The short answer is: yes, you can. But wait, there are more things to consider before you rush in front of the camera. While passport-sized photos do not specify which type of attire you have to wear, there are some other requirements that are worth noting. Failure to meet them could cause a delay in the issuance of your passport which in turn causes disturbance to your travel plans, so it is important to know what to wear and what not. Better safe than sorry, right?
In this article, we’ve put together some requirements on what to wear for passport photos to make your application process go a little bit smoother.
The following advice is based on the US government, the UK government and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which is a United Nations agency that stipulates standards for passport pictures. The regulations for different countries vary slightly, so it is important to check the immigration authority of the country you are residing in for more specific details.
What to Wear in Passport Photos
Dark colors
There should be contrast in your photo, so it is best to wear darker colors. As the background of passport photos must be plain and light-colored, the best clothes to choose are those that create a sharp contrast against the background to get that crisp and clean feeling of functional photographs. That is to say, avoid white, off-white, beige and similar colors which tend to blend in with the background and opt for darker ones such as black, brown, navy blue and burgundy.
Casual in style
Truth is, you can actually overdress for passport photos. According to the US Department of State, passport photos should be taken in clothing you wear on a daily basis. So go for something simple. A casual black T-shirt would be great. Hoodies, jumpers and blouses are also good options. Maybe steer clear of tank tops and turtle necks, because tank tops might make you appear to be wearing nothing at all after the photo is cropped, while turtle necks could cover bits of your chin.
Light accessories
You are allowed to wear small accessories such as earrings, necklaces and studs to your photoshoot. Just make sure they don’t obscure your face. Small facial piercings such as nose or lip piercings should not be a problem as long as they don’t cover your face or cast any shadows.
What Not to Wear
Light colors
Light-coloured clothing can blend into the plain light background, resulting in a lack of contrast in the photo.
Uniforms or camouflage
Uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform or camouflage attire are explicitly prohibited by the US Department of State.
Reflective materials
The lighting in your passport photo should be even and uniform. Clothes made with reflective materials can cause glare and uneven lighting.
Head coverings
You are not allowed to wear head coverings such as hats, caps and fascinators in the photo unless it’s for religious or medical reasons.
Glasses
Glasses can cause glare obscuring your eyes or block parts of your face, so you must take them off when taking your passport photo or wear contact lenses instead. That said, there is an exception for those who have a medical condition that requires them to wear glasses.
Bulky ornaments
Avoid large earrings, bulky chains and other ornaments that could block your face or cast shadows.
Headphones or wireless hands-free devices
These are banned by US regulations. Headphones, Airpods or other electronic devices might obscure critical parts of your facial features.
Exceptions
Head coverings such as a headscarf or a hat can be worn for religious or medical reasons. Ensure that your head covering is arranged to show your whole face, from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin, as well as the two edges of your face.
Glasses can be worn for medical reasons. If you do have to wear them, make sure they are clear and thin-framed. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted ones, and be aware that there shouldn’t be any reflection caused by those glasses.
Hearing Aids are allowed if you wear them on a daily basis.
We’ve covered all the dos and don’ts of what to wear for passport photos. You are now well informed to have the ideal passport photo in mind. However, photo booths and studios can be very pricey. To get your photo done in an easy and cost-effective way while meeting all the complicated standards, we recommend AiPassportPhotos. All you need to do is upload an image, make changes according to the software’s instructions, and then print it out in a store that provides photo services, at a fraction of the price of those taken in a photo booth or photo studio! It also comes with a compliance guarantee, so you never have to worry about your photos being rejected!
AiPassportPhotos generates standard passport photos in as little as 3 seconds. With easy 4 steps, you can get the perfect picture you want without any fuss or delay!
How to use:
- Choose your document type and upload your image.
- The software will crop the size automatically.
- Save printable templates.
- Print, cut it out, and use it.
Other Considerations
Now let’s look at some additional points to pay attention to when taking passport photos.
How should I arrange my hair when taking passport photos?
You should ensure your entire face is shown in a passport photo. So if you have a long fringe, be sure to pin it back or sideways to show your entire forehead.
It is better to make your ears visible as well. To achieve this, tuck your hair behind your ears or tie it up.
Can I wear makeup when taking passport photos?
Yes. Makeup is not prohibited in passport photos. However, it should not be so heavy that it distorts or hides your facial features. Avoid shiny cosmetics because they contain reflective particles that can obscure your face or affect the quality of the photo. Do not disguise moles or freckles as these are natural features of your face. Read more about makeup rules in passport photos.
Summary
When taking a passport photo, wear something simple that shows your natural, everyday look. Display all your facial features without any major altering.
Dolores Xiao