No — glasses of any kind are not permitted in China passport photos. The National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局) bans all eyewear. This applies to both the Chinese passport (中国护照) and Chinese visa applications.
Exact Glasses Rules for Chinese Passport Photos
All glasses are banned:
- Prescription glasses (近视眼镜) — not allowed, regardless of medical need
- Sunglasses — not allowed
- Tinted lenses — not allowed
- Reading glasses (老花镜) — not allowed
- Blue-light blocking glasses — not allowed
- Photochromic (transition) lenses — not allowed, even if clear indoors
- Non-prescription fashion frames — not allowed
The only item permitted near your eyes is clear prescription contact lenses (隐形眼镜).
Get a compliant passport photo online
Why Does China Ban All Glasses in Passport Photos?
China's Public Security Bureau (PSB / 公安局) and the National Immigration Administration use facial recognition to match applicants against their biometric database. Glasses interfere because:
- Frames obscure facial geometry. The bridge area between the eyes is a critical measurement point.
- Lenses create reflections. Even anti-glare coatings don't eliminate all reflections under studio lighting.
- Shadows from frames fall on the cheeks and under the eyes.
- Different glasses change your appearance. Wearing different frames than your previous photo confuses matching algorithms.
China follows the same approach as the majority of countries worldwide.
Are There Medical Exemptions for Glasses in China?
China does not grant medical exemptions for glasses in passport photos. Even if you have a documented condition requiring constant corrective lenses, the PSB still requires a glasses-free photo. This is stricter than some European countries (Germany, UK) that allow documented medical exceptions.
If removing glasses causes severe discomfort or vision issues during the photo session, bring someone to assist you. The photo itself takes seconds. You can put your glasses back on immediately after.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses in Chinese Passport Photos?
Clear prescription contact lenses (隐形眼镜) are fine. The rule targets glasses and tinted lenses, not vision correction that doesn't obscure your eyes.
What might get flagged: Coloured or cosmetic contact lenses (美瞳) that noticeably change your eye colour. The system compares your photo to previous records. Dramatically different eye colour can trigger additional verification. Plain clear lenses won't cause issues.
Practical Tips for Glasses Wearers at Chinese Photo Sessions
Before the photo
- Remove glasses 5–10 minutes before the photo. This gives the red marks on the bridge of your nose time to fade. These marks are visible in close-up passport photos.
- If you normally squint without glasses, practise keeping your eyes naturally open.
- If you use contact lenses, insert them before arriving at the PSB office or studio.
During the photo
- Keep your eyes relaxed and open. Don't squint.
- If you can't see the camera clearly, ask the photographer to guide you. Studio staff (照相馆 staff) handle this routinely.
After the photo
- Check the photo on screen before printing. Verify no red marks from your frames are visible.
Where to Get Glasses-Free Passport Photos in China
PSB offices (公安局出入境管理处). Most Exit-Entry Administration offices have on-site photo services. Cost: ¥30–50. Staff know all requirements. This is the safest option — photos are checked immediately.
Professional studios (照相馆). Studios near PSB offices specialise in passport photos. Cost: ¥20–50. Ask for "护照照片，不戴眼镜，白色背景" (passport photo, no glasses, white background).
Metro station photo booths (证件照机). Automated photo booths in metro stations and shopping centres. Cost: ¥20–40. These are calibrated for Chinese passport specifications. Remove glasses before entering the booth.
Convenience store / phone app printing. Some apps (支付宝证件照, 小程序) allow you to take the photo at home and print at convenience stores. Ensure no glasses appear — the app may not catch this. Print at compatible convenience store photo printing stations.
University campus services. Universities with large international student populations often have affordable photo services near the campus gate (校门口). These studios understand passport requirements for multiple countries.
Chinese Visa Photo Glasses Rules
China visa applications follow the same no-glasses rule. If you're applying for a Chinese visa from abroad, the photo requirements are:
- 33×48mm (same as passport)
- White background
- No glasses
- Neutral expression
Consulates reject photos with glasses without exception. If you're applying for both a passport and visa, the same glasses-free photo works for both (same 33×48mm size and white background).
Glasses Rules: China vs Other Countries
| Country | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | ❌ Banned | |
| United States | ❌ Banned | Since 2016 |
| India | ❌ Banned | Since 2020 |
| France | ❌ Banned | |
| Australia | ❌ Banned | |
| Japan | ❌ Banned | |
| Netherlands | ❌ Banned | |
| United Kingdom | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Canada | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Germany | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Italy | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| South Korea | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
Most countries now ban glasses. Only a minority — UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, and South Korea among major countries — still permit prescription glasses conditionally. China follows the global majority.
Glasses Rules for Chinese Citizens Renewing Abroad
If you're renewing your Chinese passport from abroad, the same no-glasses rule applies. Chinese embassies and consulates in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Sydney, Toronto, Singapore, and Tokyo all enforce the ban.
In countries where glasses are allowed for their own passports (UK, Canada, Germany), photo studios may assume glasses are fine. Specify clearly: "中国护照照片，不要戴眼镜，白色背景，33×48毫米" or in English: "Chinese passport photo, no glasses, white background, 33×48mm."
Do Not Digitally Remove Glasses from Your Photo
Do not digitally remove glasses from a photo. Apps and editing tools can erase glasses, but:
- Facial recognition compares your submitted photo to the in-person biometric scan
- Digitally altered photos may fail the PSB automated quality check
- If manipulation is detected, it can delay or jeopardize your application
Always take the photo without glasses from the start.
Common Glasses Mistakes in Chinese Passport Photos
Keeping glasses on "because they're clear." Even perfectly clear prescription glasses are banned.
Digitally removing glasses. Photo manipulation is detectable and causes rejection.
Using a photo from a country that allows glasses. If you have a UK or German passport photo where you wore glasses, it will not work for China.
Ignoring nose-bridge marks. Remove glasses well before the photo session.
Wearing coloured contacts. Clear prescription contacts only.
Can You Wear Glasses at the PSB Office?
The glasses ban applies only to your passport photo. You can wear glasses:
- At the PSB office during your appointment and interview
- During the in-person biometric data capture (fingerprints)
- On your existing passport photo from before the policy was enforced
- In your supporting ID documents (身份证, 户口本)
Chinese Baby and Children's Passport Photos: No Glasses
The same no-glasses rule applies to children's passport photos. If your child wears prescription glasses, remove them for the photo. Chinese passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. Adult passports (16+) are valid for 10 years.
Verify your photo meets all Chinese passport requirements with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size requirements, see Chinese passport photo size guide. View all Chinese passport photo rules on the China hub.
