May 28, 2026 · Guide
Headscarf in Passport Photos – Rules for UK, US, EU & More
Can you wear a headscarf, hijab, turban, or other head covering in your passport photo? The short answer is yes — for religious or medical reasons — but with one strict requirement: your full face must be visible. This guide explains exactly what is allowed, country by country.
Core rule: face must be fully visible.
ICAO and all major passport authorities allow head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons. The non-negotiable requirement is that the full face — from the crown of the forehead to the chin, and ear to ear — must remain visible. Any covering that obscures facial features is not permitted.
Why the Full Face Must Be Visible
Biometric passport photos exist to support automated facial recognition at border control. The algorithms used at e-passport gates rely on specific facial landmarks — the position of the eyes, nose, mouth, and chin — to verify that the person presenting the passport matches the photo stored on the chip.
If any of these landmarks are obscured — by a face veil, by the covering casting shadows over the lower face, or by the covering drooping over the forehead — the biometric match will fail or be unreliable. This is why the requirement is specifically about the visibility of the face, not about the covering itself.
The exception for religious and medical coverings is built into ICAO Doc 9303 — the international standard for machine-readable travel documents used by all UN member states — precisely because the covering itself does not affect the biometric data as long as the face is fully visible.
What Is Allowed
The following are permitted in passport photos across all major countries:
- Hijab — permitted if the full face from forehead to chin and ear to ear is visible. The fabric must not cast shadows on the face.
- Turban — permitted for Sikh applicants when worn for religious reasons, provided the full face is visible and there are no shadows.
- Kippah / Kipa — permitted for Jewish applicants. The kippah sits at the back or top of the head and does not obscure facial features.
- Medical head coverings — permitted for applicants who must cover their head due to a medical condition (for example, after chemotherapy or following surgery). The same rule applies: full face must be visible.
What Is Not Allowed
The following are not permitted in passport photos in any major country:
- Niqab — covers the lower face including the nose and mouth, which are required biometric features. Not permitted regardless of religious significance.
- Full-face veil (burqa) — covers the entire face. Not permitted for passport photos in any country.
- Fashion hats and caps — baseball caps, beanies, fedoras, and other non-religious or non-medical head coverings are not permitted.
- Hoods or scarves worn for warmth — non-religious coverings are not permitted even if they do not cover the face.
Head Covering Rules by Country
| Country | Authority | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | HMPO | Allowed for religious/medical reasons | Full face must be visible from forehead to chin and ear to ear. No shadows on the face. |
| 🇺🇸 United States | State Department | Allowed with religious exception | For paper applications, a signed statement that the covering is for religious reasons may be required. Full face must be visible. |
| 🇪🇺 EU / ICAO | ICAO Doc 9303 | Allowed for religious/medical reasons | The ICAO standard permits head coverings for religious or medical reasons. Full face from forehead to chin must be visible. |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | FEDPOL | Allowed for religious/medical reasons | Switzerland follows ICAO. Head coverings for religious reasons are permitted if the full face is visible. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Bundesdruckerei | Allowed for religious/medical reasons | Germany follows ICAO. Full face visible requirement applies. |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | BMI | Allowed for religious/medical reasons | Austria follows ICAO. Full face must be visible; no fashion head coverings permitted. |
Medical Head Coverings
The religious exception in ICAO Doc 9303 explicitly extends to medical head coverings. Applicants who must cover their head due to a medical condition — such as hair loss following chemotherapy, alopecia, scalp injuries, or post-surgical dressings — are permitted to wear a head covering in their passport photo.
The same requirement applies: the full face from forehead to chin must remain visible. Some passport authorities may request a supporting medical note — check with the specific issuing authority in your country.
Practical Tips for Taking the Photo
Ensure no shadows on the face
A head covering can cast shadows across the forehead, nose, or chin if the light source is overhead or to one side. Use frontal, diffuse lighting to eliminate shadows.
Keep the forehead fully visible
The crown of the forehead must be visible in the photo. Avoid letting the covering droop forward over the forehead. The photo must show the hairline or the top of the forehead clearly.
Check ear visibility
While both ears do not need to be visible in all countries, the sides of the face should be visible to the ear area to ensure the face width is captured for biometrics.
Avoid patterns or colours that merge with the background
A dark covering against a white background provides good contrast. If the covering is white or very light, a very slightly grey background improves clarity.
Check the photo before submitting
Use an online biometric tool or look critically at the photo to confirm: full face visible, no shadows, correct 35×45mm size, white or light grey background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a turban in my passport photo in the UK?
Yes. HMPO explicitly permits turbans worn for religious reasons, provided the full face is visible from forehead to chin and ear to ear, with no shadows on the face.
Does the US require a statement for wearing a hijab in a passport photo?
For digital submissions via the State Department's online renewal system, a signed statement is generally not required if the photo clearly shows the full face. For paper applications, the form DS-11 may require a note confirming the head covering is for religious reasons.
Can I wear a hat for medical reasons in my passport photo?
Yes, if you have a documented medical reason for covering your head. The full face must still be visible. Some issuing authorities may request a supporting medical note.
My hijab is very light coloured — will it blend into the white background?
A very light-coloured covering against a white background can reduce contrast. Consider using a slightly off-white or very light grey background instead, which most countries accept as an alternative to pure white.
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