Do you have to look straight at the camera in a passport photo?
Yes. The US, UK, Canada, Australia and India all require you to look straight at the camera; the UK relaxes this for children under 6.
Rules checked on · official sources only
What each country says
| Country | Answer | Official quote | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United StatesPassport | Yes. Face the camera directly with a neutral expression, both eyes open and visible, and mouth closed. | Face the camera directly with a neutral expression, both eyes open and visible, and mouth closed. |
travel.state.gov | |
| United Kingdom | Yes. You must face forwards and look straight at the camera. Children under 6 do not have to look directly at the camera. | In your photo you must: be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera have a plain expression and your mouth closed Children under 6 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression. |
gov.uk | |
| Canada | Yes. A neutral expression means your eyes are open and clearly visible and you're looking straight at the camera. | A neutral facial expression means that: your eyes are open and clearly visible you’re looking straight at the camera your mouth is closed |
canada.ca | |
| Australia | Yes. Your face must be centred and looking straight at the camera; anyone over 3 must face the camera straight on. | uniform lighting with appropriate brightness and contrast to show your natural skin tone your face centred and looking straight at the camera Anyone over 3 years old must face the camera straight on, with eyes open and a neutral expression. |
passports.gov.au | |
| India | Yes. The portal's guidelines for minors under 4 say the photo must show the applicant looking directly at the camera; all photos need a frontal full-face view. | The photographs must: - Show the applicant looking directly at the camera Frontal view of the full face should be visible in the photograph |
passportindia.gov.in (PDF) 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.