What to Wear for a Passport Photo

What to wear for a US passport photo

The US Department of State asks you to wear the kind of clothing you normally wear. These are its rules for what can and cannot appear in the photo.

Colors that work

US, Canadian, Indian and Chinese passport and visa photos are taken on a white or very light background, so a white or pale top can blend into it. Canada's rules ask you to avoid light clothing for this reason, India's guidance suggests dark clothes, and China's asks for clothing that does not match the white background.

• Best. Navy, black, dark grey, deep green or another darker solid color.
• UK photos. The UK background is plain cream or light grey, so avoid cream and light grey tops as well.
• Our studio's advice. Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns or large logos.

Glasses, jewelry and hair

Glasses are where the rules differ most between countries.

Document	Glasses
US passport	Not allowed, except with a signed doctor's note for medical reasons
US visa	Not allowed, except rare medical cases
Canadian passport	Allowed if your eyes are clearly visible with no glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are refused, even prescription ones
UK passport	Do not wear them unless you must. No sunglasses or tinted lenses, and no frames, glare, reflection or shadow over the eyes
Schengen visa	Allowed if the eyes are clearly visible: no tinted lenses, sunglasses, reflections or frames over the eyes
Indian passport and OCI	Take them off to avoid reflections
Chinese visa	Allowed if the lenses are not tinted and there is no glare, shadow or heavy frame over the eyes

• Jewelry. US passport photos allow jewelry and piercings that do not hide your face. China's official examples mark earrings, necklaces and ornaments as unacceptable for visa photos.
• Hair. Keep it away from your eyes. Canada also asks that the edges of your face are visible.
• In our studio. We may ask you to take off earrings or glasses, or move your hair away from your face, because jewelry, glare and shadows can get a photo rejected.

Hats and head coverings

In each of these countries, head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, and in some also for medical reasons, with your full face visible.

• US passport. Religious or medical head coverings only, with a signed statement.
• Canada. Only if worn daily for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible and no shadows.
• UK. Only for religious or medical reasons, with nothing covering the face.
• Schengen. Exceptions mainly for religious reasons, with the face showing from chin to forehead.
• India. Religious reasons only, with the face from chin to forehead and both edges of the face visible. A turban should be light in color, such as white or light blue.

Makeup

The photo rules focus on your face: clearly visible, evenly lit, with accurate skin tones, and never edited. Our studio's advice is to wear makeup the way you normally do, so the photo looks like you on the day you travel. Skip anything that changes how you look, such as heavy contouring, and avoid glitter or very shiny products that reflect light.

This is studio advice, not an official rule. The official rule is that the photo must not be changed with software, phone apps, filters or AI.

Questions, answered

What should I wear for a passport photo?

Your everyday clothes, ideally in a darker solid color that stands out from a white background. For a US passport, uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform and camouflage are not allowed.

Can I wear a white shirt in a passport photo?

It is not banned, but white or very pale clothing can blend into a white background. Canada asks you to avoid light clothing for this reason. A darker top is the safer choice.

Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?

Not for a US passport, unless you have a signed note from your doctor for medical reasons. Canada, the UK, the Schengen area and China allow clear glasses with no glare or frames over the eyes, but sunglasses and tinted lenses are never accepted.

Can I wear earrings in a passport photo?

For a US passport, yes, as long as they do not hide your face. Chinese visa photos are stricter. In our studio we may ask you to take earrings off if they could cause glare or shadows.

Can I wear makeup in a passport photo?

Yes. Wear it the way you normally do, so the photo looks like you. What matters is that your face is clearly visible with accurate skin tones and that the photo is not edited.

Can I wear a hat or a hijab?

Hats are not allowed. A head covering worn for religious or medical reasons is allowed, with your full face visible. A US passport application also needs a signed statement.

Where can I get a passport photo in Midtown Manhattan?

At ThisPix, 805 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, at East 50th Street. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your photo is ready in minutes, and you approve it before it is printed.

For every size and rule, see our country guides, or read what to do if your passport photo is rejected.