There is no legal requirement for a specific color in your passport photo. However, it is generally recommended to opt for solid and neutral colors such as black, navy blue, dark green, or brown. This is advised to create a clear contrast with the commonly used white or light gray background in passport photography, although it is not a legal mandate.
The guidelines from government agencies, like the US Department of State, offer general recommendations for clothing to facilitate a successful passport photo submission, but they do not specify color requirements.1
Clothing and Background:
- Capture the individual in everyday clothing.
- Avoid uniforms, attire resembling uniforms, or camouflage.
If you need assistance with passport photo requirements or getting a photo that meets all criteria, Visas for Future’s passport photo service can help. We provide a user-friendly online platform where you can upload your photo and ensure it meets international standards. Our simple process ensures that your passport photo is professionally handled and meets all guidelines for a smooth application experience.
Visas for Future Passport Photo Service
If you need a passport photo that meets the requirements for your application, you can use the Visas for Future passport photo service. Just follow our guidelines to take a picture of yourself, send it to us, and we’ll edit it for you. Your passport photos will then be sent to you with free shipping, and we deliver to Canada, the EU, the US, and the UK. If you’re outside these countries, we can email your passport photos for you to print at home.
How it works
Take a photo.
We verify your photo.
Passport photos are delivered by post or email.
How to take your passport photo
Here’s how you can take passport photos at home to ensure that they’ll be high quality:
1.) Stand .5 meters or 2 feet from the wall. This ensures that there’s no shadow on your portrait.
2.) Place the camera 2 meters or 6 feet away from the subject. This will prevent distortion and give you a prettier picture!
3.) Have the camera on the same level as the subject’s face.
4.) Use plenty of lighting. Natural light is preferred, but plenty of light in general is the best. Make sure it is even and doesn’t leave a shadow.
Benefits of using an online passport photo service
There are many choices when it comes to getting a passport photo, but here are reasons why you should go with an online agent:
- You don’t have to leave your house.
- We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
- We validate your photo and check your passport photo to ensure it is in order.
- Save money with bulk orders – you can order many passport photos and save.
Why choose us
Visas for Future is a convenient service that can help you with your passport photo needs. Here are six reasons why you should choose Visas for Future for your passport photo services:
- Expertise: Our experts ensure that your passport photo meets the official requirements of your destination country.
- Convenience: You can upload your photo or take one with your smartphone, and we will crop, resize, and enhance it to create a perfect biometric photo.
- Support: We’re visa and passport photo experts. You can ask us travel questions, making your trip-planning process easier.
- Speed: Your photos are shipped within a day!
- Unlimited retakes: You can also take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the result.
Specific color recommendations
While there are no specific legal requirements regarding color choices for passport photos, certain colors are highly recommended to ensure a clear and acceptable photo:
Generally Recommended:
- Opt for Darker Solid Colors: These provide excellent contrast against the white or light gray background, ensuring your face stands out distinctly. Examples include:
- Navy Blue
- Dark Gray
- Black
- Royal Blue
- Deep Green
- Maroon
- Forest Green
- Burgundy
- Teal
- Choose Neutral Tones: These contribute to a professional appearance and minimize potential distractions. Example include:
- Beige (not too light)
Acceptable (with Caution):
- Be mindful of Light Colors: They may pose a risk as they could blend with the background. Only go for light colors if they distinctly contrast with the background shade. Avoid very light colors such as white or beige.
Color restrictions
There are no specific rules saying certain colors are not allowed for passport photos. The main focus is on making sure the photo is clear and can be easily identified.
Background Color:
- The background of the photo should be plain white or light-colored.
- Dark or patterned backgrounds are not acceptable.
Clothing Color:
- Choose clothing in a contrasting color to the background.
- Colors to Avoid for Clothing:
- Steer clear of Bright or Neon Colors: They can distract and divert attention from your face.
- Avoid Patterns and Prints: These may confuse and possibly lead to rejection during processing.
- Stay away from White: It blends entirely with the white background, obscuring your facial features.
Remember, the key is to select a color that ensures your facial features are clearly visible and distinguishable from the background. When unsure, it’s always safer to choose a darker or neutral color to err on the side of caution.
Tips for attires to wear for passport photos
Guidelines for Passport Photos: Dos and Don’ts for both men and women.
For Men
Dos:
- Everyday Attire: Opt for casual clothing to present a natural appearance.
- Darker Colors: Choose plain, darker colors for contrast with the mandatory white background.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Uniforms and Camouflage Clothing: These are not permitted in passport photos.
- Avoid Clothing with Text or Logos: Text or logos can be distracting and may cause acceptance issues.
- Avoid Hats and Head Coverings: Skip headgear unless necessary for religious or medical reasons.
For Women
Dos:
- Casual Clothing: Choose everyday attire, avoiding dresses or formal wear.
- Darker Shades: Opt for darker colors to stand out against the white background.
- Minimal Makeup and Hairstyles: Keep makeup and hairstyles light and simple.
- Subtle Accessories: Select delicate earrings and hairpins that enhance your appearance without overshadowing your face.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Uniforms and Camouflage Clothing: Not permitted in passport photos.
- Avoid Clothing with Text or Logos: Text or logos can be distracting and may cause acceptance issues.
- Avoid Hats and Head Coverings: Skip headgear unless necessary for religious or medical reasons.
- Avoid Makeup That Obscures Your Face.
- Avoid Low Necklines or Revealing Clothing: Choose clothes that appropriately cover your shoulders and chest.
Additional Tips:
- Wear clothes that boost your confidence: Your confidence will reflect in the photo, making you look your best.
- Iron your clothes if necessary: Avoid wrinkles and ensure a neat appearance.
- Consider layering: This can be helpful if you’re uncertain about the temperature in the photo studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color looks best for a passport photo?
When taking a passport photo, it is best to choose solid, dark colors. Pick darker shades like black, navy blue, dark green, or brown. Also, neutral tones such as gray or beige (not too light) work well and are considered appropriate choices.
Can I wear lipstick in a passport photo?
Yes, as long as it doesn’t alter your appearance significantly.
Can I wear my hair up in a passport photo?
Yes, you can wear your hair up in a passport photo, as long as your face is fully visible and your hair doesn’t cover any important features, such as your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Is colored hair allowed in passport pictures?
Yes, you’re allowed to have colored hair in your passport pictures.
- Department of State. (2023). Passport Photos State.gov, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html> [↩]
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Written by
James Abel Diego 
James Abel Diego is a content writer at Visas for Future who is an expert in travel and visa policies for Turkey, India, Colombia and Egypt. He is an Education graduate who is inclined with passion in writing informative content. He has been in several training sessions making him more of value in content and fulfilling customer orders efficiently. James maintains his understanding of visa processing by executing real visa orders once per quarter.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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Diego, James Abel. "What color to wear for a passport photo?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-color-to-wear-for-passport-photo/. Accessed on 28 September 2023.
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Diego, James Abel. "What color to wear for a passport photo?." Visas For Future. September 28, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-color-to-wear-for-passport-photo/.