Belize residence 2x2 inch Photo Size Requirements for BZ (2025 Update)

Requirements

• Photo Dimensions: must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) printed with square edges and no cropping
• Head Size: distance from top of hair to bottom of chin must measure between 1 inch and 1 3⁄8 inches (25–35 mm) within the frame
• Eye Level: eyes must be positioned between 1 1⁄8 inches and 1 3⁄8 inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo
• Background Color: plain white or off-white background with no patterns, textures, shadows, or objects visible
• Lighting & Exposure: uniform, front-facing illumination with no shadows, glare, hotspots, or red-eye on face or background
• Facial Expression: neutral expression or natural smile, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
• Head Position & Orientation: full face centered and square to the camera, no tilting or turning; shoulders straight
• Glasses & Lenses: no tinted or dark lenses, no glare or reflections; eyeglasses allowed only if prescription and eyes remain fully visible
• Head Coverings: generally not permitted except for religious reasons; must not obscure hairline or cast shadows on the face
• Recent Photograph: taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance accurately
• Photo Quality & Finish: high-resolution color photo printed on professional photo paper with a matte or glossy finish, no inkjet dots visible
• Clothing & Accessories: no uniforms, camouflage attire, hats, headphones or other objects that cover any part of the face or head (except religious coverings)

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Prepare your setup and ensure exact 2×2-inch dimensions
• Use a precision ruler or a 2×2-inch template to mark the photo area before shooting
• Choose a plain white or off-white background free of shadows or patterns
• Position the camera on a tripod at subject’s eye level, about 4–6 feet away to avoid distortion
• Set your camera to record at least 300 dpi and full resolution (e.g., 10+ megapixels)
• Frame the shot so the head (from top of hair to bottom of chin) occupies 50–69% of the 2×2 inch area (25–35 mm in height)
• Second step: Capture, edit, verify and print—what to do and why
• Instruct the subject to maintain a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible—to meet Belize immigration facial-recognition standards
• Take several test shots and review on a computer screen at 100% zoom to check lighting uniformity and color balance
• Crop the image exactly to 2×2 inches, ensuring the head-height and top margin (between hair and edge) comply with the 25–35 mm and 3 mm requirements
• Edit only for exposure and color correction—do not retouch facial features or remove blemishes, per Belize rules prohibiting digital alterations
• Save the file as a high-quality JPEG at 300 dpi with minimal compression (compression level 10/12 or higher)
• Print on professional shot-print photo paper (glossy or semimatte) using a calibrated printer—verify the printed copy measures exactly 2×2 inches before submission

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact 2×2 Size: Crop to exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) at 300 dpi with a head height of 1–1 ⅜ inches to avoid dimension rejections.
• Pure White Background: Use a smooth, shadow-free white or off-white backdrop so facial details stand out and prevent background-related refusals.
• Neutral Expression & Frontal Pose: Keep your face square to the camera with eyes open and mouth closed; tilts or smiles can impede ID accuracy and cause delays.
• Balanced Lighting & No Shadows: Light your face evenly from both sides to eliminate shadows that obscure features and trigger photo retakes.
• No Glasses or Accessories: Remove glasses (especially tinted) and non-religious headwear; if religious coverings are worn, ensure the full face and hairline are visible to meet visibility rules.

Conclusion

In summary, Belize’s residence‐permit photo rules are strict yet straightforward: you must submit two identical, high‐quality prints taken within the last six months that measure exactly 2×2 inches, with precise head and eye placement against a plain white background. Adhering to these guidelines ensures smooth processing and avoids unnecessary delays.

Key points:

• Photo size: exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
• Head height: between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown
• Eye level: 1⅛–1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from bottom edge of photo
• Background: uniform plain white, no shadows or patterns
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open, no glasses or headwear
• Quality: color, high resolution (≥600 dpi), matte or glossy photographic paper
• Recency: taken within the last six months
• Quantity: submit two identical prints
• Compliance: failure to meet any specification may result in rejection or processing delays