What to Wear in a Passport Photo: Dress Code and Accessories

The short version

If you're not sure what to wear, this combination passes in every country:

• Dark solid-colour top — black, navy, dark grey, dark green, dark red
• No glasses (removes the most common rejection reason)
• No hat or head covering (unless worn daily for religious reasons)
• Minimal or no jewellery
• Hair pulled back so your full face is visible
• Natural makeup, not theatrical

The rest of this guide explains why — and the exceptions.

Glasses

Glasses are the most inconsistently handled requirement across countries.

United States — glasses prohibited

As of November 2016, the US Department of State prohibits glasses in all passport and visa photos. No exceptions for prescription glasses. Contact lenses are fine — they're invisible.

Sunglasses, tinted lenses, and transition lenses are prohibited in all countries, always.

United Kingdom — allowed with conditions

Glasses are permitted in UK passport photos if:

• Frames don't cover your eyes
• No glare or reflections on the lenses
• No tinted lenses
• Eyes are clearly visible

Even if technically allowed, removing glasses is safer. Subtle glare you don't notice will still trigger rejection.

Canada — allowed with conditions

Same rules as the UK. Glasses permitted, no glare, eyes fully visible. Glare on lenses is the most common rejection reason.

European Union — varies by country

Most EU countries allow glasses (no glare, eyes visible). Some follow the US model and prohibit them entirely. Check the specific requirements for your country before applying.

Australia — allowed, but removal recommended

Glasses are permitted with the same no-glare conditions. Australia officially recommends removing them if possible.

Japan — prohibited

Glasses must be removed for Japanese passport photos, same as the US.

UAE — allowed with conditions

Glasses are generally allowed for UAE documents (Emirates ID, passport, visa) as long as there is no glare and eyes are clearly visible.

Glasses summary

Rule of thumb: if you're not certain your photo will have zero glare, remove the glasses. A photo without glasses is never rejected for that reason.

Head coverings

Hats, caps, beanies, hoods, bandanas, and fashion headscarves are not permitted in any country. Head coverings obscure the shape of your head and interfere with biometric identification.

Religious exception: If you wear a head covering daily for religious reasons — hijab, turban, kippah, niqab, or other religious headwear — it is allowed in almost all countries.

Requirements when wearing a religious head covering:

• Full face visible — chin to forehead
• Both cheeks visible — covering cannot obscure the sides of your face
• No shadows cast on the face
• Eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and chin all clearly visible

Country notes:

• US and Canada — allowed; may require a signed statement confirming religious nature
• UK and Australia — allowed, no statement required
• EU — allowed in most countries; France has stricter rules
• UAE — allowed and common; full face must be visible
• Japan — allowed but strict; full face requirement strictly enforced

Niqab: Covers the face and is not accepted in any country's official document photos — the full face must be visible. This is a government requirement, not a PixID policy.

Clothing

Most common mistake: wearing white or very light-coloured clothing against a white background. Your shoulders and neck blend into the background, and your head can appear to float — this fails automated framing checks.

Wear: dark or medium-toned solid colours — black, navy, dark grey, dark red, dark green, dark blue. These contrast clearly with a white or light grey background.

Avoid:

• White, off-white, cream, beige, ivory, light grey
• Busy patterns, large logos, or text
• Military, airline, or official uniforms (unless the photo is for a work ID specifically requiring it)
• Very low-cut or strapless tops

Everyday clothing is what's expected. The photo should look like you on a normal day, not a costume or a formal shoot.

Jewellery

Allowed: Small earrings (studs), necklaces that don't obscure the face, small nose studs, wedding rings.

Use caution with: Large earrings, shiny or highly reflective jewellery, facial piercings (small studs are usually fine).

Not allowed: Anything that covers or obscures the face.

Large hoop earrings that extend to jaw level can be rejected if they obscure the face oval. When in doubt, remove them.

Hair

Any natural hairstyle is allowed. Requirements:

• Hair must not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or a significant portion of your cheeks
• Some countries require both ears to be visible — check your specific document requirements
• Avoid accessories in hair that could be mistaken for a head covering

If you have long hair, ensure it doesn't create shadows on your face or background. Pulling it back is the safest option.

Facial hair

Allowed in all countries. Wear it however you normally wear it — passport photos are meant to reflect your everyday appearance. The only rule: don't alter it dramatically between your photo and your travel date, or you may face issues at border control.

Makeup

Natural, everyday makeup is acceptable. Foundation, concealer, mascara, natural-tone lipstick, and light contouring are all fine.

Avoid heavy theatrical makeup, extreme contouring, very dark or unusual lip colours, and anything glittery or metallic. Your appearance should be recognisably you.

Quick reference by country

Dress code checklist

Before taking your photo:

• ☐ Glasses removed (if US, Japan, or other countries that prohibit them)
• ☐ No hat or head covering unless worn daily for religious reasons
• ☐ Clothing contrasts with background — avoid white, light grey, cream, beige
• ☐ No uniform
• ☐ No large or highly reflective jewellery
• ☐ Hair pulled back so face is fully visible
• ☐ Makeup is natural, not theatrical

Frequently asked questions

See also

• US Passport Photo Requirements
• UK Passport Photo Requirements
• Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
• UAE Emirates ID Photo Requirements
• All country requirements