A passport photo only serves as a small part of your identification information stored within the booklet, but without an approved photograph, you will be forced to reapply for your passport. This is extremely time consuming and also expensive. Instead, you should ensure you have your passport photo done right the first time. Thankfully, you don’t need a wide range of equipment to snap that perfect photograph. You just need to know a few tips, including what you’re allowed to wear.
Avoid anything white
Your photograph is taken against a white backdrop, so anything white or off-white will blend into the photograph, making it difficult to distinguish your body from the rest of the scene. Instead, wear something that contrasts with the background. The only exception would be if you wear a religious garment on a regular basis – if this is the case, you are permitted to wear it for your passport photo.
Headgear
In general, you need to be careful about any kind of headgear worn in passport photographs. Take out any sort of headphones, earphones, Bluetooth headsets or anything else electronic (outside of required hearing aids). Take off any non-prescription glasses. You are allowed to wear prescription glasses, but take extra care to ensure no glare is in the lens when taking the photograph. Also, remove all head coverings, unless they are for religious purposes. Should you have a head cloth or something of this nature, you need to make sure that it does not cover your face.
Go conservative
In general, it is best to dress conservatively. The top of your shoulders are visible in the photograph, so it is best to avoid wearing anything offensive. In some countries, exposed shoulders (especially on women) is seen as offensive, so it is best to wear a top covering the tops of your shoulders. Practice conservatism here and you’ll avoid offending local police and border patrols upon entering a country.
Dressing correctly for a passport photo isn’t difficult. Follow the tips above and save yourself time and money on that next application.
