Brazilian social media influencer and Netflix personality Gessica Kayane found herself at the center of an unexpected airport drama after immigration officials struggled to recognize her due to her dramatically altered appearance.
The 32-year-old, who boasts nearly 20 million Instagram followers, was nearly barred from entering Brazil as her passport photo no longer resembled her post-surgery look.
According to a report by the New York Post, Kayane—also known for her presence on YouTube and TikTok—underwent multiple cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation and lift, nose reshaping, jawline fat removal, and both cheek and lip fillers. Her passport, which had not been updated since the surgeries, sparked confusion and suspicion among airport staff.
“Almost barred from entering the country”
“I was almost barred from entering the country because the photos on all my documents are different from my face now,” she wrote on Instagram, recounting the incident.
Her current appearance—marked by long, vibrant red hair, a refined nose, a chiseled chin, fuller cheeks, and enhanced lips—contrasts sharply with the more natural features and dark hair roots shown in her official photo. It was only after presenting side-by-side comparisons from her social media feed that she managed to prove her identity.
“I’m glad I had my Instagram and several ‘before and after’ to prove it. First things to do back to Brazil: update all the photos of my documents,” she added.
When a glow-up goes too far
Kayane isn’t the only traveler to face problems at immigration because of appearance-related discrepancies. Increasingly, airport officials across the globe have flagged travelers—especially influencers and public figures—for using outdated or glamorized passport photos that don’t reflect their current look.
Officials have noted that heavily edited or staged passport photos, while legal, can sometimes pose problems at checkpoints. These issues are compounded when an individual undergoes major facial changes without updating their government-issued documents.
What the rules say about passport photos and facial changes
The US Department of State clarifies that minor physical changes—such as growing a beard, changing hairstyles or hair color, or simply aging—don’t require a new passport. However, new documentation is mandatory in the event of significant alterations, including major cosmetic surgery, facial trauma, gender transition, or the addition/removal of large tattoos and piercings.
As for Kayane, the incident served as a high-profile reminder for digital-era travelers: while social media transformations may be celebrated online, they can raise real-world complications at immigration counters.