If you are taking a passport photo, you should be aware of certain rules. One of these includes smiling. Applicants are told not to smile in their passport photo, as this may impact facial recognition and identification. The purpose is to maintain a standardized and consistent appearance across passport photos. This is just one of the many guidelines established by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).
This article goes through the reasons why you are not allowed to smile in your passport photo, the consequences of smiling in your passport picture, and more.
Can I Smile in My Passport Photo?
You should not smile or show your teeth in your passport photo. Passport photos are used for identification purposes, therefore, one of the main rules is to keep a neutral expression. This means not smiling, showing your teeth, or frowning. You should follow the specific guidelines provided by your issuing authority to make sure that your photo meets the required criteria.
Consequences of Smiling in Passport Photo
If you submit your passport photo smiling, there will most likely be consequences. This is because the main idea of biometric photography is to aid facial recognition. Potential consequences include:
- Photo Rejection. There is a possibility that your passport photo will be rejected. If the passport photo does not comply with the requirements in any way, it will not be accepted.
- Resubmission. If you decide to submit your passport photo with a smile, you will be asked to re-take and re-submit a new photo. This may result in your application being delayed. Additionally, this will cost you extra time, effort, and money.
- Inconsistent identification. One of the reasons why smiling or showing teeth in passport photos is not allowed is because this results in inconsistent identification. What this means is that smiling can often alter how you look in real life, and authorities will find it difficult to accurately identify you.
- Delays. When your photo is rejected, this will automatically delay the processing of your passport application or visa application. This, then, may impact your travel plans, etc.
Why Are Certain Facial Expressions Not Allowed in Passport Photos?
The main purpose of passport photos is to ensure accuracy and consistency. In other words, facial recognition is used to facilitate efficient identification. Certain facial expressions are not allowed for a few reasons. These include:
- Facial Recognition Technology. If you submit a passport photo smiling, showing teeth, or frowning, this will make facial recognition technology difficult to accurately identify you. Smiling and other facial expressions can distort features.
- Adherence to International Regulations. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established photo guidelines. All applicants must submit their passport photo in compliance with these guidelines.
- Accuracy and Consistency. It is very important for passport photos to accurately represent an individual’s facial features. That is why applicants are told to maintain a neutral expression in all photos that will be used for identification purposes. This way authorities can compare the photo with the person’s actual appearance.
What Facial Expressions Are Allowed in Passport Photos?
When having your passport photo taken, remember to:
- Keep a neutral expression
- Look straight into the camera
- Keep your mouth closed
- Stand straight
- Do not tilt your head
- Keep your shoulders straight
- Keep your eyes open
By adhering to these requirements, you can ensure that your photo will be accepted.
What Facial Expressions Are Not Allowed in Passport Photos?
The following expressions are not allowed, and you should avoid each one in order to prevent your passport photo from being rejected:
- Closed lip smile with teeth showing
- Wide grin or laughing expression
- Frowning or pouting
- Raised eyebrows or surprised look
- Open mouth smile with teeth showing
- Smirking or making playful expressions
- Smiling with squinted or partially closed eyes
- Duck face or exaggerated puckering of the lips
- Winking or any other gesture that distorts the face
- Any other expressions that deviate from a neutral, straight-faced appearance.
Can I Show My Teeth in My Passport Photo?
No, you must not show your teeth in your passport photo. This is strictly prohibited.
How Strict Is the No Smiling Rule Enforced by Passport Authorities?
Some countries may be more lenient when it comes to submitting a passport photo smiling. For instance, the United States permits smiling in passport photos but emphasizes that the smile should appear natural and that the eyes must be clearly visible and open. However, you should not risk having your photo rejected for this reason. When you have your passport photo taken, avoid friendly facial expressions. You should not smile, show your teeth or make ‘silly faces’.
Can I Retake My Passport Photo if I Accidentally Smiled in the First One?
Yes. If you have submitted a passport photo smiling, showing teeth, or making an informal expression, you will probably be required to re-take another passport photo. This may cause delays.
