What to wear for a passport photo

A solid, mid-to-dark colour is the safest choice. Avoid white tops against a white background, uniforms and anything that covers your face.

Wear what you'd wear on a normal day, in a colour that stands out from the background. Since most passport photos use a white or light grey background, darker or mid-tone tops work best.

Clothes

• Pick a solid colour. Navy, dark green, burgundy, grey or black all work. Small patterns are fine; loud ones are distracting.
• Avoid white and very pale colours. Against a white background, your shoulders seem to disappear.
• No uniforms or camouflage. The US and several other countries don't accept them, except religious clothing worn daily.
• Collars and necklines show. Because the photo includes the top of your shoulders, a collared shirt or simple neckline looks tidy.

Hair, make-up and jewellery

• Keep hair away from your eyes and, ideally, from the edges of your face.
• Everyday make-up is fine. Avoid shimmer or heavy powder that reflects the flash.
• Small earrings and a simple necklace are usually fine. Remove anything that covers your face.

Glasses, hats and head coverings

Take off glasses for US, Australian and most visa photos. Hats and caps must come off. Religious head coverings are allowed nearly everywhere as long as your full face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, is visible and no shadows fall across it. Some countries ask for a signed statement. See the rules on glasses, smiling and head coverings.

Updated November 2026.