If you are applying for a U.S. visa or U.S. passport on or after November 1, 2016, and you wear glasses, you will be required to remove them for the photograph.
Why? Eye glasses may cause a glare on the lens. They may also create shadows on the face or block a portion of the applicant’s eyes.
Are they exceptions? Yes, in the rare circumstances of medical necessity where they cannot be removed. For example when an applicant has had recent ocular surgery and eyeglasses are necessary to protect his/her eyes during urgent travel. In such circumstances, the applicant must provide a medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner with his or her application.
