Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?
Glasses are one of the most common reasons photos get rejected. Some countries ban them outright, others allow them under strict conditions. Here is what the rules actually say.
The short answer
If you can take your glasses off, do. A photo without glasses is accepted everywhere, while a photo with glasses can be rejected for glare, reflections or frames that cover your eyes.
United States: not allowed
The US does not allow glasses in passport or visa photos. The only exception is a medical reason, which needs a signed statement from a doctor.
Türkiye: allowed only if you need them
For Turkish ID cards, passports and driving licences, NVİ allows glasses only when you have to wear them. Your eyes must be clearly visible, there must be no reflections on the lenses, and the frame must not cover your eyes or be so thick that it hides them. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not allowed.
Most other countries: allowed with conditions
Countries that follow the ICAO standard, including the Schengen countries, usually accept clear prescription glasses if:
- Your eyes are fully visible and not covered by the frame
- There is no glare or reflection on the lenses
- The lenses are not tinted
If you must wear glasses
- Tilt the glasses slightly down at the top, or raise the arms a little above your ears, to move reflections away from the lenses.
- Use soft light from the front or a window instead of a flash.
- Check the photo zoomed in: both eyes must be sharp and free of glare.
Related guides
- How to Take a Passport Photo at Home with Your PhoneTake a passport or visa photo at home with your phone: lighting, background, camera position and the most common mistakes, step by step.
- Passport Photo Rules: Background, Expression, Glasses and MoreThe rules most passport and visa photos must follow: background color, head size, expression, glasses, head coverings and photo age.
- Passport and Visa Photo Sizes by CountryPhoto size, head height and background color for passport and visa photos of the US, Schengen, UK, Canada, Türkiye, China, India and more.
- How to Reduce a Photo's File Size (to 100 KB or Less)Online forms often limit photo uploads to 50, 100 or 200 KB. Here is how to shrink a photo to an exact file size without losing visible quality.
- How Old Can a Passport Photo Be?Most countries want a passport or visa photo taken within the last six months. The rules for the US, Türkiye, Australia, China, South Korea and Schengen visas.