EN

Guidechecked November 10, 2026

Can you smile in a passport photo?

Mostly no. Face recognition works best on a neutral face with the mouth closed, so nearly every office asks for one. The US is the main exception: its FAQ allows a natural smile with eyes open and mouth closed.

DocumentExpression rule
Australia passportneutral, eyes open
Austria passportsee_source
Canada passportneutral, mouth closed, not smiling
Canada online passport applicationneutral, mouth closed
Canada visaneutral, mouth closed
China visaneutral, eyes open, mouth closed, ears visible
France passportneutral, mouth closed
Germany passportneutral, mouth closed
Hong Kong passportsee_source
India e-Visafull face, eyes open
India passportnatural, eyes open, mouth closed
Ireland passportneutral
Italy passportneutral, mouth closed
Japan passportsee_source
Netherlands passportneutral, mouth closed
New Zealand passportneutral, mouth closed
Russia visafull face, no headwear
Schengen visaneutral, mouth closed
South Korea passportneutral, mouth closed, no teeth
Spain passportsee_source
Taiwan passportneutral
United Kingdom passportplain expression, mouth closed
United Kingdom online passport applicationplain expression, mouth closed
United States DV Lotteryneutral, both eyes open
United States passportneutral; a smile is allowed with eyes open and mouth closed (official FAQ)
United States online passport applicationneutral; a natural smile is allowed, avoid showing teeth
United States visaneutral, both eyes open