What to wear for a passport photo: do's and don'ts

Getting your passport photo rejected over what you wore is frustrating — especially when the fix is simple. The rules aren’t complicated, but they do trip people up. Here’s everything you need to know before you get in front of the camera.

The core rule: wear what you’d wear on an ordinary day

Passport authorities want to see your everyday appearance. The photo is an identity document, so it should look like you look when you travel, not a special occasion version of you. Wear the kind of clothing you’d put on for work, errands, or a casual outing. No costume, no uniform, no occasion-specific outfit.

The one technical requirement that catches most people off guard: your clothing must contrast clearly against the white background. More on that below.

What to wear: the DO list

• Solid darker colours — navy, charcoal, forest green, burgundy, and similar tones photograph cleanly and stand out against a white backdrop
• Collared shirts — a neat collar frames the face well and reads professionally without being a uniform
• Natural necklines — crew necks, V-necks, and scoop necks all work fine as long as the fabric is a contrasting colour
• Minimal jewellery — small earrings and a simple necklace are generally fine; keep it understated so it doesn’t distract from your face
• Glasses-free — most countries now require no glasses; check the glasses rules for your country before shooting

What NOT to wear: the DON’T list

• White, cream, or very light tops — these blend into the white background and will get your photo rejected (see the contrast section below)
• Uniforms of any kind — military, police, medical scrubs, airline crew, school uniforms — none are permitted
• Camouflage — specifically banned in many countries regardless of whether it’s a full uniform
• Hats and caps — not allowed unless you have a religious or medical reason (covered below)
• Sunglasses or tinted lenses — your eyes must be fully visible
• Headphones, earbuds, or headsets — remove them completely
• Anything covering the face or neck — scarves worn over the chin, face masks, and similar items are not permitted

The contrast rule explained

Passport photos use a plain white or off-white background. If you wear a white shirt, cream blouse, or pale grey top, the edges of your shoulders and collar can disappear into the background. The automated processing systems that check photos often fail or reject images where the boundary between the person and the background isn’t clear.

This is one of the most common reasons photos get rejected — and it’s entirely avoidable. If you’re using an online passport photo tool, the AI will flag contrast issues before you download. If you’re going to a photo booth, bring a darker top to change into if you’re unsure.

Religious head coverings

Religious head coverings — hijabs, turbans, kippot, and similar items worn as part of your faith — are permitted in most countries, including the US and UK. The rules are the same regardless of the covering: your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and both cheeks must be unobscured. The covering must not cast any shadow across your face.

Medical head coverings

Head coverings worn for medical reasons (post-surgery, chemotherapy, skin conditions) are generally permitted, but some countries ask for a signed letter from a doctor. In the US, a signed statement from a medical professional is required. In the UK, a supporting letter is recommended. Check your country’s guidance before the appointment so you have paperwork ready if needed.

Hair

Natural hairstyles are fine — afros, locs, braids, updos, and loose styles are all accepted. The only requirement is that your hair must not cover your eyes or obscure the outline of your face. If you have long hair that falls across your face, tuck it back for the photo.

Makeup

Makeup is allowed, but the goal is to look like yourself. Light to moderate makeup is fine. Heavy contouring that significantly reshapes the face, dramatic theatrical makeup, or face paint are not accepted because they alter your recognisable features. Keep it close to your everyday look.

Jewellery rules

Small, simple jewellery is generally fine in both the US and UK. Avoid large statement necklaces or earrings that could reflect light and create glare. If a piece of jewellery sits close to or covers part of the neck or lower face, remove it.

US-specific rules

The US requires a neutral expression or a natural smile with both eyes open — check the smile guidance here. No glasses. The photo must be taken within the last six months. White or off-white background only. Clothing must contrast with the background.

UK-specific rules

The UK requires a neutral expression with the mouth closed. No glasses since 2018. Plain cream or light grey backgrounds are also acceptable alongside white. Clothing contrast rules apply the same way.

What to do if you showed up dressed wrong

It happens. If you arrive at a photo studio or booth wearing a white top or a uniform, ask if there’s somewhere you can change. Many studios keep a plain dark top on hand for exactly this reason — it’s worth asking. If you’re using an online tool at home, simply change before retaking the photo. Either way, check the full list of rejection reasons so you can fix everything in one go rather than resubmit multiple times.