Brazilian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Polícia Federal Rules

The following specifications apply to all Brazilian passport applications and renewals at Polícia Federal delegations in Brazil and at Brazilian consulates abroad.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard). The face must occupy approximately 70–80% of the frame height.
• Background: Plain white. No patterns, shadows, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly white throughout.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted since 2020. All eyewear — including prescription and reading glasses — must be removed before the photo is taken.
• Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Head coverings: Permitted only for religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to crown is fully visible.
• Retouching: No digital filters, skin smoothing, or alterations to your natural appearance.
• Print quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), glossy or matte photo paper, printed on photographic paper — not regular office paper.

Brazil began issuing biometric ePassports in 2010. The document contains a contactless chip storing facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303. The chip enables automated e-gate processing at airports in countries that support ICAO biometric readers, including the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom.

Adult passport validity: 10 years from date of issue.
Child passport (under 18): Validity periods vary — confirm with the Polícia Federal or Brazilian consulate for your child's age group.

Brazil issues three passport types:

• Blue — Ordinary Passport (passaporte comum): Issued to all Brazilian citizens for personal and professional travel. The standard passport available to all eligible applicants.
• Green — Service Passport (passaporte de serviço): Issued to public servants, military personnel, and their dependants travelling on official government duty.
• Red — Diplomatic Passport (passaporte diplomático): Issued to diplomats, senior government officials, and their families.

Photo requirements are identical for all three types: 35×45mm ICAO, white background, neutral expression, no glasses.

Brazilian citizens can initiate passport applications and renewals through the government portal at gov.br and schedule an appointment at a Polícia Federal delegation (agendamento PF). During the appointment, biometric data — including the photo and fingerprints — is captured on-site using controlled equipment.

For some renewal scenarios, a digital photo upload may be accepted before the appointment. Check the current passport section on gov.br for the latest online submission options, eligibility requirements, and available appointment locations.

Brazilian citizens living abroad can apply for or renew their passport at the nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy. Photo requirements remain the same.

Brazilian citizens applying for a Schengen visa at a European embassy, consulate, or visa application centre (such as VFS Global) must provide ICAO-compliant photos. The good news is that the same 35×45mm format used for the Brazilian passport also meets Schengen visa requirements:

• 35×45mm (W×H), white or off-white background.
• No glasses, neutral expression, eyes fully open.
• Taken within 6 months of the visa application date.
• Typically 2 printed photos required for Schengen visa appointments.

Confirm exact requirements with the specific European embassy or visa centre where you are applying, as some use digital upload portals and others require printed photos.