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

For which trips do I need a passport?

A passport is necessary for countries that are not members of the EU and the Schengen Zone (where you travel with a new type of ID with Latin characters). Don't forget that now, even for the United Kingdom, you need a passport. In any case, you must make sure to find out if the country you will travel to or make an intermediate stop 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 should look directly at the camera without frowning or smiling
• You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or glasses with dark lenses
• Passport photos are in color and have dimensions of 4x6cm

What to wear?

You might think that it doesn't matter much, but the outfit you wear that day can make or break a not-so-flattering photo.

Dos:

• Prefer a solid-colored garment in dark shades that will contrast with the white background
• The simpler and more casual the attire, the better. A plain t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, 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 hairband that won't be visible, not a huge bow
• Apply a very subtle natural -almost invisible- makeup with a little concealer, powder, and a soft blush
• For men, a clean-shaven look or a well-groomed mustache will give a proper result

Don'ts:

• Avoid wearing white or very light-colored clothes. Due to the white background, the result will not be good
• You don't 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 have to remove it in front of the camera lens