Glasses in Document Photos in 2026: Are They Allowed?
In short. The global trend is unambiguous: it is best to take your glasses off for document photos. The US banned them in 2016, and where they are still allowed there must be no glare, tint, or frames covering the eyes.
- The global trend is against glasses: the safest choice is to remove them before the shot.
- The US banned glasses in passport photos from 1 November 2016.
- The only US exception is a medical reason with a signed doctor's note.
- ICAO Doc 9303: no glare, no tinted lenses, frames must not cover the eyes.
- The UK and most of the EU: glasses only when necessary and glare-free.
Can you have your photo taken wearing glasses?
The short answer in 2026 is: better not. Over the past decade the global trend has shifted clearly against glasses in document photos. The reason is practical: glare and shadows from the lenses cover the eyes and interfere with biometric face recognition. Glare on the lenses was in fact one of the most common reasons for photo rejection.
The US: a full ban since 2016
The United States went the furthest. From 1 November 2016 the US Department of State banned glasses in passport photos. The only exception is a documented medical reason where the applicant cannot remove their glasses; in that case a signed note from a doctor is included with the application.
If you are unsure about your country's rules, take your glasses off. A photo without glasses will be accepted anywhere; a photo with glasses may be rejected.
If glasses are still allowed: the ICAO requirements
In countries where glasses are permitted, the ICAO Doc 9303 standard applies. It requires that:
- there is no glare, flash reflection, or shadow on the lenses;
- the lenses are clear — with no tint or darkening;
- the frames do not cover any part of the eyes;
- both eyes are fully open and clearly visible.
The UK and the EU
GOV.UK advises plainly: do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to. If you cannot manage without them, sunglasses and tinted glasses are banned, and the eyes must not be obscured by the frames, glare, or shadow. Most Schengen countries follow the same logic: glasses only for a medical need and free of reflections.
| Jurisdiction | Glasses in the photo |
|---|---|
| USA | Banned (medical exception) |
| United Kingdom | Only if necessary, no glare |
| EU / Schengen | Usually only for a medical need |
| ICAO standard | Allowed provided: no glare, no tint |
Practical advice
To avoid the risk of rejection and a reshoot, take your photo without glasses. It is a universal solution that works in every country and under any rules.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- Can you wear glasses in a passport photo in 2026?
- It depends on the country, but the general recommendation is to take your glasses off. The US bans them entirely, and where they are allowed there must be no glare, tint, or frames covering the eyes.
- Why did the US ban glasses in passport photos?
- Glare and shadows from the lenses often covered the eyes and interfered with biometrics, causing many photos to be rejected. The ban has been in force since 1 November 2016.
- Are there any exceptions to the US ban?
- Yes, only for medical reasons when the glasses cannot be removed. In that case a signed note from a doctor is included with the application.
- Are tinted lenses or sunglasses allowed?
- No. The ICAO standard and national rules require clear lenses; tinted glasses and sunglasses are not accepted.
- What can you do to make sure the photo is accepted?
- The most reliable choice is to remove your glasses before the shot. Such a photo meets the rules of every country and lowers the risk of rejection.