🇧🇷 Brazil Passport Photo Requirements (2026 Guide)
Photo Dimensions
Brazilian passport photos must be 40 mm wide x 50 mm tall (1.57 x 1.97 inches). This is a unique size that falls between the European 35x45mm and the Canadian 50x70mm formats. For digital submissions, the resolution should be 472 x 590 pixels at 300 DPI.
Background Requirements
The background must be white or light-coloured, plain and uniform. No patterns, shadows, or objects should appear in the background. The Policia Federal (Federal Police) handles passport applications and is strict about background uniformity.
Face and Expression
A neutral expression is required. The face must be centred and looking directly at the camera with both eyes open. The head height must be 32-36 mm from chin to crown. The head must be straight, not tilted or turned.
Glasses
Glasses are allowed in Brazilian passport photos, making Brazil one of the more lenient countries on this point. However, there must be no glare on the lenses, the frames cannot obscure the eyes, and tinted or reflective lenses are not permitted.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. The full face must remain visible from chin to forehead.
Photo Recency
Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance.
Brazil Passport Fee Schedule
Passport application fees in Brazil are set by the Polícia Federal (Federal Police) and must be paid in Brazilian Reais (R$) via a Guia de Recolhimento da União (GRU) payment form, which can be generated online. For citizens applying abroad, fees are paid in the local currency to the respective Brazilian Embassy or Consulate, with amounts being halved as of June 2026.
| Passport Type | Validity | Fee (Brazil) | Fee (Abroad) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Passport (Adult) | 10 years | R$ 257,25 | US$ 60 |
| Standard Passport (Minor, 4-17 years) | 5 years | R$ 257,25 | US$ 40 |
| Standard Passport (Minor, under 4 years) | 1-4 years, depending on age | R$ 257,25 | US$ 20 |
| Urgent/Emergency Passport | 1 year | R$ 334,42 | N/A |
| Re-issue (if previous valid passport is lost/stolen) | Up to 4 years | R$ 514,50 | Varies |
Fees last verified May 2026. The standard fee in Brazil is subject to a proposed increase. Fees abroad are based on the 50% reduction effective June 1, 2026, and may vary based on local currency exchange rates.
Where to Apply in Brazil
Within Brazil, passport applications are handled by the Polícia Federal (Federal Police). The process must be initiated online through the official gov.br portal to fill out the application form and generate the payment slip. After payment, you can schedule an in-person appointment at a passport issuance unit.
- São Paulo: Shopping Eldorado (Pinheiros), Shopping Ibirapuera (Indianópolis), Shopping Mooca, Shopping West Plaza, Santana Park Shopping, and the Federal Police Superintendence (Lapa).
- Rio de Janeiro: Santos Dumont Airport (Centro), Galeão International Airport (Ilha do Governador), Shopping Rio Sul, Shopping Leblon, and Via Parque Shopping.
- Belo Horizonte: Ponteio Lar Shopping (Santa Lúcia) and Confins International Airport (BH Airport).
- Brasília: Aeroporto Internacional Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek and Shopping Riacho Mall (Riacho Fundo I).
- Salvador: SAC Shopping da Bahia (Caminho das Árvores) and the Delegacia de Polícia de Imigração at the Aeroporto Internacional Luís Eduardo Magalhães.
You must book an appointment online through the Federal Police website after your fee payment has been processed, which can take 24 to 72 hours.
Applying at Brazil Embassies Abroad
Brazilian citizens residing abroad must apply for a new passport through the Brazilian consular network. The application process is initiated online via the e-Consular platform, where you will upload documents and request an appointment at the appropriate embassy or consulate.
- United States: Consulate-General of Brazil in Miami, Washington D.C., New York, and others.
- Portugal: Consulate-General of Brazil in Lisbon, located at Rua António Maria Cardoso, 39, Chiado.
- United Kingdom: Consulate-General of Brazil in London, located at 14-16, Cockspur Street. Correspondence should be sent to a PO Box address.
- Japan: Consulate-General of Brazil in Tokyo, located at Ichigo Gotanda Bldg. 2F, 1-13-12 Higashi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku.
- Paraguay: Embassy of Brazil in Asunción and various consulates throughout the country.
