ICAO 9303 Biometric Rules · Country Comparison
Can You Wear Glasses, a Beard, Earrings or Makeup in a Passport or Visa Photo? (U.S., UK, EU, Canada & Brazil)
5 min read · Reviewed on: 2026-11-07
Direct Answer (Technical Summary)
Golden rule across all ICAO Doc 9303 authorities: always take off your glasses (strictly banned in the U.S. and UK, and the #1 cause of glare rejection in Schengen, Canada and Brazil). Everyday beards and moustaches are allowed everywhere. Subtle makeup and small studs are fine if they cause no glare, while hats and headphones are prohibited (except daily religious or medical headwear that leaves the full oval from forehead to chin visible).
What is allowed vs. prohibited by issuing authority (ICAO Doc 9303)
| Item / Feature | USA (DS-160 / Passport) | UK (HMPO) & Schengen | Canada (IRCC) | Brazil (PF / ID) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eyeglasses | Prohibited (unless signed surgical statement) | Banned in UK; strongly discouraged in Schengen (zero glare/frame overlap) | Discouraged (any glare or tint fails) | Remove glasses to avoid lens reflection |
| Beard & moustache | Allowed (if part of everyday appearance) | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Earrings & piercings | Small studs allowed if no glare or face obstruction | Small non-reflective studs allowed | Allowed if no glare | Remove large hoops; small studs allowed |
| Hair & bangs | May be worn down, but eyes and eyebrows must be 100% clear | Eyes and eyebrows completely uncovered | Full facial contour and eyes clear | Eyes and eyebrows fully visible |
| Headwear / Hijab | Daily religious/medical only (full face chin-to-forehead visible) | Religious/medical only (no shadows on face) | Religious/medical only | Religious/medical only |
1. Why you should always remove eyeglasses
Automated biometric gates measure pupil distance, eye corners and brow ridges. Even anti-reflective lenses produce subtle window highlights or cast frame shadows across the eye sockets. Removing your glasses for the photo eliminates the single most common reason for visa and passport photo rejection worldwide.
2. Beards, makeup, hair and clothing colour
You do not need to shave a beard or moustache that you normally wear. Keep makeup natural—avoid heavy contouring, glittery eyeshadow or high-gloss lipstick that reflects light.
Tuck long hair behind your shoulders so your jawline and both eyebrows remain completely visible, and wear a dark-coloured top (navy, black, charcoal) so your shoulders stand out clearly against the white background.
Quick visual check before taking your photo
- Removed eyeglasses (and waited a moment for nose-pad marks to fade)
- Brushed bangs and hair away from eyes and eyebrows
- Removed large hoop earrings, shiny necklaces, hats and earbuds
- Wore a dark shirt or top that contrasts with the white wall
Frequently asked questions
Will I have trouble at border control if I shave my beard after getting my passport?
No. Facial recognition systems map bone structure distances (inter-pupillary distance, nose bridge, cheekbones), which do not change with facial hair.
Can I wear a white shirt in a passport photo?
Avoid white tops. Against a white background, a white shirt makes your head appear to float without shoulders, which can trigger rejection.
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