Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?

The short answer: in most countries, glasses are not allowed in passport photos.

The General Rule

The USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and all EU/Schengen countries prohibit glasses in passport photos. This applies to prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses.

Rules by Country

• USA: No glasses since 2016
• UK: No glasses since 2018
• EU / Schengen: No glasses (ICAO standard)
• Canada: No glasses
• Australia: No glasses (strongly preferred)

Why Are Glasses Banned?

Glasses cause reflections and glare that interfere with biometric facial recognition at border control. Tinted lenses can also obscure the eyes, which is not acceptable for identity verification.

Medical Exceptions

If removing glasses is medically impossible, you may apply for an exception with a signed physician's statement. Contact your country's passport authority for the exact procedure.

Photo Rejected Due to Glasses?

Take a new photo without glasses and use PhotoPassport.app to generate a compliant replacement in minutes.