Your ‘brightness’ could get you into trouble at the airport, experts warn

It can really shine on one’s face.

The summer travel season means people are scrambling to renew their passports with many sprucing up their photos to make them look more flattering. However, experts have warned against these photo “lights” on the grounds that they could make it more difficult for flyers to navigate immigration checkpoints.

“If you over-enhance your appearance when you take your photo, you can actually slow down the airport screening process,” warned Gemma Brown, Head of Product at UK travel site Travel Republic.

Google searches for “how to take a passport photo” increased by 213% in the past month as travelers sought to replace their passports in time for a last summer jaunt, according to the site.

As a service to concerned vacationers, Australian reality star Amelia Marni even made a viral TikTok tutorial on how to shine with makeup on photo day so that their passport photo looks less like a photo. The video currently has over 3.5 million views.

Unfortunately, while these photo renewals can look glamorous, they can also make customs an even bigger hassle than normal.

In a clip with nearly 7 million views, TikToker Beth Gould recalled how passport machines couldn’t match her natural-looking, glammed-up photo, forcing her to go through identity checks with airport staff.

“I basically don’t look like my passport photo,” complained the traveler.

“It’s important to remember that the purpose of a passport photo is to provide a clear and accurate visual identification of you,” explained travel expert Gemma Brown.

She added, “Most people feel embarrassed about their ID images, however, they are a security measure to help prevent fraud, keep borders secure and ensure easy recognition of a traveller’s identity. “

Therefore, if the passport photo does not reflect the actual traveler, they may have to go through additional security screening procedures.

The US Department of State stipulates that passport photos must be color photos taken on a white or white background that use a clear image of the subject’s face.

They must also be taken by someone else (no selfies) and not enhanced with computer software, filters or artificial intelligence.

The subject is also prohibited from wearing glasses, hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical purposes.

Travelers do not need to apply for a new passport for minor changes in appearance, such as growing a beard, coloring hair or the natural aging process.

However, they must do so if they underwent any major transformation, including significant facial surgery or trauma, the addition or removal of large facial tattoos or piercings, and gender transitions.