Author: Paspic

The passport application process can be a tricky one if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. As well as having to fill out forms and find a countersignature, you also have to supply two images that accurately show your likeness. This can sometimes lead to confusion – especially for those who wear glasses. After all, people wear spectacles for years and would consider a picture with them to be a true reflection of their appearance. However, there are specific guidelines in place for people who wear glasses. Here’s what you need to know.

Can you wear glasses?

It all really depends on the type of glasses. In terms of reading glasses, you’re perfectly fine wearing them on your passport photo.

Should you take precautions?

The only real thing that you need to do is make sure that the glass in the lenses doesn’t show a reflection or cause a glare. If this were to happen, it could be cause for your application to be rejected until you provide a picture that more closely fits the guideline.

What about other glasses?

Under no circumstances should you wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. These would hide key features around your eyes, therefore causing your true likeness to be obscured on the picture.

Are the rules changing?

The USA most recently brought in stricter new guidelines warning people against wearing glasses in their passport photo. This is because they deemed that the eyewear could cause issues with the biometric systems now used at airports. In fact, last year the country revealed that the main reason they rejected submitted passport applications was because wannabe travelers wore glasses in their photos.

What’s the best plan for taking a picture?

Really, you just need to take extra care when taking a picture while wearing your reading glasses. It’s worth snapping another image if you think there might be the slightest hint of a glare. If your eyesight is extremely poor without your glasses, it would probably be wise to have a friend assist you with the picture.

Happy snapping!

The main thing to remember is that you should be extra careful when taking a passport picture while wearing glasses. For more information, be sure to familiarize yourself with the official government guidelines.

Have you ever thought that you might need a second passport for safety reasons or to save time? Well, it is indeed possible. Here is the information you need to know in order to obtain a second UK passport.

Who is eligible?

It’s unlikely that the passport office will grant you a passport simply because you’re clumsy and are always losing things. You need to prove that you really need one. For example, you travel frequently for business and you’re in the process of getting a visa which involves an embassy holding onto your current passport.

Is it a copy of my existing passport?

The answer is no. Your second passport will be brand new and will contain a different passport number, expiry date and passport photo. It will be valid for ten years from its issue.

How do I get a second passport?

It’s first important to note that you can apply for a second passport by post inside or outside of the UK. Or you can apply through one of the interview centres located in major cities across the UK. Make sure you apply for a 1st adult passport and make a specific request not to cancel the one you already have.

What do I need to submit?

Because it’s classed as a 1st passport application, you need to prove that you’re a UK citizen. You can do this by providing your birth certificate, current UK passport or certificate of naturalisation if this is how you became a UK citizen.

You will need to complete the application form, provide passport photos signed by somebody of good standing, and the fee. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of why you need a second passport which might include detailed travel plans for instance. A headed letter from your company explaining that you need a second passport and why is also required.

There you have it. Getting a second passport isn’t difficult if you organise all the required documentation and proof in good time. When it comes to getting quick passport photos, Paspic has got you covered.

A new passport has the promise of future travel and exciting journeys, while your old one holds the memories of past adventures. When you receive your passport you will also have your old one returned, although the top corner will be cut and it will no longer be valid for travel, but that is no reason to throw it away. Read on for the five top reasons for holding on to your old passport.

1. Memories

Even if you’re the type who holds onto little and throws everything away, if you’re going to keep something it should be your old passport. Passports are often filled with old visa or permits to travel and many people like to hang on to them to show their children or grandchildren in later years, retelling stories of their past travels. In fact passports can prove helpful for future generations looking into their genealogy.

2. ID

An old passport, despite no longer being valid for travel, can still be used as identification for many purposes. Some merchants will accept an old passport as ID for buying certain items, unless your photo has changed dramatically. It can also be used for proving citizenship in some instances.

3. Current visas

It’s sometimes essential to keep an old passport if it has current visas or travel permits within it. You may need to travel with both your new and your old passport if this is the case.

