2×2 Inch Photo for International Procedures from Spain

When is a 2×2 Inch Photo Needed?

The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo format is primarily used for international procedures conducted from Spain:

• US Visas (ESTA, tourist, work, study visas)
• Canadian Visas and other North American countries
• Consular Documents from countries following American standards
• Passports from Other Countries (for dual nationality)
• International Immigration procedures
• International Academic Documents

Mandatory Technical Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
• Face Height: 25–35 mm (chin to crown)
• Face/Photo Ratio: Approximately 50-69% of total height
• Position: Centered both horizontally and vertically

Image Quality

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for physical printing
• Digital Resolution: 600 × 600 pixels minimum
• Digital Format: High-quality JPEG
• File Size: Between 240 KB and 12 MB
• Color: Mandatory color (24 bits per pixel)
• Sharpness: Perfectly focused image

Background and Composition

• Background: White or off-white uniform
• No Elements: Completely plain, without patterns or textures
• Lighting: Even, without visible shadows
• Contrast: Clear between subject and background

Specific Subject Requirements

Position and Facial Expression

• Position: Direct frontal, looking at camera
• Expression: Neutral or very slight natural smile
• Eyes: Open, clearly visible, without reflections
• Mouth: Closed or very subtle smile
• Head: Straight, without tilt

Clothing and Accessories

• Clothing: Dark colors or contrasting with white background
• Neckline: Avoid very low necklines
• Glasses: Allowed if habitually worn and without reflections
• Jewelry: Discrete, not distracting attention
• Makeup: Natural, without dramatic changes

Important Restrictions

• Head Coverings: Only for documented religious reasons
• Uniforms: Avoid military or service uniforms
• Hats: Not permitted except for religious reasons
• Headphones or Devices: Completely prohibited

Differences from Spanish Standard Format

Dimension Comparison

• Spanish Format (35×45 mm): Rectangular, taller than wide
• 2×2 Inch Format (51×51 mm): Square, equal width and height
• Total Area: 2×2 format is approximately 30% larger

Composition Differences

• Face Proportion: Smaller in 2×2 format (more space around)
• Eye Position: More vertically centered in 2×2 format
• Top Space: Greater in square format

Technical Specifications for Digital Photography

Recommended Settings

• Minimum Resolution: 600 × 600 pixels
• Optimal Resolution: 1200 × 1200 pixels
• Color Depth: 24 bits (16.7 million colors)
• Color Space: sRGB
• Compression: Minimal (maximum quality)

Capture Conditions

• Camera Distance: 1.2-1.8 meters from subject
• Camera Height: At subject’s eye level
• Lighting: Diffused and uniform light
• Background: Plain white paper or fabric

Common Rejection Reasons

Frequent Technical Problems

1. Incorrect dimensions (not exactly 51×51 mm)
2. Insufficient resolution for quality printing
3. Excessive compression with detail loss
4. Altered colors or incorrect white balance
5. Lack of sharpness in the face

Composition Problems

1. Inappropriate background (not completely white or with elements)
2. Incorrect face proportion (too large or too small)
3. Off-center position of subject in image
4. Visible shadows on background or face
5. Uneven lighting creating unwanted contrasts

Subject Problems

1. Inappropriate expression (grimaces, closed eyes, exaggerated smile)
2. Problematic accessories (glasses with reflections, flashy jewelry)
3. Inappropriate clothing (colors blending with background)
4. Incorrect position (profile, three-quarters, tilted head)

Tips for the Perfect Photo

Personal Preparation

• Wear dark clothing to contrast with white background
• Take care of your hairstyle but maintain natural appearance
• Clean glasses if you wear them regularly
• Avoid excessive or very flashy makeup

During the Session

• Relax and maintain natural posture
• Look directly at camera lens
• Keep shoulders straight and relaxed
• Breathe normally to avoid facial tension

Final Verification

• Check exact dimensions before printing
• Verify print quality on photographic paper
• Request several copies for different procedures
• Save original digital file

Where to Get Professional Photos

Specialized Studios

• Photographers with experience in international documents
• Studios familiar with American standards
• Professional equipment to guarantee quality
• Requirements verification service

Alternative Options

• Specialized online services for visa photos
• Mobile applications with automatic verification
• Photo booths with square format option

Indicative Costs in Spain (2024)

• Professional photography studio: €10-20
• Online service with shipping: €15-25
• Mobile app with printing: €8-15
• Automatic booth: €6-10 (verify format availability)

Specific Tips by Procedure Type

For US Visas

• Follow exactly State Department specifications
• Avoid wide smiles (prefer neutral expression)
• Verify no shadows on background
• Use professional quality photographic paper

For Canadian Visas

• Natural slight smile allowed
• Completely uniform white background
• Commercial or professional print quality
• Recent date (last 6 months)

Additional Information

For specific queries about photographic requirements for international procedures, contact the corresponding consulate or consult official websites of destination countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also provides updated information on consular procedures.