Processing times at consulates abroad are generally longer than in Brazil, often taking several weeks.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Application (in Brazil) | 6 to 10 business days after the in-person appointment. |
| Application Abroad | Approximately 15-30 business days, varies by consulate. |
| Urgent Application (in Brazil) | Up to 4 business days. |
| Emergency Application (in Brazil) | Delivered within 24 business hours. |
During peak travel seasons and in high-demand locations, appointment availability may be limited and processing times can extend beyond the average.
How Brazil Compares to the US
| Requirement | Brazil | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 40 x 50 mm (rectangular) | 51 x 51 mm (square) |
| Pixels | 472 x 590 | 600 x 600 |
| Background | White or light | White or off-white |
| Glasses | Allowed (no glare) | Allowed (no glare) |
| Expression | Neutral | Neutral or natural smile |
| Format | Rectangular portrait | Square |
Top Reasons Brazilian Passport Photos Get Rejected
Passport applications are most commonly rejected at the in-person appointment stage due to non-compliant photos or incorrect documentation. The photo is taken on-site by the Federal Police in Brazil, but must be provided by the applicant when applying abroad.
- Incorrect Background. The photo background must be plain white, with no patterns, objects, or shadows. This is the most frequent reason for rejection.
- Improper Lighting. Photos with shadows on the face or background, overexposure, or underexposure will be rejected. Lighting must be even and natural.
- Non-Neutral Expression. You must have a neutral expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, or making other expressions is not permitted.
- Glasses and Reflections. Eyeglasses are generally discouraged. If worn, there must be no glare on the lenses, and the frames cannot obscure your eyes.
- Head Coverings. Hats and head coverings are not allowed, except for religious reasons, in which case your full face must still be visible.
- Poor Image Quality. The photo must be high-resolution, in sharp focus, and not blurry or pixelated. Photos printed on low-quality paper are also rejected.
- Incorrect Size and Crop. The photo must meet specific dimensions (typically 5x7cm), with your head centered and taking up a certain portion of the frame.
- Hair Obscuring Face. Your hair cannot cover your eyes, eyebrows, or any part of your face. Ensure it is pulled back or styled appropriately.
- Outdated Photograph. The photo must be recent, generally taken within the last six months, to reflect your current appearance.
- Digital Alterations. Any form of digital alteration, including red-eye removal or retouching of facial features, is strictly forbidden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just renew my Brazilian passport?
No, Brazil does not have a passport renewal process. When your passport expires, you must apply for a new one by following the same procedure as a first-time applicant, which includes filling out a new form, paying the fee, and attending an in-person appointment.
What is the validity period of a passport for a child?
The validity depends on the child's age at the time of issuance to account for changing facial features. For children 0-1 year old, it's valid for 1 year; 1-2 years old, valid for 2 years; 2-3 years old, valid for 3 years; 3-4 years old, valid for 4 years; and for minors aged 4 to 17, the passport is valid for 5 years.
Do both parents need to be present for a minor's passport application?
Yes, for applicants under 18, both parents or legal guardians must authorize the passport issuance. If one parent cannot be present, they must provide a notarized authorization form. This is a strict requirement of the Polícia Federal.
Can I travel if my passport is expiring in less than 6 months?
It is strongly discouraged. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. You may be denied boarding by the airline or denied entry by immigration authorities at your destination if your passport does not meet this requirement.
What happens if I don't present my previous passport when applying for a new one?
If your previous passport was still valid and you do not present it (due to loss or theft), the fee for the new passport will be doubled to R$ 514,50. The validity of the replacement passport may also be reduced from the standard 10 years.
Can I choose any Federal Police office in Brazil to apply for my passport?
Yes, you can schedule your appointment at any passport-issuing Federal Police unit in the country, regardless of where you live. However, you must return to the same unit to pick up your new passport once it is ready.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong dimensions: Brazil's 40x50mm is unique. Neither US (2x2), European (35x45), nor Canadian (50x70) photos will work.
- Glare on glasses: While glasses are allowed, lens glare is the most common rejection reason for glasses-wearing applicants.
- Shadows on background: Stand well away from the background to eliminate shadows.
- Incorrect head size: The head must be 32-36mm. Photos taken too far from or too close to the camera will not meet this requirement.
- Low quality print: Brazil requires high-quality prints on matte photo paper for physical submissions.
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