Can You Wear Glasses in Passport Photos? 2026 Rules, Exceptions & Rejections
When preparing for an international trip, one of the most overlooked details is the passport photo. A very common question travelers ask is:
Can you wear glasses in passport photos?
The short answer is: no, in most cases. Passport authorities in many countries strictly prohibit glasses in passport photos, with only rare medical exceptions.
Can You Wear Glasses in Passport Photos?
Generally, glasses are NOT allowed in passport photos.
Most passport agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, UK Passport Office, EU countries, Canada, and Australia, require applicants to remove eyeglasses for passport photos.
Why Glasses Are Not Allowed
Glasses cause multiple problems for biometric identification:
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Lens glare and reflection
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Obscured eyes
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Frame shadows on the face
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Distortion of facial features
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Difficulty for facial recognition software
Because modern passports use biometric scanning, unobstructed eyes and face geometry are mandatory.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, but they are rare.
You may be allowed to wear glasses only if all of the following are true:
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You have a documented medical condition requiring glasses
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Your doctor provides a signed medical statement
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Your lenses are completely glare-free
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Frames do not cover any part of your eyes
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No shadows appear on your face
Even with documentation, approval is not guaranteed.
What happens if I wear glasses for my passport photo?
Photos with glasses are often automatically rejected by:
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Online passport portals
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Government review officers
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Biometric scanning systems
This can delay your passport by weeks or even months.
What About Sunglasses?
Sunglasses are never allowed under any circumstances.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses for your passport photo?
Yes. You may wear clear, non-colored contact lenses in your passport photo. Colored, patterned, or cosmetic contacts must be removed,
Passport Photo Requirements (Quick Checklist)
Your photo must meet all of the following:
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Neutral facial expression
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Eyes open and clearly visible
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No glasses
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No head covering (unless religious)
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Plain white or light background
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Taken within last 6 months
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No filters or retouching
Tips for a Perfect Passport Photo
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Remove glasses before shooting
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Use soft lighting to avoid shadows
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Stand directly facing the camera
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Keep hair away from eyes and eyebrows
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Wear dark clothing for better contrast
Final Answer
Can you wear glasses in passport photos?
In almost all cases: No. Remove your glasses to avoid rejection and delays.
If you medically must wear them, get official documentation before your photo is taken.
FAQ
Why did passport photos stop allowing glasses?
Because modern biometric facial recognition systems require unobstructed eyes and face geometry to verify identity.
Can I wear blue light glasses in passport photos?
No. Blue light glasses are treated the same as eyeglasses and are not allowed.
What if I cannot remove my glasses for medical reasons?
You must provide a signed medical statement, and your photo must meet strict glare and visibility requirements.