What Should You Wear for a Passport Photo?

For a passport photo, the goal is to look natural, clear, and neutral while meeting official requirements. Here’s exactly what you should and shouldn’t wear to make sure your passport photo is accepted.

What You Should Wear for a Passport Photo

1. Wear everyday, normal clothing

Choose something you would normally wear. Most countries require:

• Plain, solid-colored tops that contrast clearly with the background
• Solid colors (not bright or neon)
• A simple shirt or blouse works best.

2. Choose a contrast with the background

Passport photos usually use a white or light background. Avoid white tops.
Color to wear: Good choices are Black, Navy, Dark grey, Forest green

3. Keep accessories minimal

You can wear:

• Simple jewelry
• Ear studs
• A thin necklace

But keep it subtle so it doesn’t distract or create reflections that may cause the photo to be rejected.

4. Glasses are generally NOT allowed

Most countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU) do not allow glasses in passport photos unless you have a documented medical exemption approved by the issuing authority.

5. Hijab or religious headwear is allowed

If the applicant (or minor) wears a head covering daily for religious reasons (e.g., a hijab or turban), it is permitted, provided:

• The entire face is visible, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
• The edges of the head covering do not cast shadows on the face.

You may wear:

• Hijab
• Turban
• Religious head covering

Only if it does not cover your face.

Your full face (forehead → chin) must be visible.

6. Hair

• Keep hair away from your face.
• Make sure it does not cover your eyes and does not obscure your facial features.
• Avoid big hair accessories.

Additional Rules for Children (International Standard, applied in Saudi Arabia)

• Baby’s eyes must be open (as much as possible).
• No hands of the parents are visible in the photo.
• White background still required.
• No hats or headbands.

What You Should Not Wear for a Passport Photo

• No uniforms (military, police, professional uniforms).
• No camouflage patterns.
• No hats, caps, bandanas, or beanies.
• No heavy makeup that changes your natural features.
• No earphones, AirPods, or sunglasses.
• No white/light tops against a white background.

Women are not required by Saudi law to wear an abaya in passport photos.

Saudi law does not require women to wear an abaya or hijab in passport photos. However, you may wear a hijab if you want, as long as:

• It does not cover the eyebrows, eyes, or chin
• It contrasts with the white background
• Dark hijabs (black, navy, dark brown) work best.

Men should avoid uniforms. Saudi rules do not allow:

• Military uniforms
• Police uniforms
• National Guard uniforms

Wear a simple T-shirt, shirt, or thobe (allowed because it is traditional clothing, not a uniform).

Tips for a Perfect Passport Photo

• Keep a neutral expression (no smile with teeth).
• Look straight at the camera.
• Make sure the lighting is even with no shadows on the face.
• Do not edit or filter the photo.