No — glasses of any kind are not permitted in Indonesian passport photos. The Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi (Directorate General of Immigration) bans all eyewear. This applies to Indonesian passports (paspor) and Indonesian visa applications.
Exact Glasses Rules for Indonesian Passport Photos
All glasses are banned:
- Prescription glasses (kacamata) — not allowed, regardless of medical need
- Sunglasses (kacamata hitam) — not allowed
- Tinted lenses — not allowed
- Reading glasses — 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 (lensa kontak).
Get a compliant passport photo online
Indonesian Passport Photo Size with No Glasses
Indonesia uses the standard 35×45mm passport photo with a white background.
Why Does Indonesia Ban Glasses in Passport Photos?
Indonesia's passport system uses facial recognition for biometric matching. The ePassport data is also used at automated immigration gates at Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK) and Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS). 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.
- Shadows from frames fall on the cheeks and under the eyes.
Medical Exemptions for Glasses in Indonesian Photos
Indonesia does not grant medical exemptions for glasses in passport photos. The photo takes only seconds — remove glasses, take the photo, put them back on.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses in Indonesian Passport Photos?
Clear prescription contact lenses (lensa kontak) are fine.
What might get flagged: Coloured or cosmetic contact lenses (softlens warna) that noticeably change your eye colour. These are popular in Indonesia but should be avoided for passport photos. Clear lenses only.
Practical Tips for Glasses Wearers Getting Indonesian Photos
Before the photo
- Remove glasses 5–10 minutes early. Nose-bridge marks are visible in the photo.
- If you normally squint without glasses, practise keeping your eyes naturally open.
- If you use contact lenses, insert them before arriving.
During the photo
- Keep your eyes relaxed and open. Don't squint.
- If you can't see the camera, ask the photographer to guide you.
After the photo
- Check the photo on screen before accepting.
Where to Get Glasses-Free Passport Photos in Indonesia
Kantor Imigrasi (Immigration offices). The Directorate General of Immigration has offices in every major city. Photo studios are located near every kantor imigrasi. Cost: Rp 15,000–50,000.
Professional studios (studio foto). Studios in shopping centres and near government offices. Cost: Rp 20,000–75,000. Ask for "foto paspor, tanpa kacamata, latar belakang putih" (passport photo, no glasses, white background).
Mall photo studios. Studios in major malls in Jakarta (Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, Mall Taman Anggrek), Surabaya (Tunjungan Plaza), Bali (Beachwalk, Mall Bali Galeria), and other cities.
Photo booths. Automated booths at some malls and stations. Cost: Rp 15,000–30,000. Remove glasses before entering.
DIY at home. If taking your own photo:
- White background
- 35×45mm
- No glasses of any kind
- Neutral expression, mouth closed (smiling not allowed)
- Both eyes clearly visible
Indonesian Passport Application Process and Photo Rules
Indonesian passport applications are submitted through the Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi's online system or at kantor imigrasi offices. The digital photo is checked during the application process. Ensure your photo is glasses-free before starting.
KTP Photo Glasses Rules vs Indonesian Passport Photos
The same no-glasses rule generally applies to KTP (national identity card) photos. A single glasses-free photo session can serve for both paspor and KTP if taken at the correct size.
Hijab and Glasses in Indonesian Passport Photos
Women who wear hijab may wear it in their Indonesian passport photo — head coverings for religious reasons are allowed. However, glasses are still banned even if worn with hijab. Both eyes must be fully visible.
Glasses Rules: Indonesia vs Other Countries
| Country | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | ❌ Banned | |
| United States | ❌ Banned | Since 2016 |
| China | ❌ Banned | |
| Japan | ❌ Banned | |
| France | ❌ Banned | |
| India | ❌ Banned | Since 2020 |
| Australia | ❌ Banned | Since 2018 |
| Malaysia | ❌ Banned | |
| United Kingdom | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Germany | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| South Korea | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
Indonesia follows the global majority in banning all glasses.
Common Glasses Mistakes in Indonesian Passport Photos
Keeping glasses on "because they're clear." Even clear prescription glasses are banned.
Wearing cosmetic "softlens" contacts. These are popular in Indonesia but should be avoided.
Wearing transition lenses. These retain tint indoors. Remove them entirely.
Digitally removing glasses. Photo manipulation is detectable.
Glasses Rules for Indonesians Renewing Passports Abroad
If you're renewing your Indonesian passport from abroad, the same no-glasses rule applies. Indonesian embassies and consulates in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Riyadh, The Hague, and Canberra all enforce the ban.
Studios abroad may be unfamiliar with Indonesian passport requirements. Specify: "Indonesian passport photo, no glasses, white background, 35×45mm."
Children's Indonesian Passport Photos and Glasses Rules
The same no-glasses rule applies to children. Indonesian passports for children follow the same requirements as adult passports — no glasses, white background, 35×45mm.
KITAS and KITAP Photo Glasses Rules in Indonesia
Foreign nationals in Indonesia applying for KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas / temporary stay permit) or KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap / permanent stay permit) follow similar photo requirements. No glasses, white background.
Indonesian Automated Immigration Gates and Glasses Photos
Indonesia uses automated e-gates (autogate) at Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Terminal 3) and Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali). These use facial recognition to match your passport photo to your live face. Glasses-free photos produce the best matching accuracy.
Practical Advice for Strong Prescriptions in Indonesia
If your prescription is strong:
- Contact lenses are available at optical shops (optik) throughout Indonesia. Chains like Optik Melawai and Optik Seis stock daily disposables.
- Ask the photographer to guide you. They handle this daily.
- The photo takes seconds. Brief discomfort without glasses is negligible.
Can You Wear Glasses at the Indonesian Immigration Office?
The glasses ban applies only to your passport photo. You can wear glasses at the kantor imigrasi during your appointment, during biometric capture, and when completing paperwork.
ASEAN Travel and Indonesian Passport Photo Glasses Rules
If you're traveling within ASEAN countries, your Indonesian passport is used at each border. Many ASEAN countries also ban glasses in passport photos (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines). A glasses-free Indonesian passport photo ensures smooth processing across the region.
Indonesian Passport Types and Glasses Photo Rules
Indonesia issues several passport types: regular (hijau / green), diplomatic (hitam / black), and service (biru / blue). The no-glasses rule applies equally to all passport types. The photo requirements are identical regardless of which passport colour you hold.
Indonesian Passport Photo Validity Period and Renewals
The Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi requires recent photos — taken within the last 6 months. If your current passport photo shows you wearing glasses, you'll need a new glasses-free photo for renewal. Indonesian passports for adults are typically valid for 5 years, with 10-year passports available through electronic passport (ePassor) applications.
Haji and Umrah Photo Requirements for Indonesians
If you're applying for a Haji or Umrah visa to Saudi Arabia, the photo requirements follow Saudi rules (which also ban glasses). A single glasses-free photo session can serve for both Indonesian passport and Saudi visa applications if taken at the correct sizes.
Do Not Digitally Remove Glasses from Indonesian Photos
Do not digitally remove glasses from a photo. Always take the photo without glasses from the start.
Verify your photo meets all Indonesian passport requirements with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size requirements, see Indonesian passport photo size guide. View all Indonesian passport photo rules on the Indonesia hub.
