PixPass Global Visa Photo

appearance preparation

US Passport Photo Appearance Rules

Review the verified appearance rules as a visual preparation checklist before taking or checking the photo.

Illustrated portrait surrounded by appearance-topic icons.Illustrative diagram

Illustrative map of the appearance topics covered by the page.

Requirement details

Glasses
Glasses are NOT allowed unless you have a signed medical statement that you cannot remove themtravel.state.gov
Facial Expression
Neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open, mouth closed or naturaltravel.state.gov
Head Coverings
Not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes — requires signed statementReligious headwear is permitted with a signed statement affirming it is part of recognized, traditional religious attire worn continuously in public.
Full Face Visible
Photo must show full face from hairline to chin, both edges of face clearly visibletravel.state.gov

Hair and face visibility

Use the verified answer and the accompanying visual example together.

Safest answer first

Do ears need to show in a US passport photo?

No published State Department rule says ears must be visible; the release-safe rule is full face visibility.

Safe action

Keep hair away from eyes and facial edges; tuck hair back if using an in-person facility and you want to avoid argument.

How PixPass can help: PixPass should warn on obscured facial features, not fail hidden ears by itself.

Do ears need to show in a US passport photo?

No published State Department rule says ears must be visible; the release-safe rule is full face visibility.

Why people are confused

Local staff and photo providers sometimes ask for hair behind ears even though the official wording focuses on the face.

Official anchor

Full face must be visible from hairline to chin and facial edges should not be obscured.

Real-world variance

Acceptance facilities may apply stricter practical screening than the published rule.

Safe action

Keep hair away from eyes and facial edges; tuck hair back if using an in-person facility and you want to avoid argument.

How PixPass can help: PixPass should warn on obscured facial features, not fail hidden ears by itself.

Visual examples

Do and do-not guidance

Illustrated overview of appearance topics for a passport photo.Illustrative diagram

Appearance-rule visual overview.

Do notGlasses

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed unless you have a signed medical statement that you cannot remove them

Illustrative portrait focused on expression and direct camera position.

DoFacial Expression

Facial Expression

Neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open, mouth closed or natural

Illustrative portrait focused on headwear and full-face framing.

WatchHead Coverings

Head Coverings

Not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes — requires signed statement

Illustrative portrait focused on hair, facial edges, and face visibility.

DoFull Face Visible

Full Face Visible

Photo must show full face from hairline to chin, both edges of face clearly visible

Use these examples as visual guidance. Official rule text and the selected submission path remain the source of truth for final acceptance.

Sources

Official guidance checked 2026-04-15.