Can you wear a hijab in a passport photo? UK, US and Canada rules
Last reviewed: June 2026
A hijab, niqab, turban or other religious headwear is allowed in passport photos in most countries — including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and EU member states — as long as it is worn for religious or medical reasons and your full face remains visible. Here is exactly what each country allows.
UK passport and driving licence photo rules
HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office) explicitly permits religious headwear in UK passport photos. You may wear a hijab, headscarf, turban, kippah or any other head covering worn for genuine religious or medical reasons.
The single requirement is that your full face must be clearly visible — from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and from ear to ear. No part of the face may be covered or in shadow.
A niqab or face veil that covers the nose or mouth is not permitted because it obscures part of the face required for identity verification.
- Hijab: allowed — face must be fully visible
- Turban or dastar: allowed — face must be fully visible
- Kippah: allowed
- Niqab or face veil covering any part of the face: not allowed
- Medical head coverings (chemotherapy scarves, etc.): allowed
US passport and visa photo rules
The US State Department allows religious head coverings in passport photos, provided the face is fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. The same rule applies to US visa (DS-160) photos.
The only exception applies to photographs taken for the US Diversity Visa Lottery and some other US government applications — always check the specific form instructions.
Canada passport and PR card photo rules
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) permits religious and medical head coverings in passport photos. Your full face must be uncovered and clearly visible. The rule applies to passports, PR cards, visas and the eTA.
Australia, EU and other countries
Australia's DFAT and all EU / Schengen member states follow the ICAO international standard, which allows religious head coverings provided the full face is visible. This covers German, French, Italian, Spanish and all other EU national passports, as well as the Schengen visa.
India's MEA for passport seva photos similarly permits religious head coverings with a fully visible face.
Tips for taking the photo
- Make sure your full face — chin to forehead — is clearly lit and not shadowed by the headscarf fabric
- Keep the fabric away from the sides of your face so both cheeks are visible
- Use natural daylight facing a window for even lighting across the face
- Choose a plain light-coloured headscarf if possible — a busy pattern close to the face can confuse automated background checks
- Our AI compliance check will flag if any part of the face appears obscured
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a hijab in a UK passport photo?
Yes. HMPO allows religious head coverings in UK passport photos, including hijabs, as long as your full face is clearly visible from chin to forehead and ear to ear.
Can I wear a niqab in a passport photo?
No. A niqab or face veil that covers any part of the face — nose, mouth or cheeks — is not permitted in any country's passport photo, because the face must be fully visible for identity verification.
Does Smart Passport Photo support hijab photos?
Yes. Upload your photo as normal. Our AI removes the background and runs compliance checks. The checks look at whether the face is fully visible — if it is, your photo will pass regardless of the headwear.
Do I need to provide a reason for wearing a hijab in my passport photo?
No. HMPO and most other authorities do not require you to provide a reason or exemption letter for religious head coverings. Simply submit the photo with the full face visible.
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