The short answer: in most countries you should take your passport photo without glasses. Some authorities ban them outright; others allow clear prescription glasses only if your eyes are fully visible with no glare. Because the rules differ, here is where each major country stands in 2026.
Glasses rules at a glance
| Country | Glasses allowed? |
|---|---|
| United States | No — unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons (a signed doctor's statement is required) |
| Australia | No — remove them even if you normally wear glasses |
| United Kingdom | Allowed if necessary, but eyes must be clearly visible with no glare, reflection or heavy frames; going without is advised |
| Canada | Plain, non-tinted prescription glasses allowed only if eyes are clearly visible with no glare or reflection |
| Schengen / EU | Generally allowed if clear and non-reflective, but many member states advise removing them |
Always confirm the current rule on the issuing authority's page — several countries have tightened glasses rules as automated facial checks became stricter.
Why glasses cause rejections
Even where glasses are technically allowed, they are a leading cause of avoidable rejections because of:
- Glare and reflections on the lenses that hide part of the eye.
- Frames covering the eyes, especially thick or wide arms.
- Tinted or photochromic lenses that darken the eyes.
- Shadows cast by the frame across the eye area.
If you must wear glasses
Where an authority permits clear prescription glasses:
- Use thin frames that do not cross your eyes.
- Tilt your head very slightly or adjust the light to remove glare — do not photoshop the reflection out, as software editing is prohibited by several authorities.
- Make sure both eyes and both pupils are clearly visible.
- Never wear tinted, coloured or transition lenses.
The safest approach
Unless you have a medical reason you cannot remove them, take the photo without glasses. It removes the single most common accessory-related rejection and satisfies every country's rules at once.
Check your framing
Once your eyes are clearly visible and evenly lit, use GetShot Passport to crop and size the photo to your country's spec in your browser. The tool checks framing and prepares a print-ready file; it does not retouch your photo or remove reflections, because many authorities do not allow software edits.
Sources
- US Department of State — Passport Photos
- GOV.UK — Photo requirements
- Government of Canada — Passport photos
FAQ
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo? No, unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons, in which case a signed statement from a medical provider is required.
Are glasses allowed in UK passport photos? You can wear them if you need to, but your eyes must be clearly visible with no glare or reflection, and the UK advises going without where possible.
Can I remove glare from my glasses with an app? No. Several authorities prohibit software editing of passport photos. Retake the photo instead, or remove your glasses.