Can you smile in a passport photo?
Usually no. Most countries — including the UK, most of the EU, China and India — require a neutral expression with your mouth closed for passport and visa photos, because facial-recognition systems measure a relaxed face. The US technically allows a natural smile, but a neutral expression is accepted everywhere and is always the safe choice.
Big smiles distort the features that biometric systems measure, which is why they're rejected. Keep your mouth closed, eyes open, and look straight at the camera.
Rules vary by authority and change over time, so always check the current official guidance for your specific document before submitting.
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Upload your real photo, remove the background, and crop to the exact official size — your face is never altered.
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Guidance for identity documents changes and varies by authority — always confirm against the current official specification before submitting.