Can You Smile in a Passport Photo?
Yes, but only slightly. Most passport photo rules require a neutral expression (both eyes open, mouth closed), and many applications are rejected for toothy smiles, squinting, head tilts, or exaggerated facial expressions that change how your features appear.
Are Smiles Allowed in Passport Photos?
In most countries, a small, natural smile is allowed in a passport photo, but big smiles, open mouths, or showing teeth often violate passport photo rules and can cause your photo to be rejected. To meet common passport photo requirements:
- keep your mouth closed,
- maintain a relaxed, neutral expression
- avoid exaggerated facial expressions that change how your features look. When in doubt, choose a neutral face to improve the chances your passport photo is accepted the first time.
Why Do Passport Smile Rules Exist?
Passport smile rules exist because passport photos are used for biometric identification, and a neutral expression makes your facial features easier to measure and match.
Big smiles can change key markers: like the shape of your eyes, cheeks, and mouth, making facial recognition less reliable and increasing the risk of a rejected passport photo.
That’s why many passport photo requirements ask for a relaxed, neutral face, with both eyes open and mouth closed, so the image stays consistent across border checks, visas, and identity verification systems.
Passport Photo Smile Rules by Country
Passport photo smile rules by country vary, but most governments require a neutral facial expression for biometric identification. To reduce the risk of a rejected application, keep your mouth closed, eyes open, and avoid any expression that changes your facial features. Use the country guides below as a quick reference, then confirm with the latest official photo requirements before submitting.
United States (U.S.)
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Allowed? A slight, natural expression may be accepted if your features aren’t distorted.
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Not allowed: Teeth showing, open mouth, exaggerated smile, squinting.
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Official source:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
United Kingdom (UK)
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Allowed? Typically no, neutral expression is expected.
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Not allowed: Smiling (including slight), teeth showing, open mouth.
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Official source: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports/photo-requirements
Canada
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Allowed? Typically no, neutral expression is expected.
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Not allowed: Smiling, teeth showing, open mouth, exaggerated expression.
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Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html#expression
Australia
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Allowed? Typically no, neutral expression is expected.
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Not allowed: Smiling or laughing, open mouth, exaggerated expression.
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Official source: https://www.passports.gov.au/help/passport-photos
Schengen Area
- Allowed? Typically no, neutral expression is expected.
- Not allowed: Smiling, showing teeth, or open mouth (anything that breaks the neutral-expression standard).
- Official source: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en
Always check your country’s latest passport photo guidelines.
What Kind of Smile Is Allowed?
✔ Relaxed facial muscles
✔ Lips closed
✔ Slight natural curve of lips
✔ Both eyes fully open
This is commonly referred to as a “neutral smile.”
What Is NOT Allowed?
✖ Showing teeth
✖ Open mouth
✖ Raised eyebrows
✖ Squinting eyes
✖ Laughing or exaggerated smiles
✖ Head tilted
Any of these can cause rejection.
How to Take a Perfect Passport Photo?
Follow your country’s passport photo requirements for size, background, lighting, and expression so your image is accepted on the first try.
- Stand in front of a plain light background
- Use even front lighting to avoid shadows
- Keep your head straight and centered while looking directly at the camera with both eyes open and mouth closed
- Skip filters
- Ensure the photo is sharp and high-resolution
- Remove anything that causes glare (especially glasses)
- Keep hair off your face. Before submitting
- Double-check the official passport photo size and specifications for your country to avoid rejection
- Make sure your dress code for passport photo is correct
FAQ
Can I smile with teeth in a passport photo?
No. Showing teeth is not allowed.
Can babies smile in passport photos?
Yes, but mouths must be closed.
What happens if my photo is rejected?
Your application will be delayed and you must submit a new photo.