Grace Cary via Getty ImagesOur passport photos are rarely the most flattering pictures we have of ourselves. Tech: Why You Can (And Should) Opt Out Of TSA Facial Recognition Right NowBut why exactly aren’t people allowed to smile in their passport photos the way we do in other pictures? “Passport photos weren’t always as strict as they are today,” said Madison Blancaflor, a senior editor at The Points Guy. “When passport photos first started to be used, there were very limited ― if any ― regulations to what the photos included. “Even the best of smiles can get turned down for not meeting requirements set forth on the state department website.

Source: Huffington Post December 07, 2025 12:10 UTC