4. Replacing a lost passport

Travelling with your old passport (keep it in a separate place to your new one) can prove invaluable should you lose your current passport when abroad. Simply take your old one into the UK Embassy and you will find getting a new replacement is a faster and easier process.

5. Applying for residency

Should you find yourself applying for residency in another country such as Australia, the authorities may ask which countries you have visited over the past 10 years. Using your old as well as your current passport can help fill out your application.

As you can see, holding on to your old passport can offer a range of benefits. Be sure to keep your old passport somewhere safe, preferably in a locked drawer to prevent identity theft.

You can only have one passport photo – therefore you should want to make it perfect. After all, the picture will stick with you for years to come and be seen in countries all over the world. It’s quite common for people to put a little too much pressure on themselves when it comes to snapping a photo that is both suitable and flattering. This is especially true when it comes to choosing what hairstyle to have on the day of the photo. If you’re in the process of filling in your passport application and are about to take a picture, here’s how you should go about choosing your hairstyle.

Read the guidelines

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that you’re familiar with the official passport guidelines. In particular, there are two rules concerning hair that you should pay special attention to. The first says that you should ‘not have hair in front of your eyes’ on the picture. This essentially rules out elaborate fringes.

The second rule states that you should ‘not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)’. Therefore, don’t try to get out of styling your hair by wearing a hat, bandana or any other headgear, because this will cause your passport application to be rejected.

Avoid trendy styles

If you are over 16, you’ll be looking at keeping your passport for ten years. It’s worth considering that in a decade’s time you don’t want to look back at your photo and cringe. The best way to ensure that you don’t is by opting for a timeless style rather than one that is modern and trendy. Wearing your hair down but pushed away from your face is generally the recommended option.

Make an effort

For some people, there’ll be a temptation to throw caution to the wind by disregarding their hair completely on the photo. Remember, though: it won’t just be border control officials who see the snap. Instead, the images can come in handy when used for other forms of ID and might be needed again in future. Therefore, it’s recommended you give your hair a good brush or use some frizz-taming products before you take your passport photo for a smooth, smart appearance. Some plain hair grips will also help secure fly-aways or lose sections of hair which might obscure your face.

Happy snapping!

Whenever you’re faced with getting a new passport photo, you should take some time to consider your appearance. The ideal picture will be one that isn’t just satisfactory to you, but also for those assessing your passport application. If you want to ensure your passport photo is within the guidelines to avoid delays, Paspic can help.

Travel season is almost upon us again which means it’s nearly time to dig out that passport with the photo you’d probably rather not look at! It’s fairly common knowledge that people tend not to look their most attractive in their passport photos. When the time to renew your passport finally comes around, you can spend ages preening yourself to look your best, yet somehow still find the results are less than satisfactory. So why is it that we tend to look so different in the mirror than we do in the photo?

A very harsh flash

The main reason is that the standard ID photo booths tend to have a very harsh flash. It’s extremely bright and therefore highlights even the slightest shadows and imperfections and can almost make pale skin look green. For this reason, if you want a decent looking passport photo, make up is a good idea.

Try a corrective primer or foundation

Even if you don’t normally use it, try a corrective primer or foundation. You want to give yourself some colour. For paler skin an apricot tone under the eyes will counteract any purple discolouration. Add extra make up to those ‘bags’ or dark circles and you should achieve a healthier effect. You can use concealer on any spots or blemishes and it’s a good idea to put powder on top of the foundation. Ideally, you want a matt finish as the harsh flash picks up on the slightest bit of shine and amplifies it.

Define your lips

Use a liner on the lips to define them. You can add deep colour to lips if you wish or keep them more natural looking, but as long as they look healthy and not dry or cracked you should be ok. Don’t use lip gloss and again aim for a matt finish.

Another area to focus on is the laughter lines around your nose. They tend to protrude and stand out even more in the harsh light, so use some make-up to soften this area. You may find you look fairly different in the mirror, but hopefully you’ll find this works wonders for the photo. Good Luck!

