Mexico Tourist Land Card/SAE Photo Requirement

Submit a recent coloured, digital photo online when applying for a Mexico Tourist Land Card/SAE. The photo is used for identity verification and must reflect your current appearance.

Keep the face fully uncovered against a plain light background. No shadows, filters, glare, hats, or sunglasses. A clear photo supports a timely review of your application.

Face and Head Position

Correct And Incorrect Head Position

Look straight into the camera with your head upright. Side-on or angled photos are not accepted. Hair and headgear must not cover the face.

Background Requirement

Correct And Incorrect Photo Background

Take the photo against a plain white or light-coloured background. Nothing else should appear behind you.

Lighting and Photo Clarity

Correct And Incorrect Photo Lighting

Use even lighting across the face. The photo must be free of glare, red-eye, strong shadows, blur, filters, and overexposed areas.

Facial Expression

Correct And Incorrect Facial Expressions

Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open, looking directly at the camera. Wide smiles, frowns, and raised eyebrows are not accepted.

Clothing

Correct And Incorrect Clothing

Wear everyday clothing in a colour that stands out against the background. Do not wear white clothing against a white background.

Appearance

Correct And Incorrect Current Appearance

Submit a recent photo that reflects how you currently look. Facial hair is permitted, provided it does not obscure the face.

Glasses

Correct And Incorrect Glasses Image

Remove glasses before taking the photo. If glasses are medically required, the lenses must not cover the eyes or cause glare.

Hats and Caps 

Correct photo without cap, incorrect photo

Do not wear hats, caps, or casual headwear. The full face and forehead must be visible, with no shadow across the eyes or face.

Children

Correct And Incorrect Child Image

The child must appear alone in the photo. No parent, support item, toy, pacifier, or other object may be visible.

Infants

Correct And Incorrect Infant Image

An infant may be photographed lying on their back on a plain white or light-coloured surface. The face must be clearly visible, the eyes open, and no hands placed over the face.

Tips for Applicants

  • Prepare your photo before starting the application.
  • Review the full image carefully before submitting.
  • Avoid accessories, extra styling, or tight cropping.
  • Take a new photo if the existing one is unclear or does not meet the requirements.
  • For newborns, photograph when the baby is calm and still.

FAQs

No specific size is required. The photo must be clear, passport-style, and meet all the photo guidelines above.

Yes. A passport-style photo must show the head and upper shoulders clearly.

No. Fashion accessories, including scarves, are not permitted.

No. Take the photo indoors against a plain background.

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.

Content Disclaimer: Information last updated in May 2026. Please confirm details with the relevant agencies, embassies, or airlines before travel. 

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