The internet reacts to Dua Lipa’s passport photo going Viral

In a world where celebrities are constantly under the microscope, Dua Lipa has once again captured the internet’s attention—not with a new single or a dazzling red-carpet look, but with an unexpected twist: her passport photo. Shared by Pop Crave on January 17, 2025, the image, which appears to be a playful manipulation of a U.S. visa photo featuring the pop star, has sparked a wave of reactions across social media. Paired with her cheeky caption, “You know an airport hates to see me coming,” the post has turned into a viral sensation, blending humor, admiration, and a touch of disbelief. As of today, July 7, 2025, the online buzz shows no signs of slowing down, offering a fascinating glimpse into how fans and critics alike perceive this global icon.

The image in question posted , showcases Dua Lipa in what looks like a selfie taken while wrapped in a bathrobe, a stark departure from the typical stern, plain-background passport photos mandated by international standards. A 2021 study in the *Journal of Forensic Sciences* emphasizes that neutral expressions and minimal background distractions are crucial for accurate identification, making Lipa’s unconventional choice a bold statement. The photo seems to stem from a candid moment, possibly during her recent visit to Chile, where she was filming a Yves Saint Laurent perfume commercial, as reported by LA NACION on January 19, 2025. Fans quickly noted the irony: a superstar so recognizable that even a rule-breaking photo couldn’t obscure her identity.

The caption, echoing a post Dua Lipa shared on her own Instagram on January 17, suggests a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of her frequent travels and the chaos that often accompanies her arrivals. This aligns with her high-profile lifestyle, where her Chile visit—complete with fan interactions and millions in logistical costs, per CNN Chile—underscored her global influence. The internet wasted no time turning this into a meme-worthy moment, with replies ranging from admiration to outright hilarity.

The X thread following Pop Crave’s post is a treasure trove of fan responses, each adding to the viral narrative. User @YSLONIKA (Post ID: 1880348402384531471) pointed out the absurdity of a visa photo being a bathrobe selfie, complete with a second image for context, racking up laughs and retweets. Meanwhile, @wirelyss (Post ID: 1880351552835318104) humorously compared the image to James Charles, while @gekoft (Post ID: 1880373906814693583) highlighted how Lipa “broke every single rule” for passport photos, attaching both the viral image and the original selfie. Comments like “the face card will never decline” from @allurequinn (Post ID: 1880350200591786457) and “she ate this up” from an unnamed user reflect the widespread adoration of her unapologetic style.

This reaction isn’t isolated. The trend “Dua Lipa delights fans with autographs and selfies during her hotel stay in Chile” ties the photo to her recent activities, where her engagement with fans in Santiago—wearing outfits like a sleeveless denim dress—amplified her approachable yet glamorous image. The passport photo, then, becomes less a document and more a symbol of her larger-than-life presence, resonating with a 2023 *Tourism Management* study that links celebrity visits to heightened fan engagement and economic boosts.

Dua Lipa’s passport photo saga is more than just a viral laugh—it’s a reflection of her evolving public persona. As detailed in a January 16, 2025, *Rolling Stone* article, Lipa has been navigating a period of self-discovery, parting ways with long-term management and redefining her artistic identity with her upcoming third album. Her willingness to poke fun at the seriousness of travel documentation fits this narrative of resilience and playfulness. The photo’s virality also underscores her savvy use of social media, a skill honed through her Service95 platform, which *The Guardian* praised as a cultural touchstone in 2022.

Moreover, the reaction highlights a cultural shift. Where once passport photos were a private necessity, Lipa’s version has turned them into a canvas for personality, challenging norms in an age where digital footprints dominate. Fans’ delight in her rule-breaking aligns with her status as a three-time Grammy winner and a pop culture juggernaut, with over 48 billion streams across platforms, as noted on Ticketmaster.cl’s Radical Optimism Tour page.

As of 12:09 PM WAT on July 7, 2025, the internet’s fascination with Dua Lipa’s passport photo continues to grow, with memes and discussions spreading beyond X to other platforms. It’s a testament to her ability to turn even the mundane into a moment of connection with her audience. Whether this will inspire a new trend of creative passport photos remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dua Lipa has once again proven that her influence extends far beyond the stage.

For now, the airports of the world might indeed “hate to see her coming”—but her fans can’t get enough. As she prepares to resume her Radical Optimism Tour, this viral episode adds another layer to her legacy, blending humor, defiance, and the unbreakable bond she shares with her global fanbase.