Resident) | US Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45 mm | Varies by post (~32×26 to 39×31 mm) | 51 × 51 mm (2×2 in) |
| Background | White, no shadows | White | White or off-white |
| Expression | Neutral, no smile | Neutral, no smile | Neutral or natural smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Photo source | Captured on-site at consulate | Bring printed photo | Bring your own |
| Recency | Within 30 days (some sheets) | Recent | Within 6 months |
| Delivery | Same day (most US consulates) | Varies | 4-6 weeks |
| Validity | 1, 3, 6, or 10 years | ~6 months (single entry) | 10 years (adult) |
Note: A US 2×2 inch photo is the wrong shape for Mexican procedures — it's square, while Mexico uses a rectangular 35×45mm. Visa photo sizes also vary by consulate.
US citizens can visit Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism. You'll need an FMM tourist form, available at airports, land crossings, or electronically via INM's website.
Mexico has strict age-based validity tiers and parental consent requirements. The 10-year option is only available for adults 18+.
Over 11 million US residents were born in Mexico. Mexico's 50-consulate network provides remarkably fast service: same-day passport delivery at most locations, with 1-3 hours on-site.
Seniors 60+ receive a 50% discount on passport fees. Fees are from the 2026 Houston consular schedule. Appointments booked through MiConsulado or citas.sre.gob.mx — appointments are free.
Mexico also operates Consulado Sobre Ruedas — mobile consulates that bring services to additional cities. Find yours at SRE directory.
Mexican consular ID for citizens abroad. Photo captured on-site.
Even though the consulate captures your photo, they'll reject and re-take if you don't meet appearance rules:
"Sin lentes" — no glasses of any kind. No published medical exception.
"Sin sonreir" — neutral expression, mouth closed, face squared to camera.
Face must be directly forward. Profile shots are explicitly rejected in official example sheets.
A US 2×2 inch photo is the wrong shape. Mexico uses rectangular 35×45mm.
While passport photos are captured on-site at most consulates, Mexican visa applications still require printed photos. We generate the correct 35×45mm format with white background and no-glasses compliance.
Get Started — $6.99Digital download + print template included.