Can You Smile In Your Passport Photo?

Smiling incorrectly in a passport or visa photo is one of the leading causes of photo rejection. Most countries now use biometric facial recognition, which requires strict control over facial expressions.

Are You Allowed to Smile in Passport Photos?

Yes, but only a very small, natural smile is allowed in many countries.

International biometric standards (ICAO 9303) require a neutral facial expression.
A slight closed-mouth smile is often accepted if it does not change facial geometry.

You must:

Look directly at the camera
Keep both eyes fully open
Keep your head straight
Keep your mouth closed or slightly parted
Avoid showing teeth

What Kind of Smile Is Accepted?

Allowed:

Subtle, natural smile
Lips gently closed
Relaxed facial muscles
No raised cheeks
No visible teeth

This preserves biometric measurement points used by border systems.

smile allowed for passport photo

What Smiles Are NOT Accepted?

how teeth
Have a wide smile
Laugh
Squint your eyes
Raise your eyebrows
Smirk
Tilt your head

smiles showing teeth, raising eyebrows are not accepted

Global Passport & Visa Photo Requirements

Requirement	Rule
Expression	Neutral or very slight smile
Teeth	Not visible
Eyes	Open and visible
Head position	Straight
Background	Plain white or light
Glasses	Usually not allowed
Shadows	Not allowed
Filters	Not allowed

How to Make a Passport or Visa Photo at Home

Step 1 – Take Your Photo

Stand against a white wall
Use bright front lighting
Look straight at the camera
Maintain neutral expression

Step 2 – Use IDPhotoDIY

Upload your photo to IDPhotoDIY.com to:

Crop to passport sizes
Convert background to white
Align biometric face dimensions
download and print your photo at home, or have it printed at a local photo center

At https://www.idphotodiy.com/, we strive to make the process of obtaining passport and ID photos as easy and convenient as possible. Our online platform is user-friendly and our customer service team is always available to assist with any questions or concerns.

FAQ

Can I smile with teeth in a passport photo?

No. Showing teeth is a common cause of rejection.

Will my passport be rejected if I smile?

Yes, if your smile alters facial geometry.

Can babies smile in passport photos?

Infants may have natural expressions, but eyes must be visible.

Click here to make passport / visa photos