Panama Passport Photo Tool - 35×45mm Official APAP Format

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The Challenge

Panama requires 35×45mm passport photos with strict dress code—ears visible, shoulders covered, no braids, no coloured contacts. Consulates abroad require applicants to bring their own photos. Professional services charge $10–20. One rejected photo = resubmission delays.

Panamanian passport photo requirements

Panama's Autoridad de Pasaportes (APAP) requires 35×45mm photos with white background and highly specific positioning: head height must be 34.5mm from chin to crown of hair with exactly 4.5mm space above. Panama enforces unusually strict appearance rules—ears must be fully visible, shoulders covered, no sleeveless tops, and hair must be pulled back behind ears. For domestic applications, APAP takes your photo at their office. For consular applications abroad, you must bring your own compliant photos.

Panama passport photo checklist — will your photo be accepted?

35×45mm dimensions with 34.5mm head height
4.5mm space from top of photo to top of hair
Pure white background—no patterns, no shadows
Taken within last 6 months
Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
Both eyes open and clearly visible
Both ears fully visible—hair behind ears
No glasses (remove unless medical exemption)
No coloured contact lenses
Shoulders covered—no sleeveless shirts, no cleavage
No white clothing (low contrast against white background)
No wigs, no extravagant hairstyles, no hair accessories
No piercings (small earrings only for women, none for men)
No braids or long loose hair—must be tied back
600 DPI minimum resolution
Colour photo—no black and white
No retouching, filters, or digital alterations

Common rejection reasons

Ears not fully visible (most common rejection for Panama)
Wearing sleeveless shirt or showing shoulders/cleavage
Hair covering ears, eyebrows, or face
Wearing coloured contact lenses
Head height not 34.5mm (Panama enforces precise measurement)
Wearing glasses without medical documentation
White clothing blending into white background
Braids, wigs, or extravagant hairstyles
Men wearing earrings
Shadows on face or background
Photo older than 6 months
Low resolution causing pixelation

Panama's unique dress code for passport photos

Panama enforces stricter appearance rules than most countries. Women must have ears fully visible with hair pulled behind ears—no hair accessories, hooks, or straps. Only small earrings permitted. Blouses must not be notched or expose bare shoulders. Men must not wear earrings and must avoid extravagant hairstyles—long hair must be behind ears. Coloured contact lenses are prohibited for both sexes. These rules are strictly enforced at APAP offices and by consulates abroad.

How to print Panama passport photos at home

Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at office supply stores or online.
Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
Quantity: Panama requires 4 photos—print enough copies.
Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '35×45mm passport photo on matte paper'.

Good vs bad Panama passport photo examples

Both ears fully visible, hair behind ears

Hair covering one or both ears (will be rejected)

Shoulders covered with regular clothing

Sleeveless shirt or exposed shoulders

Head height 34.5mm, 4.5mm top margin

Head too large or too small for frame

Neutral expression, mouth closed, no teeth

Smiling showing teeth

Pure white background, no shadows

Shadows visible on face or background

No glasses, natural eye colour

Wearing coloured contact lenses

Simple hairstyle, no accessories

Braids, wigs, or extravagant hairstyles

Dark or coloured clothing (contrast with white background)

White clothing against white background

Domestic vs consular passport applications

For domestic passport applications in Panama, you visit an APAP office where staff take your photo on-site—you don't bring your own. However, Panamanian consulates abroad (including the US, Canada, and Europe) require applicants to bring their own photos meeting the 35×45mm specification. If applying from outside Panama, this tool ensures your photos meet APAP standards before you arrive at the consulate. Note: some consulates in the US may accept 2×2 inch photos instead—verify with your specific consulate before printing.

Taking passport photos of babies and children

Lay baby on plain white blanket on floor
Ensure only the child is visible in the frame—no hands, toys, or supports
Use natural window light or even overhead lighting
Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred
For infants: eyes not being fully open is acceptable
All other children: eyes must be open in the photo
White background—avoid patterns or textures
Take 10–20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for babies

Need a Panama visa photo?

Panama visa applications use a different format: 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos. Do not use this 35×45mm passport format for visa applications—it will be rejected. Use the dedicated Panama visa photo tool instead.

Official Panama Government Resources

Step-by-Step Workflow

Upload Photo

Position Head Using Guidelines

Select Enhancement

Download or Print Sheet

Specifications

Photo Size: 35×45 mm
Resolution: 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
Head Height: 34.5 mm (chin to top of hair)
Top Margin: 4.5 mm from top of photo to top of hair
Background: White (required)
Recency: Taken within last 6 months
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Paper Type: Matte photo paper
Quantity: 4 photos required
Valid For: Panamanian passport (domestic and consular applications)

Best Practices

Both ears must be fully visible—pull hair behind ears before taking photo
Shoulders must be covered—no sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or exposed cleavage
Do not wear white clothing against white background—low contrast causes rejection
Remove all coloured contact lenses—only natural eye colour accepted
Men: remove all earrings. Women: small earrings only
No braids, wigs, or extravagant hairstyles—keep it simple
Head height must be precisely 34.5mm—use crop guidelines carefully
Panama requires 4 photos—print a full sheet
For domestic applications APAP takes your photo in-office—this tool is primarily for consular applications abroad

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Panama passport photo requirements?

Panama passport photos must be 35×45mm with white background, head height 34.5mm with 4.5mm top margin, taken within 6 months. Both ears must be visible, shoulders covered, no coloured contacts, no glasses, neutral expression. 4 photos required.

Do I need to bring my own passport photo to APAP?

No. For domestic applications in Panama, APAP takes your photo at their office. However, Panamanian consulates abroad require you to bring your own 35×45mm photos. This tool is designed for consular applications.

Why must ears be visible in Panama passport photos?

Panama enforces strict biometric identification rules requiring both ears to be fully visible. Hair must be pulled behind ears for both men and women. This is stricter than most countries and is a common rejection reason.

Can I wear glasses in Panama passport photos?

No, unless medically required with documentation. Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes.

Can I wear coloured contact lenses?

No. Panama explicitly prohibits coloured contact lenses in passport photos. Only natural eye colour is accepted. This is enforced at APAP offices and consulates.

What clothing is required for Panama passport photos?

Shoulders must be covered—no sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or exposed cleavage. Do not wear white clothing (low contrast with white background). Everyday attire is required, no uniforms.

Can I use Panama passport photos for visa applications?

No. Panama visa applications require 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos—a completely different format. Use the Panama visa photo tool for visa applications.

How many photos does Panama require?

Panama requires 4 passport photos for most application types. Print a full sheet to ensure you have enough copies.

What's the pixel size for Panama passport photos?

826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures print quality meets APAP standards.

Can men wear earrings in Panama passport photos?

No. Men must not wear earrings. Women may wear small earrings only. All other piercings must be removed.

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