A passport photo serves as a visual representation of your identity, therefore, it must clearly show your face. Before you have your passport photo taken, you must be aware of some important rules. While there may be variations in passport photo guidelines across different countries and passport-issuing authorities, many have banned glasses in passport photos. This has been implemented in order to maintain consistency, ensure identification accuracy, and support efficient processing at border control points.
Can I Wear Glasses in My Passport Photo
No, you cannot. When you are taking your passport photo, you must remove your glasses. Glasses are not allowed in passport photos in most countries in the world. Although policies on wearing glasses in passport photos may vary between different countries and passport issuing authorities, most countries do not allow them. Both prescription glasses and sunglasses are typically prohibited. In the past, it used to be acceptable to wear eyeglasses in passport photos as long as the frames did not cover the eyes. However, due to a significant number of photo rejections caused by lens glare, passport services decided to ban the use of glasses in passport photos. The restriction on glasses is primarily in place to ensure accurate identification and prevent any obstructions or glare that could affect the visibility of the eyes in the photo.
Can I Wear Contact Lenses in my Passport Photo?
Yes and no. The use of clear contact lenses is acceptable. However, the use of colored contact lenses that change the color or shape of the irises, or those that obscure the eyes are not permitted. Anything that makes you unrecognizable is not allowed and will not be accepted.
What Are the Potential Issues or Challenges With Wearing Glasses in a Passport Photo?
If you decide to wear glasses in your passport photo, this will result in your passport photo being rejected. You are required to remove them for your passport photo. If you do wear them, you may be asked to re-take your photos.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Frame Style or Tint of Glasses in a Passport Photo?
You should not be wearing glasses in your passport photo. Although you could wear glasses in your passport photo a few years back, as long as the frames of the glasses do not cover the eyes or any significant portion of the face, it is now prohibited. Additionally, tinted glasses are strictly banned. Your eyes and facial features must be easily distinguishable. Therefore, do not wear any type of glasses when you are having your passport photo taken.
Can I Keep My Glasses on if I Need Them for Vision Correction Purposes?
If you need to keep your glasses in your passport photo, you must submit a medical statement from a doctor. The letter must declare that it is impossible for you to remove your glasses. You may be allowed to wear your glasses in your passport photo if it is medically necessary for you to do so.
Why Aren’t Glasses Allowed in Passport Photos?
The main idea of a passport photo is so that applicants can be accurately identified. Wearing glasses can present some issues and challenges in proper identification. Glasses are, therefore, not allowed for several reasons. For example:
- Glare and reflections. This is one of the most common reasons why glasses are not allowed in passport photos. The lenses of your glasses can cause reflections or glares in passport photos. This, then, makes it difficult to see the eyes clearly.
- Facial Recognition Technology. Passport photos are required to have measurable and physical characteristics that allow facial recognition technology to work. Glasses often introduce obstacles or inconsistencies in the facial features that the technology relies upon for accurate identification. Facial recognition is the quickest and easiest way to identify passengers. It takes an average of five seconds.
- Changing appearance. If you are an individual who regularly wears glasses, you may have multiple pairs with different frames. So, for example, if the glasses you wear in your passport photo differ from the ones you wear every day, this can create discrepancies in identification.
Can I Wear Decorative or Fashion Glasses in My Passport Photo?
No, you cannot. It is strictly prohibited to wear decorative or fashion glasses in your passport photo. When taking your passport photo, you must remove them. Decorative or fashion glasses alter your appearance, making it difficult to confirm your identity.
Do I Need to Remove My Glasses for the Passport Photo if I Have a Medical Condition Related to My Eyes?
Yes, you do, unless you provide a medical documentation from your doctor. It must state that you need to keep your glasses on at all times because of your existing medical condition. In case you fail to provide a signed statement by your doctor, you may be asked to re-take your passport photo without your glasses.
Are There Any Specific Instructions for Avoiding Glare or Reflections on Glasses in a Passport Photo?
It is best to avoid glasses when you are having your passport photo taken. This way, you won’t risk being unrecognizable or difficult to identify.
Are There Any Additional Requirements or Considerations for Wearing Glasses in a Passport Photo for Children?
No. Just like adults, children are not allowed to wear glasses in their passport photo. Adults are required to remove their children’s glasses for passport photos. However, if your child has a medical condition and they must wear prescription glasses at all times, you must provide a medical statement signed by the doctor.
When taking passport photos for children, you can find further information regarding what is allowed and what is not.
