May 29, 2026 · Special Groups
Passport Photo with Hijab & Religious Headwear 2026 – ICAO Rules
Religious and cultural head coverings are permitted in passport photos worldwide — provided the full face is clearly visible. This guide explains the ICAO Doc 9303 rule, which headwear types are accepted, which are not, and how to avoid common practical mistakes such as shadows.
The ICAO rule: full face must be visible
ICAO Doc 9303 — the international standard for biometric travel documents — permits religious or cultural head coverings in passport photos only if the full face is visible: forehead to chin and ear to ear. Any covering that obscures part of the face will cause the photo to be rejected. This rule applies in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and all other ICAO member states.
Which Religious Headwear Is Accepted?
| Headwear | Accepted? | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Hijab | Yes | Full face must be visible; no shadows on face |
| Niqab / face veil | No | Face is partially obscured — biometric data cannot be captured |
| Sikh turban (dastar) | Yes | Full face must be visible; no shadows on face |
| Kippah / Yarmulke | Yes | Does not obscure the face; full face visible |
| Nun's veil / habit | Yes | Full face must be visible; veil must not shadow the face |
| Medical head covering | Yes | Doctor's note may be required; full face must be visible |
| Fashion hat / cap / beret | No | Non-religious headwear is not permitted |
Country-Specific Notes
All major passport-issuing countries follow ICAO Doc 9303 on the question of religious headwear. There is no country that applies a stricter blanket ban on religious head coverings in passport photos. Practical details by country:
- Germany: Bundesdruckerei follows ICAO. Hijab, turban, and kippah are permitted. The niqab is not accepted for Reisepass or Personalausweis photos because the full face must be biometrically captured.
- United Kingdom: HMPO follows ICAO. Religious head coverings are permitted if the full face — from the hairline (or forehead) to the chin and from ear to ear — is clearly visible.
- Switzerland: The SEM (State Secretariat for Migration) follows ICAO. Hijab, turban, and kippah are permitted. Face must be fully visible.
- United States: The US Department of State follows ICAO. Religious head coverings are permitted if the full face is clearly visible. The US explicitly states this in its official photo requirements.
- Australia & New Zealand: Both countries follow ICAO. Religious head coverings are permitted on the same terms as all ICAO member states.
Practical Tips for Hijab in Passport Photos
- Choose a plain, dark-coloured hijab. Busy patterns and bright colours close to the background shade can cause processing difficulties. A plain navy, dark green, or black hijab contrasts well with a white background.
- Avoid shadows from the hijab. Draping fabric that hangs over the forehead or cheeks can cast shadows. Pin the hijab securely so it frames the face clearly and lies flat.
- Ensure the forehead and ears are visible (or at least that the full face width is visible). The DIA, HMPO, and most authorities require the face to be visible from ear to ear — not just the central face region.
- Use even, diffused lighting. Overhead lighting can cast shadows under the hijab onto the face. Soft window light from the front or side works well.
- No pins or decorative elements should be visible near the face in a way that could distract from or partially obscure facial features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hijab allowed in passport photos?
Yes. A hijab is allowed in passport photos in all ICAO-compliant countries, including Germany, the UK, Switzerland, the United States, and New Zealand. The requirement is that the full face — from forehead to chin and from ear to ear — remains clearly visible.
Can I wear a niqab in a passport photo?
No. A niqab or face veil that covers the nose and mouth is not permitted in biometric passport photos. ICAO Doc 9303 requires that the full face be visible for biometric facial recognition. This rule is universally applied across all ICAO member states.
What about a Sikh turban in a passport photo?
A Sikh turban (dastar) is permitted in passport photos as a religious head covering. The rule is that the full face must remain visible — the turban must not cast shadows across the face or obscure any part of it. The same rule applies in the UK, US, Germany, Switzerland, and all other ICAO member states.
Does the rule on religious headwear differ by country?
The core rule is the same across all ICAO member states: religious or cultural head coverings are permitted if and only if the full face is clearly visible. Germany, the UK, Switzerland, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand all follow ICAO Doc 9303 on this question.
What if my religious headwear casts a shadow on my face?
Shadows on the face from headwear are a common reason for photo rejection. To avoid shadows, use even, diffused lighting from slightly in front of you rather than overhead. If you are at a photo studio, ask them to position the lights to eliminate facial shadows.
Can I wear religious headwear in a driver's licence photo?
In most countries that follow ICAO biometric standards for driving licences, the same rule applies: religious head coverings are permitted if the full face is visible. However, driver's licence photo rules vary more widely by country and state. Always check with the issuing authority in your country.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. ICAO and national passport photo requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official guidance from your passport-issuing authority.
Need a Passport or Visa Photo?
ID Wizard creates biometric passport photos for 50+ countries — free preview before you pay. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
Get started for free →