Passport Photo With Hijab (U.S.)

For many Muslim women who wear hijab, taking a passport photo can be a daunting experience. The U.S. Department of State requires that passport photos meet specific criteria, including that the face is visible and unobstructed. However, for those who wear a hijab, this can be a challenge.

Table of contents

• Can I take a U.S. passport photo in religious headwear?
• Can I take a passport photo with a niqab or burqa?
• How to take a passport-size photo in a hijab at home
• Instantly edit a U.S. passport photo online!
• Written statement for wearing a hijab in a passport photo: guideline

In this article, we will explore the guidelines for taking a passport photo with a headscarf and provide tips on ensuring your Islamic passport photo meets the necessary requirements.

Can I take a U.S. passport photo in religious headwear?

Yes, it is possible to take a US passport photo while wearing a religious head covering, such as a hijab, as long as specific guidelines are followed. The US Department of State has specific requirements for passport photos, including that the face must be visible and unobstructed.

Can I take a passport photo with a niqab or burqa?

According to the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of State, the full face must be visible and unobstructed in passport photos. This means it is generally not allowed to take a passport photo while wearing a veil, such as a niqab or a burqa, as these garments cover the face.

How to take a passport-size photo in a hijab at home

Taking a passport photo at home if you wear a hijab is not that different from the process that those without a hijab go through, except that you will need to make sure that your hijab doesn’t obstruct your face or cast a shadow on it. Here are some tips that can help you ensure that your photo will satisfy all the passport photo requirements:

• Make sure you take your picture in a well-lit area in your home. Natural light is best, so if possible, find a spot near a window. Avoid using a flash or harsh overhead lighting, as this can create shadows on your face;
• Wear clothing that contrasts with your hijab;
• The U.S. Department of State has specific requirements for passport photos, including the size of the photo, the quality of the image, and the position of your head and face. Make sure to follow these guidelines when taking your photo.

Once you have taken your photo, make sure to review it to ensure that your face is fully visible and that there are no shadows on your face. If you are unsatisfied with the photo, you can retake it until you get one that meets the U.S. Department of State's requirements. Once you have a satisfactory picture, you can apply for your U.S. passport.

Instantly edit a U.S. passport photo online!

While it is possible to take a passport photo at home or a local pharmacy, ensuring that the photo meets all of the guidelines can be challenging. By using Visafoto, an online passport photo service, you can upload your photo and have it automatically cropped and edited to meet the necessary requirements. This can save you time and the hassle of doing it yourself.

Visafoto will also adjust the digital photo for printing. If you don’t have a color printer at home, use the printing services of the nearest Walgreens or CVS; it will cost you from $0.25 to $0.50.

Read more: Passport photo printing guideline

Additionally, Visafoto offers an acceptance guarantee, so if the Department of State rejects your photo, you can get a refund or have the photo edited again until it meets the necessary requirements.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo for electronic applications and a template ready for printing.

Written statement for wearing a hijab in a passport photo: guideline

Overall, while you do not need a written statement to wear a hijab in a passport photo, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of State to ensure your photo is acceptable. In case any problems related to it arrive, though, you can prepare yourself in advance by having a copy of the photo guidelines with you (to prove your point) or a written statement saying that you wear the hijab daily.

There is no set template on how you can write the written statement, but in general, it should include that you wear the head covering daily based on your sincerely-held religious beliefs. It may also be helpful to state that it is important for you to reflect this on the passport — both as a reflection of your beliefs and because it is functional to show how you look day-to-day for ease of identification.

And, of course, don’t forget to end the letter with your name, identifying information, and signature.