May 29, 2026 · Tips & Tricks
Passport Photo Rules: Beard, Glasses & Jewelry – What's Allowed in 2026
Appearance rules for biometric passport photos cause more confusion than almost any other topic. Glasses are banned — but beards are fine. Jewelry is usually allowed — but reflective items can cause problems. This guide covers every common appearance question in one place, with ICAO and country-specific rules.
Glasses: Banned Since 2016
Glasses are not permitted in biometric passport photos
The ICAO updated its Doc 9303 biometric standards in 2016 to ban glasses from passport photos. This ban applies across all EU member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the vast majority of ICAO signatory countries. Prescription glasses, reading glasses, tinted glasses, and sunglasses are all affected.
The reason for the ban is technical: glasses cause reflections on the lenses that interfere with the facial geometry scan used by biometric passport systems. Even anti-reflective coatings are not sufficient to guarantee consistent recognition across all border control hardware.
Medical exception: In a small number of cases, a doctor's certificate stating that the patient cannot remove their glasses for medical reasons may be accepted. However, even with documentation, many passport authorities no longer grant exceptions. Check with your specific issuing authority before assuming an exception applies.
Contact lenses are fully permitted. Clear prescription contact lenses are invisible in photos and do not cause reflections. Coloured contact lenses are generally permitted as long as they do not drastically alter the appearance of your irises in a way that would affect biometric iris data.
Beard & Moustache: Allowed
Beards and moustaches are permitted in biometric passport photos under ICAO standards. The governing principle is the appearance authenticity rule — the photo should show your normal, everyday appearance. If you regularly wear a beard, you should take your passport photo with it.
- Full beards, goatees, and moustaches: all permitted.
- Stubble: permitted.
- Recent beard growth: technically permitted, but if your facial hair significantly changes your appearance compared to your passport photo, you may face additional scrutiny at border control. Consider whether a new passport photo is warranted if your appearance has changed substantially.
- The beard must not obscure the jawline or chin to a degree that prevents face outline detection, though this is very rarely an issue in practice.
Jewelry: Generally Allowed with Caveats
There is no ICAO rule that explicitly bans jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, and rings are generally permitted. However, the following practical rules apply:
- Earrings: Small and medium earrings are fine. Large, dangly, or reflective earrings that create glare or cast shadows on the face may cause issues.
- Necklaces: Permitted if not visible above the collar line in the photo, which is typical since the photo only shows the head and shoulders.
- Piercings: Small facial piercings (nose studs, eyebrow rings) are generally accepted if they are part of your normal appearance and do not distort facial recognition. Large or multiple piercings may occasionally be flagged.
- Reflective surfaces: Any jewelry that creates a strong light reflection in the photo — particularly near the eyes or cheeks — should be removed or repositioned.
Make-Up and Hair
Make-up: Natural everyday make-up is fully permitted. Foundation, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lipstick in natural tones are all fine. Heavy theatrical make-up, costume face paint, or anything that significantly alters the appearance of the face compared to your normal look is not permitted.
Hair: Any hair colour, style, or length is permitted provided the hair does not cover the face. Both eyes must be fully visible. The face must be clearly visible from the hairline to the chin. Hair worn over one eye, extreme fringes covering the forehead, or hair obscuring the ears may cause problems with biometric face width detection in some systems.
Quick Reference: What Is and Is Not Allowed
| Item | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription glasses | No | Banned since 2016 ICAO update |
| Sunglasses | No | Never permitted |
| Contact lenses (clear) | Yes | Not visible in photo |
| Beard / moustache | Yes | Must reflect normal appearance |
| Earrings | Yes | Avoid highly reflective large earrings |
| Nose stud / small piercing | Yes | If part of normal appearance |
| Hijab | Yes | Full face must remain visible |
| Niqab / face veil | No | Face must be fully visible |
| Fashion hat / cap | No | Only religious/medical headwear permitted |
| Natural make-up | Yes | Must not significantly alter appearance |
| Theatrical / costume make-up | No | Alters facial geometry |
Rules may vary slightly by country. Always check the specific issuing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
No. Since the ICAO updated its biometric standards in 2016, glasses are banned in passport photos for all EU member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and most other ICAO signatory countries. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, tinted glasses, and sunglasses. The only exception is a medically necessary case supported by a doctor's certificate — and even then, some countries refuse glasses regardless.
Is a beard allowed in a passport photo?
Yes. Beards and moustaches are permitted in passport photos under ICAO rules. The governing principle is that the photo must show your normal, everyday appearance. If you regularly wear a beard, you should photograph with it.
What about nose piercings in a passport photo?
Small facial piercings — including nose studs and small nose rings — are generally permitted if they are part of your regular everyday appearance and do not obscure facial features. Large, reflective, or prominent piercings that create shadows or prevent clear face recognition may be flagged. When in doubt, remove decorative piercings for the photo.
Can I wear a hijab in my passport photo?
Yes. Religious head coverings including the hijab, turban, and kippah are permitted in passport photos in all ICAO countries. The face — from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear — must be fully visible. Niqabs and face veils that cover any part of the face below the nose are not permitted.
Are hats allowed in passport photos?
No. Fashion hats, caps, beanies, and all non-religious headwear are not allowed in passport photos. Only religious head coverings and medically necessary head coverings (with documentation) are permitted.
Is heavy make-up allowed in a passport photo?
Everyday natural make-up is permitted. Heavy theatrical make-up, costume make-up, stage face paint, or anything that significantly alters your facial features or skin tone is not permitted. Foundation, mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick in natural tones are all fine.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. Biometric passport photo appearance rules may vary by country and are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official guidance from your national passport authority.
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