What to Wear for Passport Photo
Choose the right clothing for your passport photo. Guidelines on colors, styles, traditional attire, and what to avoid for Indian passport photos.
Your clothing choice can affect how your passport photo turns out. While there's no strict uniform requirement, following these guidelines ensures your photo looks professional and gets accepted.
Basic Guidelines
- Wear everyday, normal clothing
- Choose solid colors that contrast with white background
- Keep it simple and professional
- Ensure neckline is neat and not distracting
Best Colors to Wear
Recommended Colors
- ✅ Dark blue - Professional, universal
- ✅ Black - Strong contrast
- ✅ Dark green - Complements most skin tones
- ✅ Maroon/Burgundy - Rich, professional look
- ✅ Navy - Classic choice
- ✅ Deep purple - Good contrast
What to Avoid
Do Not Wear
- ❌ White or cream - Blends with background
- ❌ Busy patterns - Stripes, checks, florals
- ❌ Logos or text - Any visible branding
- ❌ Very bright colors - Neon, fluorescent
- ❌ Military/police uniforms - Not for civilian passports
- ❌ Costumes - Halloween, fancy dress
Traditional & Religious Attire
Traditional Indian clothing is fully acceptable for passport photos:
- Women: Sarees, salwar kameez, kurtas are all acceptable
- Men: Kurtas, sherwanis, formal Indian wear is fine
- Religious headwear: Turbans, hijabs, head coverings are allowed
Head Covering Rules
- Religious head coverings are permitted
- Your full face must be visible from forehead to chin
- The covering should not cast shadows on your face
- Hats and caps (non-religious) are not allowed
Jewelry & Accessories
| Small earrings | ✅ Allowed |
| Necklaces | ✅ Simple ones are fine |
| Large/dangling jewelry | ⚠️ Avoid (shadows) |
| Headphones | ❌ Not allowed |
| Bluetooth devices | ❌ Not allowed |
| Hair accessories | ⚠️ Keep minimal |
Grooming Tips
Hair
- Keep hair away from face
- Both eyes and ears should be visible
- Style neatly as you normally would
- Avoid extreme hairstyles
Makeup (for those who wear it)
- Light, natural makeup is best
- Avoid dramatic eyeshadow or dark lipstick
- No glitter or sparkly products
- Matte finish preferred (no shiny face)
Facial Hair (for men)
- Keep it trimmed and neat
- If you normally have a beard, keep it
- Try to match your passport photo to daily appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear white in passport photo?
It is not recommended as white clothing blends with the white background, making your shoulders appear to disappear. Wear colors that contrast with white like dark blue, black, or maroon.
Are sleeveless tops allowed in passport photos?
Yes, sleeveless tops are allowed. Passport photos typically show only your shoulders and above, so the sleeve type does not matter as long as your shoulders are covered.
Can I wear traditional Indian clothes like saree?
Yes! Sarees, salwar kameez, kurtas, sherwanis, and other traditional Indian attire are perfectly acceptable for passport photos. There is no requirement for Western clothing.
Should I wear makeup for passport photo?
Light, natural makeup is fine and can help you look your best. Avoid heavy makeup, dramatic eyeshadow, glitter, or dark lipstick that significantly alters your normal appearance.
Can I wear earrings in passport photo?
Small, subtle earrings are fine. Avoid large, dangling jewelry that might cause shadows or reflections. Keep accessories minimal for a clean, professional look.
What if I normally wear a uniform for work?
Military, police, or other government uniforms should not be worn for civilian passport photos. Wear regular civilian clothing instead for your passport application.
Can I wear religious headwear like turban or hijab?
Yes, religious head coverings are permitted. Your full face from forehead to chin must remain visible, and the covering should not cast shadows on your face.
Should I match my clothing to my skin tone?
Choose colors that complement your skin tone but prioritize contrast with white background. Dark colors work well for most skin tones and create professional-looking photos.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
Yes for Indian passports if there is no glare. For US visa photos, glasses are not allowed. Check specific requirements for your document type.
What neckline works best for passport photos?
Simple, neat necklines work best. Avoid very low-cut tops, high turtlenecks that cover your chin, or busy collars with ruffles. Crew necks and modest V-necks are ideal.