May 29, 2026 · Passport Rules
Headwear in Passport Photos: Religious, Medical, and General Rules
ICAO biometric standards prohibit headwear in passport photos as a default rule, with two recognised exceptions: religious and medical head coverings. This guide explains exactly what is and is not permitted — including hijab, niqab, kippah, Sikh dastar, and medical wigs — with a country-by-country comparison and advice for children.
Key rule
No headwear in passport photos unless for a religious or medical reason. The full face — from chin to forehead — must be completely visible with no shadows cast on the face. Decorative hats, caps, and hair accessories are never permitted.
The General ICAO Rule on Headwear
The ICAO Doc 9303 standard requires that the head is photographed without any covering unless the applicant regularly wears the covering for religious or medical reasons. When a head covering is worn, the following conditions must all be met:
- The full face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible.
- Both eyes must be fully open and unobstructed.
- No shadow from the head covering must fall on the face.
- The internal face oval must remain the dominant feature in the frame.
Decorative headwear — hats, caps, bandanas, fascinators, hair bows, headbands that alter the head outline — are never permitted under any exception.
Religious Head Coverings: What Is Permitted
Recognised religious head coverings are permitted provided the full face remains visible and shadow-free. The following are examples of coverings that are generally accepted across ICAO-compliant countries:
Hijab
A hijab is permitted. It must be worn so that the full face — forehead, cheeks, chin, and both eyes — is completely visible. The hijab must not create shadow on the face. A plain, non-patterned hijab that contrasts with a white background is recommended.
Niqab
A niqab is not permitted. ICAO biometric standards require the full face to be visible, including the mouth, nose, cheeks, and jaw. A face veil that covers any part of the face below the eyes will result in rejection. The full face must be shown.
Jewish Kippah (Yarmulke)
A kippah is permitted. It should sit on the crown of the head and must not extend over the forehead in a way that obscures the hairline or casts shadow on the face. The face from chin to forehead must remain fully visible.
Sikh Dastar (Turban)
The Sikh dastar is recognised as a religious head covering and is permitted in passport photos in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and most ICAO-compliant countries. The turban must not cast shadows on the face and the full face must remain clearly visible. The dastar may extend above the head outline in the photo.
Buddhist and Hindu Religious Head Coverings
Buddhist and Hindu religious head coverings are permitted provided the full face is visible and no shadow falls on the face. The covering must be worn habitually for religious reasons and must not obscure any part of the face.
Medical Head Coverings: Wigs, Alopecia, and Chemotherapy
Head coverings worn for medical reasons — including wigs for alopecia or hair loss during chemotherapy treatment — are permitted in most countries, subject to a supporting process:
- A letter or certificate from a qualified medical practitioner is typically required.
- The full face must still be fully visible; the covering must not obscure any facial features.
- No shadows may fall on the face from the covering.
- Some countries require the note to be presented at the passport office in person.
Contact your national passport issuing authority before your appointment to confirm the exact documentary requirements. Processing times may be longer when a medical exception is involved.
Headwear Rules by Country
| Country | Religious | Medical | Niqab | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (DE) | Permitted (face fully visible) | Permitted with doctor note | Not permitted | No facial shadows allowed |
| Switzerland (CH) | Permitted (face fully visible) | Permitted with doctor note | Not permitted | ICAO standard applies |
| Austria (AT) | Permitted (face fully visible) | Permitted with doctor note | Not permitted | ICAO standard applies |
| United Kingdom (UK) | Permitted (face fully visible) | Permitted with doctor note | Not permitted | HM Passport Office guidance |
| United States (US) | Permitted (face fully visible) | Permitted with note | Not permitted | State Dept. ICAO rules |
| France (FR) | Permitted (face fully visible) | Permitted with doctor note | Not permitted | Strict no-shadow rule |
| Canada (CA) | Permitted (face fully visible) | Permitted with doctor note | Not permitted | IRCC ICAO standard |
Always verify current requirements with the official issuing authority. Rules may be updated without notice.
Children and Headwear in Passport Photos
Children are subject to the same headwear rules as adults. Hats, caps, headbands, and decorative accessories are not permitted. Religious head coverings worn by a child as part of their faith — such as a kippah or a small hijab — are permitted under the same conditions that apply to adults: full face visible, no shadow on the face.
Infants under 12 months benefit from relaxed rules regarding eye openness but are still not permitted to wear headwear. The background must remain white and the face must be fully visible without obstruction.
No Shadows on the Face
Even a small shadow cast by a hijab, turban edge, or medical wig onto the forehead, cheeks, or chin can cause automated rejection. Use even, diffused front lighting when taking the photo. Stand well away from the background and ensure the light source is in front of you, not above or to the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a hijab in my passport photo?
Yes. A hijab is permitted in passport photos as a religious head covering, provided the full face — from chin to forehead and ear to ear — is completely visible. The hijab must not cast shadows on the face and must not cover any part of the face.
Can I wear a niqab in my passport photo?
No. A niqab is not permitted in passport photos. ICAO biometric standards require the full face to be visible, including the mouth, nose, and cheeks. A face covering that conceals any part of the face below the eyes will result in rejection.
Can I wear a kippah in my passport photo?
Yes. A kippah (yarmulke) is permitted as a religious head covering. It must not extend over the forehead in a way that obscures the hairline or casts shadow on the face. The full face from chin to forehead must remain fully visible.
Can Sikhs wear a dastar (turban) in passport photos?
Yes. A Sikh dastar (turban) is recognised as a religious head covering and is permitted in passport photos in most countries including the UK, US, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. The full face must be visible and the turban must not cast shadows on the face.
Can I wear a medical wig or head covering for alopecia or chemotherapy in my passport photo?
In many countries, head coverings worn for medical reasons such as alopecia or during chemotherapy are permitted, typically with supporting documentation from a doctor. The specific process varies by country — contact your national passport authority in advance to confirm the documentary requirements.
Can children wear headwear in passport photos?
Children are subject to the same headwear rules as adults. Headwear is not permitted unless for a documented religious or medical reason. Hats, caps, headbands, and decorative hair accessories are not permitted.
Always verify current requirements with the official issuing authority. ICAO standards and national implementations may be updated without notice.
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