Panama Passport Photo Requirements — Two Photos, ICAO Rules
For a Panamanian passport you supply two photo-size photographs that meet ICAO requirements. The official list of rules covers the background, pose, ears, hair, clothing, glasses and expression — but it does not publish a millimetre or pixel size, so this page states that plainly rather than guess. Verified against the Panamá Digital government platform (Autoridad de Pasaportes de Panamá, APAP), September 2026.
What the official guidance confirms
| Number | Two (2) passport-size photographs |
| Standard | Must meet ICAO requirements |
| Background | Completely white |
| Size (mm / px) | Not published on the official page — confirm with the consulate before you print |
| Where to apply | Abroad, through the consulate; all documents must be consular-stamped |
⚠ Not published: the official page does not give millimetre or pixel dimensions, a head-size percentage, a recency window or a file-size figure. Do not assume a 35 × 45 mm figure — check the current requirement with the consulate.
The ten official photo rules
The platform lists the requirements the photo must meet:
- The background must be completely white.
- The person must be upright and centred, facing the camera.
- The ears must be visible.
- Only small earrings may be worn.
- No clips or bands in the hair.
- For men, the hairstyle must not be unusual.
- The collar must not be a deep V, and the shoulders must be covered.
- No piercings.
- No glasses.
- You may smile, but with the mouth closed (teeth not showing).
Religious exceptions
A Muslim woman may wear a veil, but it must not cover the face; a man may wear a head covering. The face itself must always remain visible.
How to prepare
- ☐ Two photos, both ICAO-compliant and matching.
- ☐ A plain, completely white background.
- ☐ Stand upright, facing the camera, ears showing.
- ☐ Remove glasses and piercings; keep hair free of clips and bands; wear small earrings at most.
- ☐ Cover the shoulders — no deep V collar.
- ☐ Neutral or closed-mouth smile only.
- ☐ Confirm the exact size with the consulate before printing.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos do I need for a Panamanian passport?
Two passport-size photographs that meet ICAO requirements.
What size should the photos be?
The official page does not publish a millimetre or pixel size, so confirm the current requirement with the Panamanian consulate before printing.
What background is required?
The background must be completely white.
Can I wear glasses or jewellery?
No glasses and no piercings; only small earrings are permitted.
Can I smile?
You may smile, but with your mouth closed — your teeth should not show.
Where do I apply from abroad?
Through the Panamanian consulate, and all documents must be consular-stamped.
Related: check the frame with the passport photo checker, lay out prints with the passport photo print sheet, and see how other countries set their background rules in the background guide.