Passport photo guides
The 2026 rules, country-specific requirements, rejection reasons, and practical how-tos for getting your passport photo accepted the first time.
What to Wear for a Passport Photo (2026) — Clothes, Glasses, Jewelry & Hair
Wear normal everyday clothes in a medium or dark color that stands out from a white background. Skip uniforms, camouflage, glasses, hats and headphones. Here is the full list of US rules, plus notes for the UK and Canada.
Updated October 5, 2026
Can You Smile in a Passport Photo? Expression, Glasses, Jewelry & More (2026)
Yes, you can smile in a US passport photo as long as your mouth is closed and your eyes are open. The UK and Canada are stricter. Here is what each country allows for expression, glasses, hair, jewelry, piercings and more.
Updated October 5, 2026
How to Print Passport Photos on a 4×6 at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart or Costco
Lay out six 2×2 inch passport photos on one 4×6 image, order it as a regular photo print, turn off cropping and borders, then cut one out. Here is how to do it without sizing mistakes.
Updated October 5, 2026
Passport Photo Background Color by Country (2026) — White, Grey or Cream?
Most countries want a plain white or very light background, but not all. The UK prefers light grey or cream, Germany recommends neutral grey, and France does not accept white at all. Here is the official rule for each country, with sources.
Updated October 5, 2026
Can You Wear a Hijab in a Passport Photo? Religious Head Covering Rules (2026)
Yes, you can wear a hijab, turban, kippah or other religious head covering in a passport photo, as long as your whole face is visible and nothing casts a shadow on it. Here is what each country's official rules say, including when a signed statement is needed.
Updated October 5, 2026
How Many Passport Photos Do You Need? (2026, by Country and Document)
A US passport needs one 2×2 photo, most USCIS forms need two, UK paper forms and Canada need two identical prints, and online renewals need a digital file instead of a print. Here is the count for every common application.
Updated October 5, 2026
Walgreens & CVS Passport Photo Coupons 2026 — Do They Exist?
Walgreens and CVS passport photos cost around $15–17. Coupons are rare and often expired. Here is what actually works in 2026 — and a cheaper way to get the same photo.
Updated October 3, 2026
US Passport Photo Size 2026 — 2×2 Inches in Pixels, mm & cm
A US passport photo is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). For online renewals, use 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels. Here are all the dimensions and conversions.
Updated October 3, 2026
Green Card Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Background & Rules
A green card photo follows the same 2×2 inch USCIS standard as a US passport photo: color, plain white background, taken within 30 days, neutral expression, no glasses. Here is the full 2026 guide.
Updated October 3, 2026
US Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — The Complete Checklist
A US passport photo must be 2×2 inches, in color, on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and no glasses. Here is the full 2026 checklist.
Updated October 3, 2026
Glasses in Passport Photos — Country-by-Country Rules (2026)
Glasses rules in passport photos are surprisingly country-specific. The US has banned them since 2016, but the UK, Japan, and Singapore still allow them under conditions. Here's the full 2026 reference.
Updated May 30, 2026
US Visa Photo Requirements (DS-160) 2026 — Size, Format, Common Mistakes
The US DS-160 visa application uses the same 2×2 inch photo as a US passport — but with a few crucial differences in how it's submitted digitally. Here's what to know in 2026.
Updated May 30, 2026
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Background, Rules
Schengen visa photos look uniform on paper but every consulate enforces them slightly differently. Here's what each country in the Schengen Area actually requires in 2026.
Updated May 30, 2026
Passport Photo Cost 2026 — CVS vs Walgreens vs Online Compared
How much should a passport photo really cost in 2026? We compare CVS, Walgreens, FedEx, Costco, AAA, and online services head-to-head — including hidden fees and rejection rates.
Updated October 3, 2026
Baby & Infant Passport Photo at Home — Complete Guide (2026)
Babies need passport photos too — but they can't sit still, can't keep eyes open on command, and definitely can't follow "neutral expression." Here's how parents take compliant baby passport photos at home.
Updated May 25, 2026
How to Take a Passport Photo With Your iPhone (2026 Guide)
Your iPhone takes great photos — but its default settings can get a passport application rejected in 2026. Here's how to set it up correctly, take the shot, and submit it.
Updated October 3, 2026
Passport Photo Size by Country — Complete Reference Table (2026)
A complete, up-to-date reference for passport photo size, background color, head proportions, and special rules for every major country in 2026 — useful if you're applying for multiple documents or renewing from abroad.
Updated May 25, 2026
Passport Photo Rejected? Top 10 Reasons & How to Fix Each One
Photos are the #1 reason US passport applications get put on hold. We break down the 10 most common rejection causes and the exact fix for each — including the new 2026 AI rules.
Updated May 20, 2026