This is necessary so that modern electronic systems that scan and recognize images can match the passport holder's appearance with the image stored in the computer's memory. This measure is intended to prevent terrorists from entering Britain with fake passports.
Next year, the country plans to introduce new-style passports. They will have a microchip embedded, which will store information about the owner, including biometric data and an electronic photo. All this will be read at the border by a special device. For the computer to correctly process data on the passport holder's appearance, the photograph must show the mouth closed, eyes open, and hair combed back. “Photos of those who like to smile, showing all their teeth, simply won't be read by the scanner,” said a representative of the kingdom's passport and visa service.