Belize Passport Photo Requirements — 2 × 2 Inches, White Background
A Belize passport photo follows one of the clearest official specifications in the region: a 2 × 2 inch square photo with the head filling 70–80% of the frame, taken within the last 6 months against a white background. One photo is needed when you renew or apply for a new passport. Verified against the Belize Immigration & Nationality Services photo specification, September 2026.
The official Belize passport photo specification
| Print size | 2 inches × 2 inches (the official wording is in inches only) |
| Head size | 70–80% of the photo — the specification gives 1.25″ (minimum) to 1.41″ (maximum) |
| Background | White, evenly lit — no shadows or reflections on the face or background |
| Recency | Less than 6 months old |
| Copies | 1 photo when you renew or apply for a new passport |
| Colour | High-quality colour showing natural skin tones — black and white is not acceptable |
The official specification is written in inches and a head-percentage, not millimetres: it states an actual photo size of 2 inches by 2 inches and a head between 70% and 80% of the photo. There is no published millimetre figure, so treat 2 × 2 inches as the target rather than converting to a made-up mm value.
Framing: head centred, with a clear gap all round
The photo must show a close-up of the head and the top of the shoulders, with the face looking directly at the camera and both ears showing. The official rule adds an important detail that catches people out: the head must be centred in the picture with a clear gap around the sides and top of the head, including the hair. So a crop that touches the top of the head, or pushes the face off-centre, fails even at the right physical size. The face should occupy 70–80% of the photo in length.
Expression and the eyes
- Open eyes, no squinting.
- Mouth closed, with a neutral expression — no smiling or frowning.
- Eyes must stay visible — no hair across the face or eyes.
These three points are the everyday rejections: a slight grin, a squint into the flash, or a fringe falling over one eye is enough to fail the photo. Take the shot with even, indirect light so you do not squint, and brush the hair clear of the face.
What you must not wear or do
- No glasses, tinted shades or sunglasses. Belize is one of the strictest on this — eyewear comes off.
- No head coverings except for religious, cultural or medical reasons.
- Minimal facial jewellery — nothing that reflects light or distracts, unless there is a religious, cultural or medical justification.
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops — the chest area must be covered.
- No camouflage, military or government uniforms.
Image quality and the contrast trap
The photo must be in focus, with no red-eye and no reflected light on the face, and it must have adequate brightness and contrast. The specification also spells out a trap that a white-background rule creates: there must be contrast between the image and the background — it gives the example of no white shirt on a white background. So a white top against the white wall is a rejection risk; wear a darker top. The photo must also be a true image, not altered in any way — no retouching. Photos should be printed on high-quality paper at high resolution (the specification does not publish a dpi or pixel figure).
60-second Belize check
- ☐ 2 × 2 inch square print
- ☐ Head 70–80%, centred, with a clear gap round the sides and top (hair included)
- ☐ Plain white background, even light, no shadow or reflection
- ☐ Neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open, both ears showing, hair off the face
- ☐ No glasses; no headwear except religious/cultural/medical
- ☐ Non-white top for contrast; no sleeveless top or uniform
- ☐ Taken within the last 6 months; colour; no retouching
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Belize passport photo?
The official specification states an actual photo size of 2 inches by 2 inches. It does not publish a millimetre figure.
How big should the head be?
The head should be 70–80% of the photo. The specification gives the band as 1.25 inches (minimum) to 1.41 inches (maximum), with the face taking up 70–80% of the photo in length.
Can I wear glasses in a Belize passport photo?
No. The specification states no glasses, tinted shades or sunglasses.
What background do I need?
A white background, evenly lit with no shadows or reflections. It also warns there must be contrast between the image and the background — for example, no white shirt on a white background.
How many photos do I need?
One photo when you renew or apply for a new passport, and it must be less than 6 months old.
Can I smile?
No. A neutral facial expression must be maintained — no smiling or frowning.
Related: lay out a 2 × 2 inch print with the passport photo print sheet, and check size, background and head position with the passport photo checker. Browse every country format in the size chart, and if you shoot at home start from the at-home guide.