Can you wear a hat in a passport photo?
No. The US, UK, Canada, Australia and India don’t allow hats; the only exception is a head covering worn for religious reasons (and, in some countries, medical reasons).
Rules checked on · official sources only
What each country says
| Country | Answer | Official quote | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United StatesPassport | No. Take off your hat or head covering, unless worn for religious (signed statement) or medical (signed doctor's statement) purposes. | Take off your hat or head covering. If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public. If you wear one for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement that says you wear it for medical purposes. |
travel.state.gov | |
| United Kingdom | No. Hats and head coverings are not allowed, except for religious or medical reasons; cultural headwear such as a fez or cowboy hat is not accepted. | Customers must not wear hats or head coverings in their passport photos. We must not accept a photo if the customer is wearing a head covering for cultural reasons (for example a Fez, Keffiyeh, headdress or a cowboy hat). |
HM Passport Office examiner guidance | |
| Canada | No, unless the hat or head covering is worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons. | We don’t accept photos with: sunglasses or tinted eye glasses This includes prescription lenses, even when your eyes are clearly visible. red-eye effect or red-eye alterations hats and head coverings not worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons |
canada.ca | |
| Australia | No. In general nothing should be on your head; the official examples list 'Hat on head' as unacceptable. Religious head coverings are an allowed exception. | In general, you should have nothing on your face or head in your photo. But there are some exceptions. Acceptable Incorrect framing - too far Hat on head Acceptable Too much make up Ink marks |
passports.gov.au | |
| India | No. Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons. | Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly visible |
passportindia.gov.in |
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Answers quote the official pages linked above. Not affiliated with any government. Final acceptance is up to the issuing authority.