Are you preparing for a trip and need a passport? First, you need to have photos taken by a professional, with strict specifications that must be met to be accepted by the relevant authority. Usually, the result makes us fear either that our passport will fall into the wrong hands or that we will be arrested as terrorists. See here how to take the perfect photo to pass the control with flying colors!

For which trips do I need a passport?

The passport is necessary for non-EU and non-Schengen Zone countries (where you travel with a new type of ID card with Latin characters). Don't forget that you now also need a passport for the United Kingdom. In any case, you should make sure to find out if the country you are traveling to or making a stopover in requires a visa in addition to a passport. The passport is valid for 10 years and then you must apply for a new one.

Passport Photo Specifications

• Hair should not cover the face or ears
• You must look straight at the lens without grimacing or smiling
• You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or glasses with dark lenses
• Passport photos are in color, measuring 4x6cm

What should I wear?

You may think that it doesn’t really matter, but the outfit you wear that day can make or break a photo that is, by nature, not exactly flattering. 

Dos:

• Choose a solid-colored outfit in dark shades that will contrast with the white background
• The simpler and more casual the outfit, the better. A plain t-shirt, long-sleeved top or shirt in a dark color are ideal choices
• If you want to wear accessories, choose simple and discreet ones, such as small earrings
• If you tie your hair back, choose a hair tie that won’t be visible, not a huge bow 
• Go for very light, natural -almost invisible- makeup with a little concealer, powder and a soft blush
• For men, the freshly shaved look or a well-groomed beard will give the right result

Don'ts:

• Avoid white or very light-colored clothes. Due to the white background, the result will not be good
• There is no need to wear formal clothes, or clothes with bold prints and colorful designs
• Do not wear bright colors, such as red, orange, and yellow because they will make you blend in with the white background 
• Forget about excessive and large jewelry or bulky hair accessories
• Say no to heavy and intense makeup if you don't want to be forced to remove it in front of the camera