How to Take a Good Passport Picture

Taking a flattering passport photo is a worthy goal. After all, you’ve gotta live with the picture for a solid decade, and it’s also one of those documents you hold onto and treasure even after it’s expired. Having an unflattering pic isn’t the end of the world, but having a photo you’re proud to show off every time you walk through border control just feels nice. 

So what’s the secret to taking a good pic? Well, you should know what color shirts are best for passport photos, and you’ll want to choose a nice silhouette. Details like accessories, makeup, and styling your hair also come into play. We asked pros for their best advice so you can nail the photo. Gigi who? 

RELATED: What Is the Viral ‘Passport Makeup’ Trend?—and How to Get the Look

Choosing the Right Color Shirt

Unless you’re taking the picture yourself, you don’t know what sort of lighting or camera situation you’re going to contend with when getting a passport picture taken. That said, your best bet is to opt for a neutral color—like white, black, or navy blue—with no patterns. 

“These colors are timeless because they provide a neutral backdrop that won’t significantly alter your skin tone, which is particularly important for the low-quality cameras often used for these types of pictures,” says Sabrina Yoo, creative director of Amissima. “Wearing brightly colored tops, busy patterns, or elaborate necklines can lead to visual distractions in your passport photo.” 

She explains that non-neutral shirt colors can cast unwanted hues on your skin, leading to a washed-out appearance or an unintended color tone, such as an orange or green tint. (Yikes!)

“The goal is to ensure that your face is the focal point of the image, allowing for a true representation of your identity, especially for official purposes,” Yoo says. 

Choosing the Right Style Shirt

Similarly, keep things simple when choosing your shirt style. Since only a small upper portion of your shirt is showing, it’s best to focus on a clean, polished neckline. 

“The best shirt silhouette for a passport photo is a simple crew-neck or collared shirt,” advises style expert Christy Dawn, founder and CEO of Christy Dawn. “A collared shirt gives a neat and professional look, while a crew-neck ensures the neckline is visible without being too casual.” 

She generally recommends avoiding tank tops since they can be distracting. However, if you’re really set on going that route, ensure it has defined seams and a tailored fit. 

How to Accessorize for Your Passport Pic 

You might notice a trend here, but when accessorizing for a passport picture it’s best to keep things minimalist or forego jewelry altogether. After all, this is a government image so maintaining a modest look is ideal. 

“If you do choose to wear jewelry, opt for dainty and delicate pieces,” Dawn advises. “Statement pieces can be distracting and might obscure your face, which is the main focal point of the photo.” Some good options include small earrings and subtle necklaces that offer a touch of elegance without stealing the spotlight. 

Styling Your Hair for Passport Photos

You’ve got the shirt and jewelry figured out, now what about your hair? Right now, Yoo says that TikTok is championing sleek hairstyles—like a slicked-back bun or half-up style—but that these are challenging to create and can even be unflattering on some people. 

“You’ll end up looking like an egg eight out of 10 times, as it lacks volume and could disappear against a simple background,” Yoo says. “Embracing natural waves or even soft curls can add dimension while maintaining a tidy appearance. Or you can opt for a natural-looking blowout.” 

During the photo, you may need to ensure hair isn’t completely covering your face so be prepared to tuck some hair behind your ears. Play with this in the mirror beforehand so you can figure out what looks best on your face. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Your Passport Pic 

Now that you know what color shirt is best for passport photos and what sort of neckline, jewelry, and hairstyle is gonna flatter you most, let’s cover some common mistakes people make when getting this picture taken. 

• Wearing Loud Colors and Patterns: Neutral that won’t cast an unflattering tone are best. Also avoid busy patterns and necklines. 
• Forgetting Your Makeup: The most significant error people often commit revolves around makeup application. “The low-resolution quality of the camera can amplify any imperfections and flatten out your face,” Yoo says. “To look good in these photos, bring focus to your eyes and sculpt your face with contour and blush.” 
• Trying to Look Completely Different: At the end of the day, this is a government photo that needs to look like you. Try to keep things as true to you as possible. After all, you don’t want the TSA questioning your passport.