Can you wear a hijab or religious head covering in a passport photo?
Yes. The US, UK, Canada, Australia and India all allow a head covering worn for religious reasons as long as your full face is clearly visible; the US also asks for a signed statement that you wear it daily in public.
Rules checked on · official sources only
What each country says
| Country | Answer | Official quote | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United StatesPassport | Yes, with a signed statement that it is religious attire worn daily in public. Full face visible, no shadows, one colour, no patterns or small holes. | If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public. Your full face is visible, and no shadows or clothing is blocking your face. The hat or head covering is one color with no patterns or small holes. |
travel.state.gov | |
| United Kingdom | Yes, a head covering is allowed for religious or medical reasons, but nothing may cover your face. | not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons) not have anything covering your face We may accept head coverings worn for religious reasons, as long as they do not cover the face. |
gov.uk HM Passport Office examiner guidance |
|
| Canada | Yes, if worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons; your full face must be clearly visible and the covering must not cast shadows on your face. | hats and head coverings worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons Your full face must be clearly visible. The head covering must not create shadows on your face. |
canada.ca | |
| Australia | Yes, if you usually wear one for religious reasons. It must be plain (no patterns) and show your whole face from chin to forehead and both face edges. | If you usually cover your head for religious reasons, you can wear the covering in your passport photo. Religious head coverings must be plain, without patterns (even small patterns). You must wear them in a way that shows your entire face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead. |
passports.gov.au | |
| India | Yes, for religious reasons only, provided the face from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both face edges are clearly visible. | 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.