Can You Smile in Passport Photos?

Smiling Rules for Passport Photos

The general guideline is to maintain a neutral facial expression in passport photos, which means you should not smile.

The requirements for a passport photo include:

• Neutral Expression: A neutral expression is typically defined as one where the mouth is closed and the face is relaxed. This means no smiling, frowning, or other expressions that can distort the facial features.
• Clear Visibility of Facial Features: The purpose of a neutral expression is to ensure that your facial features are clearly visible and recognizable for identification purposes. Smiling, especially if it's a wide smile, can alter the appearance of your face, making it more difficult for facial recognition systems and officials to verify your identity.