Can I edit my passport photo or remove red-eye?
No. The US, UK, Canada, Australia and India reject edited photos: no retouching, filters or red-eye removal. If something is wrong, take a new photo.
Rules checked on · official sources only
What each country says
| Country | Answer | Official quote | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United StatesPassport | No. Don't change the photo with software, phone apps or filters, and don't edit out red-eye; take a new photo instead. | Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters. We check all photos to ensure they were not digitally enhanced or altered. If the photo has a red-eye effect on your eyes, do not edit it. Take a new photo with natural lighting. |
travel.state.gov travel.state.gov |
|
| United Kingdom | No. The photo must be unaltered by computer software; facial enhancements such as removing blemishes are rejected. | Your photo must be: clear and in focus in colour unaltered by computer software at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall You must reject any photos if the customer has digitally enhanced their facial image, for example, altering the hairline, removing blemishes or making facial features larger or smaller. |
gov.uk HM Passport Office examiner guidance |
|
| Canada | No. Photos must be original and unaltered: no editing software, filters or AI tools. Removing red eye, glare, scars or birthmarks counts as alteration. | be an original photo that isn’t altered or edited in any way This includes photo editing software, filters, and AI tools. We’ll reject your application if the photos have been altered in any way. editing to improve your appearance For example, removing glare, red eye, scars or birthmarks, or changing your hair colour. |
canada.ca | |
| Australia | No. Don’t apply filters or retouch your photo, and don’t remove red-eye by editing. | Don't apply filters or retouch your photo; or wear head, hair or face accessories, such as glasses, hats or jewellery, that obscure any part of your face. Must not remove red‐eye by editing |
passports.gov.au (video transcript) passports.gov.au (PDF) |
|
| IndiaIndian embassy page — check with your mission | No. Embassy of India Warsaw: do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften the photo. The portal itself does not address editing. | Do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften the photo. |
indianembassywarsaw.gov.in (PDF) |
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Answers quote the official pages linked above. Not affiliated with any government. Final acceptance is up to the issuing authority.