Passports and piercings

[SwissFerdi]

Hey guys, first post.

I got a lip piercing yesterday (also my first body modification), and I'm very happy with it. My issue is that I'm due for a passport renewal for a trip to Europe within the next few weeks. Before I go to the embassy in Miami (important to mention that this will be a Dutch passport, by the way), I was wondering if you kind folks had any ideas regarding piercings and passport photos. The piercing is on the right of my lower lip, and it's just a small barbell. The embassy itself did not find any specific regulation concerning piercings, and from a few things that I've read, it seems that it's not an issue. However, I just want to make sure before I apply and then find the application to be rejected. So, anyone have knowledge of this? I assume that most here are American, but I was hoping you folks could shed some insight, and I assume again that most passport regulations aren't that varied. Thanks guys.

[Fransan]

Photo requirments may, and probably do vary. Generally they should be a current, accurate representation of yourself and anything that could prevent a customs officer from identifying you should be removed before the photo is taken. The piercing should be ok since it wouldn't obscure any features of your face, however smiling in a passport photo is a no no these days.
Below is a list of photo criteria, that should be up to EU standard (since it was ammended a couple of years back)



Standards for acceptable photographs:

Photographs should be not more than 6 months old.
They may be in colour or black and white [b/w preferred].
Minimum photos size 35mm x 45mm, maximum size 38mm x 50mm 
The photograph should show a full front view of the subject’s head, as he or she would normally appear.
The image must be sharp and clear, and taken against a plain white or light grey  background
Sunglasses are not acceptable. Tinted glasses may be worn provided they do not obscure the person's eyes.
Photographs should not show military or police uniforms.
Only head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted. Hair bands are not allowed.
It is essential that the photographs submitted with the application meet the Passport Office photo guidelines. These guidelines are based on internationally accepted standards. See Advice for applicants and Technical Advice for Photographers links below for details.

Unacceptable photographs include where the face is not clear, the top of the head is not showing, where parents hold infants in their arms, person has dark glasses, home produced photographs which are not identical or where the paper quality is not suitable for scanning by the Passport Office, and photos taken against a dark background.

Poor quality photographs account for the highest proportion of applicants which must be rejected by the Passport Office. The Passport Office would encourage applicants to study the photograph guidelines insert which accompanies the application form and also the information contained on this website before making their application.