Taking a Passport Photo with Spasms: Navigating Challenges and Accommodations

Spasm is an increased muscle tension at rest, which makes normal movement of, for example, an arm difficult. In some cases, spasms can also be of limited use because the increased muscle tension allows a partially paralyzed leg or arm to still have a supporting function.

Spasticity can occur at birth, due to brain damage, stroke, brain contusion, or multiple sclerosis.

Problems with Passport Photo Rules with Spasms

The rules for passport photos are strict, and spasms may potentially cause problems when a passport photo needs to be taken according to official requirements. For example:

• No visible support: for example, when sitting in a wheelchair.
• Straight posture: when you can no longer sit upright.
• Neutral facial expression: when you cannot close your mouth or eyes properly, or when you make spastic movements with your face.

The Official Decides

The municipal official is the one who ultimately decides whether the passport photo is accepted for the travel document you are applying for. In our experience, the requirements are usually treated leniently when the applicant has a disability such as spasm.

However, discussions often arise, and debates have already taken place in parliament.