Short answer: take them off if you can. In 2026 the UK lets you wear glasses only if you have to, the US and Australia refuse them unless there is a medical reason with a doctor's note, and Canada and Ireland accept clear glasses as long as there is no glare and the frames don't cover your eyes. No country on this page accepts sunglasses or tinted lenses.
Each rule below is from the office that sets it, checked on 24 October 2026.
An example made with AI, not a real person. Clear lenses, no glare and frames clear of the eyes: fine in Canada and Ireland, but the UK wants them off unless you have to wear them, and the US and Australia refuse them.
Glasses rules by country
Where
What the rule says
UK passport Only if you have to
No sunglasses or tinted glasses. Your eyes must not be covered by the frames or by glare, reflection or shadow. (GOV.UK: Get a passport photo)
No glare on the lenses and the eyes clearly visible. Tinted lenses are refused, including prescription ones. (canada.ca: Passport photos)
Australia passport No, unless medical
Not allowed since 1 July 2018. A medical reason needs a medical certificate; poor eyesight on its own isn't a reason. (passports.gov.au: Passport photos)
Clean the lenses. Smudges catch the light and look like glare.
Use soft light from the front. Face a window, with no lamp or flash pointing at you. Light from straight in front reflects back into the camera less than light from the side.
Tilt the frames down a little. Raise the arms of the glasses slightly off your ears so the lenses tip down. The reflection moves out of the shot.
Look for the frames. The top of the frames must stay clear of your eyes. Thin frames are best if you have a choice.
Wait for darkening lenses to clear. Stay indoors for a few minutes before the photo so they are fully clear.
Bring the note if your country asks. US and Australian applications need a doctor's note or medical certificate.
Children's glasses
The same rules apply to children. Canada notes that a child's eyes must be clearly visible and there must be no glare (canada.ca: Passport photos). For a young child it's usually easiest to take the glasses off for the photo.
Where Picproved helps
Picproved looks for glasses, glare on the lenses and tinted lenses, and tells you each document's own glasses rule before you save. The office still makes the final decision.
Or make it at home. Picproved costs £5.99 (free while we launch) for one person's photo in every size you need, and it checks the size, background, head size and face rules before you save. The office still makes the final decision. Make your United Kingdom Passport (online) photo
Questions
Can I wear glasses in my UK passport photo in 2026?
Only if you have to. GOV.UK says not to wear glasses unless you have to; if you must, they can't be sunglasses or tinted, and your eyes must not be covered by the frames or by glare, reflection or shadow.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No, unless you can't take them off for medical reasons. Then the State Department asks for a signed note from your doctor with the application.
Are glasses allowed in Australian passport photos?
No, not since 1 July 2018, unless there is a medical reason backed by a medical certificate. Poor eyesight alone isn't accepted as a reason.
Can I wear glasses in a Canadian or Irish passport photo?
Yes, clear glasses, as long as there is no glare and the frames don't cover the eyes. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are refused.
Do I need a medical note for glasses in a UK passport photo?
GOV.UK's photo pages don't ask for one. They say to wear glasses only if you have to, with no tint and no glare.
How do I stop glare on glasses in a passport photo?
Clean the lenses, face soft light from a window, avoid flash and lamps, and tilt the frames down slightly by lifting the arms off your ears. Then check the eyes are clear in the photo.
