Passport photos must accurately portray the traveler and follow universal regulations. Hair should not cover the face, the subject should face the camera, and a neutral expression is required. Non-prescription glasses are not allowed, and image quality is important. Changes in appearance may require an updated photo.
The regulations for passport photos are nearly universal; basically, governments require a passport photo to accurately portray the traveler. A traveller’s hair must not fall on his face or be covered by a hat or other garment, unless it is worn for religious reasons. The person should be facing the camera rather than looking down or to the side. Also, he shouldn’t laugh or smile while the photo is being taken, leaving a blank, neutral expression. The quality of the photos is also important; in general, faded colors or pixelated passport photos are not considered acceptable.
It is usually not acceptable for people to have hair in their eyes or face in passport photos. This includes long headbands and curly hair that falls to the side of the face. Most governments consider hair dyeing a minor change and therefore allow travelers to color their hair. However, it is important that the traveler is still recognizable in his photo. Sometimes a very different haircut in combination with hair dye drastically alters a person’s appearance and their passport photo needs to be updated to reflect the changes.
Most passport photos are taken with the subject looking straight into the lens. The photo must be retaken if the traveler accidentally looks to the side, down or blinks. Non-prescription glasses are not acceptable accessories when taking a passport photo. Also, travelers’ eyes should be easily visible in passport photos, so glare from glasses should be avoided. This is accomplished by tilting the goggles down, turning off the camera flash, or removing the goggles completely.
A neutral expression is required on most passport photos. The subject should try not to laugh, smile or frown. It’s usually fine if the subject’s normal expression is a slight smile or frown. As long as he’s not actively trying to smile or frown, the picture should be acceptable.
Image quality is always important on passport photos. Most governments require color photos instead of black and white. The color must be true, not faded or overly bright. The background color varies by government, but white and off-white are widely accepted background colors. Some governments require light gray or blue backgrounds instead.
In general, a person must be easily recognizable in his passport photo. If that person changes their appearance in a way that makes recognition more difficult, it is safer to update their passport photo than to attempt to enter other countries without doing so. Major facial trauma, minor plastic surgery on the face, and large facial tattoos are some changes that usually require a passport photo update.
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