Yes, for religious or medical reasons. GOV.UK says you must not have a head covering unless it's for religious or medical reasons, and nothing may cover your face (GOV.UK: Get a passport photo). HM Passport Office's examiner guidance adds that coverings worn for cultural reasons, such as a fez, keffiyeh or cowboy hat, aren't accepted, and that a covering must not hide, shadow or distort your face (GOV.UK: HM Passport Office photo standards (examiner guidance, March 2026)).
GOV.UK's photo rules and HM Passport Office's photo standards checked on 3 November 2026. Fees and rules change, so check the linked GOV.UK page before you pay.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Religious or medical reasons only | A hijab, turban, patka, kippah or a medical head covering. Not a hat for fashion or a cultural headdress |
| Your whole face shows | From the chin to the forehead, and both sides of the face |
| No shadow on the face | A covering that shades the face is rejected |
| Not too tight | Very tight scarves that distort the face are rejected |
| Contrast with the background | A white or very light covering can blend into a light background; a darker colour is safer |
Source: GOV.UK: HM Passport Office photo standards (examiner guidance, March 2026). If examiners aren't sure why you're wearing it, they ask you to write and explain.
Most countries accept religious coverings with the face showing (ICAO Doc 9303 (photo rules most countries follow)). A few don't, and the US asks for a signed statement. See which ones on the strictest passport photo rules by country, and check the document's own page before you take the photo.
Clips, pins, bobbles and headbands are accepted if your face is clear and your head contrasts with the background. One that changes the shape of your head, such as a headband with a large bow, isn't (GOV.UK: HM Passport Office photo standards (examiner guidance, March 2026)).
Picproved tells you each document's head covering rule before you start, and checks the face, background contrast and shadows before you save. The office still makes the final decision.
Or make it at home. Picproved costs £5.99 (free while we launch) for one person's photo in every size you need, and it checks the size, background, head size and face rules before you save. The office still makes the final decision. Make your United Kingdom Passport (online) photo
