Do Your Ears Have to Show in a Passport Photo?

The General Consensus

Surprisingly, in the United States and the UK, there is no strict legal requirement that your ears must be visible. The primary rule is that the oval of your face (from chin to forehead, and cheek to cheek) is fully exposed.

When Ears Become Critical

While not strictly required everywhere, some Asian and Middle Eastern countries (like Vietnam and certain Saudi visas) explicitly demand that both ears be fully visible.

The Best Practice

To avoid any potential delays or angry consulate workers, the universal best practice is to simply tuck your hair behind your ears. It guarantees compliance with every nation's strictest interpretation of the rules.