You may think that the hard part is over once you’ve got your brand-new passport in your hands. However, disaster could strike at any moment if it were to be lost or misplaced before you even get an opportunity to use it. If you’re set to jet off abroad, it’s important that you make every effort to keep your passport safe from the moment it’s in your possession. With this in mind, here are just a few tricks that could help.

Don’t use it as ID

If you’re lucky enough to look under 18, you can use your passport for ID. If you do, though, you run the risk of losing it or having it stolen. This wouldn’t just be inconvenient and expensive, it could even prevent you from going abroad.

Don’t flaunt it unnecessarily

You may be quite proud after taking the perfect passport photo and having it approved, but you should resist the urge to flaunt your passport unnecessarily to friends and family. Instead, just keep it in a safe spot, usually a memorable place where only you can get to until it’s time to head off on holiday.

Buy a bright cover

The current passport is a burgundy colour. Admittedly, it’s already a rather distinctive shade, but you could take it one step further by putting it in a brightly coloured cover. This should make it more detectable should it become buried under documents.

Make a note of the information

Your passport will contain important information such as a number and expiry date. You may need to quote these if you’re booking a flight or applying for a visa. Therefore, make a note of these details when you first receive your passport. This should mean that you’re not constantly removing it from its safe space in the run-up to going away.

Better safe than sorry

These measures could make the difference between jetting off into the sunset and being forced to stay at home or apply for an emergency replacement. From the moment you apply for your new passport and take the perfect passport photo, you should be thinking about how to keep your documents safe.

Getting a passport photo right is imperative to having your passport application processed with success. Whether you need it in a hurry for an upcoming holiday, or simply want to get it right first time, it’s important to follow the rules. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t also want to look your best in your passport photo, after all, you are going to have it for the next ten years.

Not in a rush

Avoid having your passport photo taken in a rush. This may happen if you do it at a train station on your way to or from work, or during a busy shopping trip in town. However and wherever you get it done, be sure you have plenty of time in order to choose the best possible photo of yourself before printing.

Be comfortable

It’s important to feel comfortable. A train station is not the most comfortable of places, especially if there is a lot of noise and a queue for the booth. The most comfortable place is, of course, your own home, and thanks to online passport photo approval services, it is now possible to have your photo taken in the comfort of your own home and checked online.

Not too early, not too late

First thing in the morning and last thing at night are likely to be the two worst times to have your picture taken as either way you’ll likely look tired. Think about when you feel like you look your best and feel most relaxed in the day and aim to have the picture taken around then.

Considering hair and clothes

Accessories such as glasses, hats and scarves are not allowed in passport photos; however, a small part of your clothing may well be visible. If you work in a shop and wear an unflattering colour uniform, consider changing into your own clothes for the picture. Your hair will certainly be visible, however, so do take the time to brush and style your hair (down is usually recommended) as unruly hair will be the first thing you notice every time you see your passport photo.

Getting the photo right in terms of having the application passed is your number one priority, but making sure you like the look of your passport photo is still important. If you decide to take your picture in the relaxed surrounds of your home, why not use Paspic to ensure it meets all the criteria so that you don’t suffer any unexpected delays.

If you’re looking for a new passport photo for an abroad trip or as a form of general identity, there are a few things you need to know before you make those dreaded passport photo fails. Here are a few things you need to know to ensure that your photos are taken correctly.

1. Too light

The problem with many passport photos is that the lighting is too bright, therefore facial features can appear unnoticeable or very faint. Camera flashes are one of the causes of this and often too much direct sunlight. Problems such as these can cause light to bounce off the facial features, especially the eyes. To ensure that your photos are taken correctly, always turn the flash off or visit a professional passport photography company to take suitable photos for you with the correct lighting.

2. Shadows

Another issue with passport photos is that shadows can appear intrusive. If your face appears too dark due to overwhelming shadows, you may find that your photos are rejected when it comes to proving identity. It is essential that others can identify you by your photo, therefore any object or lighting issue which stands in the way will not legally be accepted.

