Passport Photos

> Can I smile in my passport photo?

> Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-app...

> Neutral expression (not smiling, laughing or frowning)

https://www.passports.gov.au/PhotoGuidelines

Yet on the same page, they have

> Pose and Expression: Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.

In my view, neutral and smiling are incompatible, but I guess that is up to interpretation.

Just got passports for my kids recently. My 14-year old was scowling in his photo. They accepted it.

My last Irish passport photo was rejected for smiling (I’m American born). The embassy lady said your expression is supposed to be “dour”.

They know that nobody standing in front of a customs officer that is looking at their photo will actually be smiling. So having it neutral or even scowling as your experience will be much more likely to match. /s

But but but - I have resting happy face!

I'm an American. I smile at everyone.

Ok, so the premise doesn't entirely work in your specific country.

It does in mine: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

You have a great day now you're so welcome.