OFFICIAL CONSULAR SPECIFICATION● PHOTO REQUIREMENTS GUIDECan You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo? US, UK and Canada Rules
Whether glasses are allowed in US, UK and Canadian passport photos, the medical exception, and how to avoid glare if you must keep them on.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Follow the receiving authority’s photography instructions.
Not in a US passport photo. The Department of State does not accept glasses or other eyewear unless you include a signed statement from a doctor explaining why you cannot remove them, for example after eye surgery. US visa photos have had the same rule since November 2016. In the UK, GOV.UK says not to wear glasses unless you have to; if you must, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted, and the frames, glare or reflections must not cover your eyes. Canadian passport guidance allows glasses when your eyes are clearly visible without glare.
Who this guide is for
Glasses wearers preparing a passport or visa photo, and anyone whose photo was rejected for glasses or glare.
Key Biometric Specifications
Preparing the photo
Practical preparation tips; use the linked application instructions for requirements.
- If you can see well enough to look at the camera, take the glasses off. That avoids the most common rejection everywhere.
- If you must keep them on, tilt the glasses down slightly at the arms or move the light source to the side so the reflection leaves the lenses.
- Check the photo at full size: both eyes must be fully visible with no white glare.
- Do not edit glare out afterwards. Retouching is not allowed; retake instead.
Mandatory Consular Rules
- US passport and visa photos: no glasses, unless you send a signed doctor’s statement with the application.
- US: tinted lenses only if that medical statement says they are required.
- UK: do not wear glasses unless you have to. No sunglasses or tinted lenses, and nothing covering the eyes.
- Canada: glasses allowed if the eyes are clearly visible with no glare.
- Everywhere: if you keep glasses on, no glare, reflection or shadow on the eyes, and frames clear of the eyes.
Top Rejection Pitfalls to Avoid
- Glasses in a US photo without a medical statement.
- Light reflecting off the lenses.
- Thick frames crossing the eyes or eyebrows.
- Tinted or transition lenses that darkened under the lights.
United States photo requirements and document options
Digital and printed copies
The glasses rule is the same for a print and a digital upload. Glare is easier to spot in the full-size digital file than on a small print, so check it before printing.
Questions about this guide
Can you wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No, unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons. Then you send a signed statement from your doctor with the application.
Can you wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
Only if you have to. They cannot be sunglasses or tinted, and the eyes must not be covered by frames, glare, reflection or shadow.
Can I wear glasses in a Canadian passport photo?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses.
Can I remove glare from my glasses with an editor?
No. Passport photos must not be altered by software. Retake the photo instead.
About this guide
ApprovaVisa editorial team
Reviewed: 25 October 2026
Requirements come from the linked authority source. Where our summary and the authority differ, follow the authority.
Prepare Your United States Photo
Check the receiving authority’s instructions before preparing a photo. Use professional photography where required, and retain the original image when digital alterations are prohibited.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Follow the receiving authority’s photography instructions.