Israel Passport Size Photo Glasses Rules: All Eyewear Banned

No — glasses of any kind are not permitted in Israeli passport photos. The Population and Immigration Authority (רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה / Rashut HaUkhlusin VeHaHagira) bans all eyewear. This applies to Israeli passports (דרכון) and Israeli visa applications.

Exact Glasses Rules for Israeli Passport Photos

All glasses are banned:

• Prescription glasses (משקפיים) — not allowed, regardless of medical need
• Sunglasses (משקפי שמש) — not allowed
• Tinted lenses — not allowed
• Reading glasses (משקפי קריאה) — 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 (עדשות מגע).

Israeli Passport Photo Size with No Glasses

Israel uses the standard 35×45mm passport photo.

Why Does Israel Ban Glasses in Passport Photos?

Israel's passport system uses facial recognition for biometric matching. 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.

Israel's biometric passport data is also used at automated border control gates at Ben Gurion Airport (נתב"ג).

Medical Exemptions for Glasses in Israeli Photos

The Population and Immigration Authority does not routinely grant medical exemptions. If you have a documented condition requiring constant glasses wear, contact the authority in advance — but expect to be directed toward contact lenses.

Religious Accommodations for Israeli Passport Photos

If religious reasons make appearing without glasses difficult, contact the Population and Immigration Authority in advance with documentation. These requests are handled case-by-case. Do not assume approval — always confirm before your photo appointment.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses in Israeli Passport Photos?

Clear prescription contact lenses (עדשות מגע) are fine.

What might get flagged: Coloured or cosmetic contact lenses (עדשות צבעוניות) that dramatically change your eye colour. Clear prescription lenses only.

Tip: If you're wearing contacts for the first time, wear them for several hours before the photo so your eyes look natural. Red or irritated eyes from unfamiliar lenses may draw scrutiny.

Practical Tips for Glasses Wearers Getting Israeli Photos

Before the photo

• Remove glasses at least 15 minutes early. This allows red marks and indentations from frames to fade on the bridge of your nose and behind the ears.
• If you normally squint without glasses, practise keeping your eyes naturally open.
• If you use contact lenses, insert them well 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 Israel

Population and Immigration Authority offices (לשכת רשות האוכלוסין). Main offices in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv (Shlomo HaMelekh), Haifa, and Beer Sheva. Photo studios are located near every office. Cost: ₪20–50.

Professional studios (סטודיו לצילום). Studios throughout Israel, especially near government offices and in shopping centres. Cost: ₪20–50. Ask for "תמונת דרכון, בלי משקפיים, רקע לבן" (passport photo, no glasses, white background).

Photo booths. Automated booths at train stations and shopping centres. Cost: ₪15–30. 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

Teudat Zehut Photo Glasses Rules vs Israeli Passport

The same no-glasses rule applies to the Israeli Teudat Zehut (national identity card) photo. A single glasses-free photo session can serve for both darkon (passport) and teudat zehut if taken correctly.

Teudat Ma'avar Photo Requirements and Glasses Rules

If you're applying for a teudat ma'avar (temporary travel document) instead of a full passport, the same photo rules apply: no glasses, white background, 35×45mm.

Glasses Rules: Israel vs Other Countries

Israel follows the global majority in banning all glasses.

Common Glasses Mistakes in Israeli Passport Photos

Keeping glasses on "because they're clear." Even clear prescription glasses are banned.

Trying thin wire frames. The policy is absolute. No glasses means no glasses, regardless of frame style.

Digitally removing glasses. Photo manipulation is detectable and constitutes fraud.

Wearing transition lenses. These retain tint indoors. Remove them entirely.

Ignoring nose-bridge marks. Remove glasses early enough for marks to fade.

Glasses Rules for Israelis Renewing Passports Abroad

If you're renewing your Israeli passport from abroad, the same no-glasses rule applies. Israeli consulates in New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Paris, and Moscow all enforce the ban.

Studios abroad may be unfamiliar with Israeli passport requirements. Specify: "Israeli passport photo, no glasses, white background, 35×45mm."

Dual Citizens and Israeli Passport Glasses Rules

Many Israelis hold dual citizenship (Israeli-American, Israeli-French, Israeli-British). Each passport requires a separate photo meeting that country's rules. Since most countries now ban glasses, a single glasses-free photo session can usually serve for both — check the photo size requirements for each.

Children's Israeli Passport Photos and Glasses Rules

The same no-glasses rule applies to children. If your child wears glasses, remove them before the photo. Israeli passports for children under 18 are valid for 5 years. Adult passports are valid for 10 years.

Tips for children:

• Explain the situation in advance
• Practise removing glasses at home
• Schedule when your child is typically calm

Ben Gurion Airport E-Gates and Glasses-Free Photos

Israel uses automated e-gates at Ben Gurion Airport (Terminal 3). These use facial recognition to match your passport photo to your live face. Glasses-free photos produce the best matching accuracy. When passing through the e-gates, you'll also need to remove glasses for the live scan.

Can You Wear Glasses at the Israeli Immigration Office?

The glasses ban applies only to your passport photo. You can wear glasses at the Population and Immigration Authority office during your appointment, during biometric capture, and in your supporting documents.

Olim Chadashim Passport Photo Glasses Rules

If you're making Aliyah and applying for your first Israeli passport, the no-glasses rule applies from your very first photo. The Population and Immigration Authority processes new immigrant passports at the same offices. The photo requirements are identical regardless of your immigration status.

IDF Military Service Passport Photo Glasses Rules

IDF service members applying for or renewing passports follow the same civilian photo rules. Military ID photos have separate requirements, but passport photos must comply with the standard no-glasses rule.

Practical Advice for Strong Prescriptions in Israel

If your prescription is strong:

• Contact lenses are available at optical shops throughout Israel. Chains like Opticana (אופטיקנה) stock daily disposables.
• Ask the photographer to guide you. They handle this daily.
• The photo takes seconds. Brief discomfort without glasses is negligible.

Do Not Digitally Remove Glasses from Israeli Photos

Do not digitally remove glasses from a photo. Always take the photo without glasses from the start.

Verify your photo meets all Israeli passport requirements with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size requirements, see Israeli passport photo size guide. View all Israeli passport photo rules on the Israel hub.