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- Never wear white in passport photos; it blends into the white background and can trigger rejection by the Department of State.
- Choose darker, solid colors like jewel tones or midrange shades for strong contrast, per advisor Laura Asilis.
- Avoid busy patterns, uniforms and camouflage, remove eyeglasses and face coverings, and limit jewelry for clear facial recognition.
- Always double-check the State Department website for sizing and rules; your passport photo represents you for up to 10 years.
A good photo is one of the most important elements of a successful passport application—here’s what you need to know to avoid delays or an outright rejection.
Planning your passport photo seems straightforward: look good, show up, smile, and snap a picture. But did you know a wardrobe color choice could send your application straight to the rejection pile?
Here’s what you need to know about the one color you absolutely should not wear for a passport photo and other common mistakes travelers make. that could extend processing times by weeks.
This color is off-limits.
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The one color you should absolutely never wear in your passport photo? White.
The issue comes down to the United States Department of State‘s for passport photos to have a white or off-white background. “Because the background must be white or off-white, wearing a white shirt can make you appear to blend into the background and make it hard to see your outline,” says David Alwadish, founder and CEO of ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services. Alwadish explains that non-compliant photos are the top reason passport applications are suspended or put on hold by the Department of State.
Passport photos serve a crucial security role, and a clear definition between you and the background is needed for customs officers and facial recognition technology used at border crossings.
Skip patterns and excessive accessories
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Instead of white, choose darker, solid colors that create a strong contrast against the light background. Travel + Leisure A-List advisor Laura Asilis recommends going for jewel tones or midrange colors as they tend to photograph best.
Beyond avoiding white, it’s recommended to steer clear of busy patterns entirely. While they’re not explicitly banned by the State Department, stripes, prints, or graphics can create visual distractions and may interfere with photo processing systems.
The department’s official guidelines also prohibit uniforms, including military, medical, or law enforcement attire, unless you’re traveling on official government business. Camouflage clothing is also not allowed.
The State Department website also says to remove any eyeglasses or sunglasses for the photo, as well as any face coverings or facial jewelry that obscures your face.
Passport photos last a decade.
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Since your passport photo will represent you for up to 10 years, our experts recommend choosing attire that’s both professional and authentic. “The photo should capture you in clothing you normally wear on a regular basis,” says Alwadish.
Asilis adds to keep jewelry minimal, recommending neat hairstyles that expose the face to ensure your features are clearly visible. The best accessory? Your smile. According to the State Department website, smiling is allowed in your photos, but your mouth must be closed.
Always double-check before sending.
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Before you send off your passport application, double-check the requirements listed on the official Department of State website to ensure your passport photo meets all the qualifications. Stick to darker colors, lay low on the accessories, and practice your smize. Last but not least, make sure your photo meets the sizing requirements as well
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