Guidechecked November 10, 2026
Glasses in passport photos: rules by country
The US banned glasses in passport photos in 2016, and most countries now say take them off. A few still allow clear lenses without glare.
| Document | Glasses |
|---|---|
| Australia passport | Not allowed unless medically needed |
| Austria passport | See the official page |
| Canada passport | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| Canada online passport application | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| Canada visa | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| China visa | Allowed with clear lenses and thin frames, no glare |
| France passport | Allowed with clear lenses and thin frames, no glare |
| Germany passport | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| Hong Kong passport | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| India e-Visa | Not allowed |
| India passport | Allowed, but removing them is advised to avoid reflections |
| Ireland passport | See the official page |
| Italy passport | Allowed with clear lenses and thin frames, no glare |
| Japan passport | See the official page |
| Netherlands passport | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| New Zealand passport | Allowed with clear lenses and thin frames, no glare |
| Russia visa | See the official page |
| Schengen visa | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| South Korea passport | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| Spain passport | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| Taiwan passport | Allowed if eyes are clear, no glare, no tinted lenses |
| United Kingdom passport | Take them off unless you can't see without them |
| United Kingdom online passport application | Take them off unless you can't see without them |
| United States DV Lottery | Not allowed unless medically needed |
| United States passport | Not allowed unless medically needed |
| United States online passport application | Not allowed unless medically needed |
| United States visa | Not allowed unless medically needed |
If you need glasses for medical reasons, the office usually wants a signed statement from a doctor with the application.