Picture Perfect Passport Photos
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Tips for Taking a Better Passport Photo
Taking a good passport photo requires a few simple steps to ensure that you look your best. Here are some tips to help you look good in your passport photo:
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Dress appropriately: Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and that suit the purpose of your trip. Avoid wearing anything with bold patterns or logos as it can be distracting.
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Choose the right hairstyle: Choose a hairstyle that is simple and neat. Avoid hairstyles that cover your face, as this may lead to problems at the airport.
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Keep your face neutral: When taking your photo, try to relax your face and keep your expression neutral. Avoid smiling or frowning, as this may cause your photo to be rejected.
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Smile with your eyes: "Smizing" makes you look like you're genuinely happy. Smiling with your eyes is hard to fake, and it helps to channel good thoughts so you’ll seem more sincere and your photo is less likely to look like a mugshot.
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Use minimal makeup: If you choose to wear makeup, keep it minimal and natural-looking. Avoid heavy foundation or bright lipstick, as this may make your face appear unnatural.
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Look straight at the camera: Make sure you look directly at the camera with your head held straight. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid tilting your head.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your passport photo looks good and meets the requirements for your travel document.
Passport Photo Requirements
You must provide one photo with your passport application.
- Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
- You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Use a plain white or off-white background
- Be sized correctly
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
- Printed in color
- You cannot wear glasses.
- If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
- You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
- Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
- You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
Source: Travel.state.gov