Passport and visa photo questions
Can you smile in a passport photo?
It depends on the country. In the US, yes: the State Department says you can smile, as long as your eyes are open, your mouth is closed and you avoid showing teeth. In the UK, Ireland and Australia, no: the UK asks for a plain expression with your mouth closed, Ireland says not to smile, and Australia shows a smiling photo, and even a subtle expression, as unacceptable. A relaxed, neutral face with your mouth closed meets the rule in all four.
What the official page says
- UK (gov.uk): a plain expression with your mouth closed. Children under 6 do not have to have a plain expression.
- Ireland (ireland.ie): a neutral expression. Do not smile, and close your mouth.
- US (travel.state.gov): avoid exaggerated expressions. You can smile if your eyes are open and your mouth is closed; the online renewal page asks for a neutral expression or natural smile without showing teeth.
- Australia (passports.gov.au): anyone over 3 years old must have a neutral expression with eyes open. Its examples show a smile and a subtle expression as unacceptable.
Official pages read: October 2026 · Official source: gov.uk, ireland.ie, travel.state.gov, travel.state.gov, passports.gov.au
How to do it with Complyshot
- Open Complyshot and choose your document.
- Relax your face, close your mouth and look straight into the lens. For a US passport photo a small closed-mouth smile is allowed; for the others, including the US visa / DV lottery photo, keep a neutral face.
- Read the result. Complyshot checks that your eyes are open, but it does not judge your expression, so look at the photo yourself.
- For UK and Australian photos, the checklist also asks you to check your expression yourself before you submit your application.
Related questions
Can I smile with teeth?
No. The US, the only one of the four that allows a smile, says to avoid showing teeth. The UK and Ireland ask for your mouth closed, and Australia for a neutral expression.
Can my child smile in a passport photo?
In the UK, children under 6 do not have to have a plain expression, and in Australia children under 3 may have their mouth open. Ireland asks parents to make sure a child is not smiling, and the US asks for a neutral expression in photos of babies and toddlers.
Will a smile get my photo rejected?
In the UK, Ireland and Australia it can, because a smile breaks their expression rule. The UK and Ireland say an application is delayed when the photo does not meet the rules, and Australia may ask for a new photo. In the US a closed-mouth smile is fine, but an exaggerated expression is not.
Check your photo in Complyshot
Complyshot checks your photo on your iPhone; the photo is not uploaded. Checking is free, and saving the finished photo is a one-time purchase, with no subscription.
Download on the App StoreComplyshot is made by YOTEZIC LTD and is not affiliated with any government. It checks what a phone can measure and cannot promise that your photo will be accepted; the issuing office decides.