Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?
The short answer for most countries: no. The rules have tightened significantly over the past decade. Here's the full breakdown by country and what to do if you always wear glasses.
Why Countries Banned Glasses
Glasses cause two problems for biometric facial recognition systems:
- Glare and reflections obscure parts of the face
- Frames can block the eyes and eyebrows, which are key biometric reference points
Modern passports use facial recognition technology, so governments updated their rules to ensure photos work reliably with automated systems.
Rules by Country
United States
Glasses: Not allowed (since November 2016)
The US State Department banned glasses in passport and visa photos. The only exception is a documented medical condition requiring glasses, supported by a signed doctor's statement submitted with your application.
United Kingdom
Glasses: Not allowed
HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office) requires you to remove glasses. Tinted lenses or sunglasses are never allowed.
Canada
Glasses: Not allowed
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) bans glasses in passport photos. This rule also applies to PR cards and other travel documents.
Schengen Area (EU)
Glasses: Generally not allowed
Most Schengen countries follow ICAO Photo Guidelines which strongly discourage glasses. Some countries still technically allow them if there is no glare and frames don't cover the eyes — but the safest approach is to remove them.
Australia
Glasses: Not recommended
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises removing glasses. Photos with glasses will be rejected if there is any glare, frames obscuring the eyes, or tinted lenses.
India
Glasses: Allowed with strict conditions
India still permits glasses, but the lenses must be clear (no tint), frames must not cover the eyes or eyebrows, and there must be zero glare or reflection.
What to Do If You Always Wear Glasses
Option 1: Simply Remove Them for the Photo
For most people this is the simplest solution. You only need to be without glasses for the photo — you can put them back on immediately after.
Option 2: Contact Lenses
If you wear prescription glasses for vision correction, wear your contact lenses for the photo. This is completely acceptable.
Option 3: Apply for a Medical Exemption (US)
If you genuinely cannot remove your glasses due to a medical condition:
- Have your doctor write a signed statement explaining why glasses cannot be removed
- Submit the statement with your passport application
- The glasses must still have clear (non-tinted) lenses and no glare
Tips for Taking a Photo Without Glasses
If you're self-conscious about how you look without glasses:
- Good lighting minimizes under-eye shadows
- Take the photo at the same time of day you feel most alert
- Take multiple shots and choose the most flattering
- Remember: the passport officer is checking compliance, not appearance
Sunglasses and Tinted Lenses
Never allowed in any country. Tinted lenses of any kind — including light-tint prescription lenses, gradient lenses, or photochromic (transition) lenses that have partially darkened — will cause rejection in every country.
If you have photochromic lenses, make sure they are fully clear (indoors) before taking your passport photo.