Smiling is not permitted in passport photos, which is surprising.

Due to the limited guidelines for what is permitted, passport photos are rarely very attractive.

One of the prerequisites for a valid passport is the absence of a smile, as well as keeping one’s hair off of one’s face.

The UK Passport Service’s 2005 ban on smiling in passport photos allowed for the latter.

This is because passports now use updated biometric technology.

The facial recognition software might not be able to recognize the person’s face if they grin.

The BBC was informed by a Home Office representative that “when the mouth is open, it can make it difficult for facial recognition technology to work effectively.”

This is impossible, as Quora user Dan Holliday explained: “This is because biometric facial scans typically identify 14–20 points on your face (such as the edge of your nose, the corners of your eyes, and your lips), but the position of your face changes those points and may make it challenging to identify who you are.

The biometric technology therefore functions best when you are composed and unassuming (not frowning or smiling).

According to the gov.uk requirements, “in your photo, you must have a neutral expression and your mouth closed.”

A novel method for enhancing security measures for traveler screening is biometric technology.

A passport could potentially be obtained in the UK in as little as 15 seconds thanks to cutting-edge technology.

The strategy has already been tried out in the Netherlands and Australia.

Border controls will need to be tightened when 123 people enter the UK since Brexit may cause an increase in customs checks from 90 million to 390 million annually.

Airports are under strain because non-EU tourists pass through security in 45 minutes compared to under 25 minutes for 95% of British and EU nationals.

According to British chancellor Philip Hammond, “frictionless” borders are essential to the success of Brexit.