Your passport photo is the first thing that immigration officers see, making it crucial to ensure that it meets all the guidelines. One of the critical elements of a passport photo is your eye color option. Choosing the correct eye color option is essential as it can affect your application processing times.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about passport eye color options, including the various types, how to choose the right one, and why it matters.

Key Takeaways

• Your passport photo must be of high quality and meet all the guidelines to avoid delays in processing times.
• Your eye color option can affect the processing times of your passport application.
• There are four standard eye color options: black, blue, brown, and gray.
• If your eyes are a different color or have two different colors, you must select the closest option to your actual eye color.
• Wearing glasses in your passport photo can affect the visibility of your eyes, so it is essential to remove them.

Why Is Eye Color Option Important?

In most cases, passports are valid for ten years. In that time, you could experience changes in your appearance, including changes in hair color or style, or even the need for an updated photo. Your eye color, however, remains the same, and it becomes your identifying marker in the photo. Choosing the correct eye color option ensures that your photo accurately portrays your appearance and makes it easier for immigration officers to identify you.

Types of Eye Color Options

There are four standard eye color options for passports: black, blue, brown, and gray. These options are available to select from when you take your passport photo at a passport agency, a consulate, or an authorized passport photo provider.

Black

Black is the default option. If you have black eyes, this option is straightforward to choose. However, if your eyes are a different color, you must select the closest option to your actual eye color.

Blue

If your eyes are blue or have a blue tint, the blue eye color option is the one for you. It is crucial to select blue if your eyes have a blue tint instead of selecting gray.

Brown

The brown eye color option is for people who have brown eyes. If you have brown eyes, this option is the easiest for you.

Gray

If your eyes are gray or have a gray tint, this option is for you. It is crucial to select gray if your eyes have a gray tint instead of selecting blue.

Choosing the Right Eye Color Option

Choosing the right eye color option is essential to ensure that your passport application processing times remain on schedule. If you have two different eye colors, select the color closest to your dominant eye. If you are unsure, consult with a licensed photographer, passport agency, or consulate.

To select the correct eye color option, stand in natural light or a well-lit room with a neutral wall before taking your passport photo. You must remove glasses to ensure that your eyes are visible in the photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my eyes are a different color or have two different colors?

If your eyes are a different color or have two different colors, you must select the option closest to your actual eye color. If you are unsure, consult with a licensed photographer, passport agency, or consulate.

Will wearing glasses affect my passport photo?

Yes, wearing glasses can affect the visibility of your eyes in your passport photo. Remove your glasses to ensure that your eyes are visible in the photo.

Can I edit or retouch my passport photo to show my eyes a different color?

No, it is illegal to tamper with your passport photo or misrepresent your eye color. Your passport photo must accurately represent your appearance at the time of the photo.

Can I submit a black and white passport photo?

No, passport photos must be in color and accurately represent your appearance at the time of the photo.

How often should I update my passport photo?

Your passport photo is valid for ten years. However, it is recommendable to update your photo every five years or in the case of significant changes in your appearance.