3. Sizing issues

In order for your passport photo to pass all of the legal requirements, you must ensure that the sizing of your photo is appropriate. Most passport photos should have a 2×2 inch area – meaning the actual photo and not the white border surrounding it. In the majority of cases, the white border should actually be cut off, so bear this in mind when taking or ordering your passport photos.

4. Focus issues

Your passport photos should be extremely clear, again so that you can be identified without any doubt. Lack of focus may include smudges on the camera lens which obscures the viewing or blurring. You should take the photo at a suitable distance, capturing the head and shoulders only. A recommended distance would be three feet. If in any doubt, it would be best to go to a professional photographer.

If you’d like to know more about passport photos or the best methods for taking baby passport photos, please contact us today at www.paspic.com.

Having a good baby passport photo taken for your baby is not easy, and since the UK Passport Agency changed the rules on baby passport photos, it’s even harder. Read on to find out everything you need to know about getting the right shot for your baby’s passport.

The facts

A baby now needs his or her own passport and cannot be listed on their mother’s or father’s passport. Even trickier, he or she now needs their own photo and cannot be photographed on the lap of a parent. This is as true for a one-day-old baby as it is for a 15-month-old baby. Just as with adult passports, babies require two, 45mm x 35mm sized photos and these need to countersigned by a person of ‘good standing’. For an adult passport, the signatory is expected to have known the person for more than 2 years; in the case of a child aged under 16, they need to have known the adult doing the application on behalf of the child, for two years. So who to ask? A good person would be your GP who will have met your baby from a very young age and can vouch for his or her identity as well as your own.

Getting the photo right

A baby who can sit upright, or partially upright, can be supported out of shot. For a young baby who cannot hold themselves at all, it’s a bit trickier. Parents are allowed to support the back of a baby’s head, but your arm and hand cannot be in the shot. Babies are not allowed to have a dummy in their mouth, be wearing glasses or hats or even be holding toys. A child over six years old is required to be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, but these rules are more relaxed for younger children and babies. A baby aged under one does not need to have their eyes open for the picture.

Due to the difficulty of getting a baby photo right, many parents choose to go through an online baby passport photo service, such as Paspic, rather than waste money at a booth.

There’s always plenty of excitement around going on holiday – but under no circumstances should you let this show on your passport photo. In fact, even the smallest hint of a smile could see your application rejected and your trip pushed back. So since holidays are supposed to be a happy time, what gives? Here’s everything you need to know about the controversial ‘no smiling’ rule.

The history

The rule was first introduced in the UK in 2004. At the time, Bernard Herdan, chief executive of the UK Passport Service, explained: “These new guidelines are an important step in the development of the new biometric ePassport and use of facial recognition technology that will be introduced in 2005 as part of the ongoing fight against fraud and international terrorism.”

Other countries soon followed suit, including France, who re-enforced the guideline as recently as October 2016.

The wording

There’s no grey area when it comes to how the rule is phrased. The official wording is as follows: ‘The photo must be of the applicant with a neutral expression and with the mouth closed (no smiling, frowning or raised eyebrows).’

The reason explained

In a nutshell, your passport has a pin that contains important biometric information from your application. This includes an in-depth break down of your facial features, such as the distance between your nose, chin and eyes. These measurements are then used to assess your identity when you pass through an e-gate at the airport. The ‘no smiling’ rule was introduced when it was deemed that even the faintest grin could reduce the effectiveness of these algorithms.

Could the rule ever change?

It’s unlikely. After all, travellers probably wouldn’t appreciate being asked to smile on command – especially when they are walking off a multi-hour flight in the middle of the night.

Follow the guidelines closely

Passport photos can be rejected for a number of reasons – and you don’t want yours to end up in the wrong pile. You simply need to resist the urge to smile and follow the other guidelines closely. After this, you should be permitted to travel abroad.