Can You Wear Earbuds in a Passport Photo?
If you’re getting ready to apply for a passport, it’s easy to overlook small details and ear accessories are one of the most common ones. 
Earbuds, AirPods, and headphones are not allowed in passport photos.
They may seem harmless, especially the smaller wireless styles, but they regularly cause photo rejections.
Are Earbuds Allowed in Passport Photos?
No. All types of earbuds must be removed before taking your passport photo.
This includes:
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Apple AirPods
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Bluetooth earbuds
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Wired earbuds
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Small or flesh-colored earb
Even when they’re barely noticeable, earbuds can interfere with the biometric checks that passport agencies use. Automated photo screening systems flag them far more often than people expect.
Why Headphones and EarbudsSide Are Prohibited?
Passport photos are not just for identification by people.They are also used by facial recognition systems at borders.
These systems measure things like:
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The outline of your head
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The position and shape of your ears
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Distances between facial features
Earbuds and headphones can slightly change those measurements. They can also block parts of the ears, which are an important part of facial identification. Because of this, most passport agencies treat any ear-worn audio device as a disallowed accessory.
Do Your Ears Have to Show?
In most cases, yes. Both ears should be visible in your passport photo.
You should pull your hair back so that your ears can be seen clearly. The only common exception is when religious head coverings are worn, as long as the full face remains visible.
Are There Any Exceptions?
A few, but they are limited.
| Accessory | Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing aids | Yes | Must be medically necessary |
| Religious head coverings | Yes | Face must remain fully visible |
| Earbuds / AirPods | No | Not permitted |
| Headphones | No | Not permitted |
What Happens If You Wear Earbuds in a Passport Photo?
When earbuds or headphones appear in a passport photo, the result is usually a rejection. That means:
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You’ll need to submit a new photo
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Your application will be delayed
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Travel plans may need to be adjusted
It’s a small detail, but it can easily add weeks to your processing time.
How to Take a Compliant Passport Photo
Before taking your picture:
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Remove all earbuds and headphones
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Tuck hair behind both ears
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Stand in front of a plain, light-colored wall
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Look straight at the camera
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Keep a neutral expression
Spending a minute checking these things can save you a lot of frustration later.
FAQ – Passport Photo Earbud Rules
Can I wear AirPods in a passport photo?
No. AirPods are treated the same as all other earbuds and are not allowed.
Do both ears need to be visible?
Yes, unless they are covered by approved religious clothing.
Are hearing aids allowed?
Yes, if they are medically required.
Can I wear Bluetooth earbuds in a passport photo?
No. All earbuds, wired or wireless, must be removed.
Final Answer
You cannot wear earbuds, AirPods, or headphones in a passport photo. They interfere with biometric screening and are a common reason photos are rejected. Always remove all ear accessories before taking your picture to avoid unnecessary delays.