Glasses
Can you wear glasses in a passport photo?
Since 2016, US passport and visa photos prohibit eyeglasses except rare medical cases documented by a doctor. UK, Schengen, and most ICAO biometric rules also disallow glasses because glare hides eye detail. Plan to remove them before capture.
Example compliant crops
AI-generated illustrative portraits — not real applicants.
Glasses policy by document
- US passport / visa / ESTA — glasses not allowed
- UK passport & visa — glasses not allowed
- Schengen visa — glasses not allowed
- Indian passport — glasses not allowed
- German passport — glasses not allowed; ears should be visible
Why glasses cause rejections
Frame rims cut across eyes, lenses reflect flash or window light, and tinted lenses hide iris colour. Automated checks flag glare hotspots even when a human reviewer might pass the photo.
If you cannot see without glasses
US State Department allows glasses only with a signed medical statement for a recent surgery — not for ordinary prescription lenses. Remove glasses for the photo; use contact lenses if needed for comfort during capture.
Official specifications
| Document | US Passport |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions (mm) | 51 × 51 |
| Pixels @ DPI | 600 × 600 @ 300 |
| Head height | 50–69% |
| Eye line from bottom | 56–69% |
| Background | white |
| Official source | View official guidance |
| Last verified | 2026-08-18 |
Common rejection reasons & fixes
Hard fail: Glare on left lens from window
Remove glasses entirely — US rules prohibit them
Hard fail: Thin metal frame crossing eyebrow line
Remove glasses; re-shoot with contact lenses if needed
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
- Are glasses allowed in US passport photos?
- No, except documented medical necessity after surgery. Ordinary prescription glasses will be rejected.
- What about thin rimless glasses?
- Still prohibited for US documents. Any frame visible across the eye region fails.
- Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
- No — HMPO rules prohibit glasses in passport photos.
- Will removing glasses change biometric matching?
- Authorities expect natural appearance without glasses in the photo. Match how you will look at border control when possible.
Related guides
PicsForm matches published requirements; always confirm current rules on the official portal.