Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?
No — glasses are banned in passport photos worldwide.
The US banned glasses in 2016. The UK, Canada, Australia, all Schengen countries, Japan, and most of the world followed ICAO biometric standards that prohibit eyewear. Remove all glasses before taking your passport photo.
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Glasses Rules by Country
| Country | Glasses Allowed? |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ✗ No |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ✗ No |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ✗ No |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ✗ No |
| 🇪🇺 Schengen Visa | ✗ No |
| 🇮🇳 India | ✗ No |
| 🇨🇳 China Visa | ✗ No |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ✗ No |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | ✗ No |
Why Glasses Were Banned
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) updated Doc 9303 — the global passport standard — to require glasses-free photos. The reasons are technical:
Even non-reflective lenses create glare under standard photo lighting, obscuring the eye area — a critical biometric landmark.
Thick frames cover parts of the eyebrow, temple, and upper cheek — areas used in facial geometry measurement.
Strong prescriptions distort the visible eye size and position, causing mismatches in biometric comparison.
Frames cast shadows across the face that vary based on lighting angle, creating inconsistency between photos and live scans.
The Medical Exception (US Only)
If removing your glasses would cause documented medical harm, you may request an exception. Requirements:
Note
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FAQ
Can you wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No. The US State Department banned glasses in passport photos in 2016. This applies to all types of eyewear including prescription glasses, reading glasses, and fashion frames. The only exception is a medical necessity verified by a signed statement from a medical professional — and even then, tinted lenses are still not allowed.
When did the US ban glasses in passport photos?
The US State Department updated its requirements in 2016 to prohibit glasses in passport photos. The change aligned US standards with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) biometric guidelines, which recommend glasses-free photos for more reliable facial recognition matching.
Can you wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
No. The UK Passport Office does not allow glasses in passport photos. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses. The restriction has been in place since the UK moved to biometric passports.
Are there any countries where you can still wear glasses in a passport photo?
Very few. As of 2026, most countries follow the ICAO biometric standard which recommends no glasses. Some countries with older requirements may still technically permit clear prescription glasses with no tint, no glare, and no thick frames — but this is increasingly rare. Always check the current official guidance for your specific country.
What if I need glasses for medical reasons?
In the US, you may apply for a medical exception if removing your glasses would cause documented medical harm. You must submit a signed statement from a licensed medical professional explaining why glasses cannot be removed. Even with this exception, tinted lenses are never permitted, and the frames must not cover any part of your eyes.
Can I wear contact lenses in a passport photo?
Yes — contact lenses are not glasses and are fully permitted. Clear contact lenses are completely acceptable. Coloured or tinted contact lenses that noticeably change your eye colour may be flagged by some countries, as they can affect biometric matching accuracy. Stick to your natural prescription contacts if possible.
What happens if I submit a passport photo with glasses?
Your photo will be rejected. If applying online, automated systems flag glasses in passport photos. If submitting by mail or in person, the reviewing agent will reject it. You'll be asked to retake the photo, which delays your application. There's no workaround — remove your glasses before taking the photo.
My current passport shows me with glasses — will that cause problems?
No. Your new passport will simply show you without glasses. Border control agents are used to this — the biometric chip in your passport is what matters most for identity verification. Having glasses in an old photo and none in the new one is completely normal and will not cause any issues.