Visible Tattoos in Passport Photos: Rules and Considerations

A tattoo is a permanent body decoration made by injecting ink underneath the skin. The word "tattoo" is believed to have originated from the Tahitian word "tatu" or "tattau," meaning "line, spot, or mark."

Famous tattoos

There are numerous tattoo designs available, some of which include:

• Tribal: a design consisting of line elements inspired by Native American culture.
• Lower back: a tattoo on the lower back, commonly seen on women.
• Tear under the eye: a symbol of sorrow or mourning. Used in some gang cultures to indicate that the wearer has committed murder.
• Dots between the fingers: used in the criminal world with different meanings.
• Blackout: a tattoo covering a large portion of the body in black ink.

Rules for Tattoos in Passport Photos

It is allowed to have visible tattoos on the face or neck in passport photos, as explicitly stated in the passport photo requirements. However, the tattoo should not obscure the individual's face or identity, and the photo must be a good representation of the individual.

Temporary tattoos, such as henna tattoos, are not allowed in passport photos. If an individual decides to remove a tattoo after taking their passport photo, it is advisable to obtain a new travel document with an updated photo.