If you're applying for a Pakistani passport, you cannot wear glasses in your passport photo. This rule is strictly enforced by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and the NADRA system that processes passport applications.
Understanding this policy and knowing how to handle it will help you avoid rejection and delays in your passport application.
Current Pakistani Passport Photo Glasses Policy
Pakistan maintains a clear position on glasses in passport photos:
- No glasses permitted. This includes all types of eyewear.
- Prescription glasses not allowed. Even with a valid prescription, glasses must be removed.
- Sunglasses prohibited. Dark tinted lenses are absolutely not permitted.
- Fashion frames not allowed. Even non-prescription frames are prohibited.
This policy aligns with international ICAO standards that many countries follow for machine-readable passports and automated border control systems.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Why Does Pakistan Ban Glasses in Passport Photos?
Pakistan's strict glasses policy serves several purposes:
Facial recognition accuracy. The NADRA system uses automated facial recognition for passport processing and border control. Glasses — even clear prescription lenses — can interfere with accurate facial mapping, particularly around the eye area.
International compatibility. Many countries restrict or prohibit glasses in passport photos. Pakistan's alignment with these standards ensures compatibility with international border control systems.
Consistency in processing. Eliminating glasses reduces variables that can cause processing delays or errors in identification.
Photo quality standards. Even anti-reflective lenses can create subtle issues that affect the automated systems.
What If You Need Glasses to See for Pakistani Photos?
This is a common concern, particularly for people with strong prescriptions. Here's how to handle it:
Remove glasses for the photo. Your photo will still be acceptable:
- Your eyes must be visible and open
- Your face must be clearly recognizable
- The system identifies you based on multiple facial features
Consider contact lenses. If you have them, wear contacts for your passport photo session.
Understand the trade-off. While glasses help you see clearly, their absence won't prevent your photo from being accepted as long as your eyes are open and visible.
Most people are recognizable. Unless your prescription dramatically changes your appearance, removing glasses shouldn't affect recognition.
Prescription Glasses vs Sunglasses in Pakistani Photos
Both prescription glasses and sunglasses are prohibited. There's no exception for:
- Daily prescription eyeglasses
- Prescription sunglasses
- Tinted or colored lenses
- Photochromatic lenses (that darken in sunlight)
- Any form of eyewear
The policy applies uniformly regardless of vision correction needs.
Tips for Taking Pakistani Passport Photos Without Glasses
If you normally wear glasses, these tips help ensure success:
Blink naturally. Without glasses, you may blink more. Take several photos and select one with eyes naturally open.
Look directly at camera. Even without clear vision, look toward the lens. The photo will still work.
Check your eyes. Use lubricating drops if your eyes are dry. Red or irritated eyes can sometimes cause questions.
See how you look. Review photos of yourself without glasses so you know what to expect.
Practice. Take some test shots at home before the official photo session.
Pakistani Baby and Child Passport Photo Glasses Rules
Children who wear glasses must also remove them for passport photos:
- If your child wears prescription glasses, remove them
- Ensure their eyes are clearly visible
- Most children are recognizable without their glasses
For children who are fussy or don't understand:
- Take photos when they're most cooperative
- Use toys or sounds to get their attention
- Take many photos to catch one with eyes open
- Consider professional photography services
Medical Exemptions for Glasses in Pakistani Passport Photos
Medical exceptions are extremely rare and require documentation:
- If you have a medical condition that makes removing glasses impossible
- Documentation from a medical professional would be required
- Contact the passport office directly to discuss your situation
In general, the expectation is that everyone removes their glasses for passport photos.
Glasses Rules: Pakistan vs Other Countries
| Country | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | ❌ Banned | |
| India | ❌ Banned | Since 2020 |
| United States | ❌ Banned | Since 2016 |
| China | ❌ Banned | |
| Japan | ❌ Banned | |
| France | ❌ Banned | |
| Australia | ❌ Banned | Since 2018 |
| United Kingdom | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Canada | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Germany | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| South Korea | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
Pakistan follows the global majority in banning all glasses. If you hold dual citizenship, check each country's rules separately.
What If Your Pakistani Passport Photo Shows Glasses?
If you submit a photo with glasses:
- Receive rejection notification (typically "glasses not permitted")
- Remove your glasses
- Take a new photo without glasses
- Upload through your application portal
The NADRA system allows photo replacement without restarting the entire application, though it does extend processing time.
Quick Checklist for Pakistani Passport Photo Glasses Rules
Before submitting your Pakistani passport photo:
- No glasses worn in photo
- No sunglasses or tinted lenses
- Both eyes clearly visible and open
- No reflections (because there are no lenses)
- Face centered and facing forward
- Background is white or light blue
- Photo meets 35×45mm requirements
- Expression is neutral, mouth closed
- Head occupies 60-80% of frame
Where to Get Glasses-Free Passport Photos in Pakistan
NADRA offices. NADRA has offices in every major city including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. Photo studios are located near every NADRA office. Cost: PKR 100–500.
Professional studios. Studios in markets and commercial areas near passport offices. Ask for "passport photo, no glasses, white background, 35×45mm."
DIY at home. If taking your own photo:
- White or light background
- 35×45mm
- No glasses of any kind
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes clearly visible
NICOP and POC Card Photo Glasses Rules in Pakistan
If you're an overseas Pakistani applying for a NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) or POC (Pakistan Origin Card), the same no-glasses rule applies. A single glasses-free photo session can serve for both passport and NICOP.
Glasses Rules for Pakistanis Renewing Passports Abroad
If you're renewing your Pakistani passport from abroad, the same no-glasses rule applies. Pakistani embassies and consulates in London, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, New York, and Toronto all enforce the ban.
Studios abroad may be unfamiliar with Pakistani passport requirements. Specify: "Pakistani passport photo, no glasses, white background, 35×45mm."
CNIC Photo Glasses Rules in Pakistan
The same no-glasses rule applies to CNIC photos processed by NADRA. Since the CNIC is a primary identity document in Pakistan, a glasses-free photo ensures consistency across your identity documents.
Can You Wear Glasses at the Pakistani Passport Office?
The glasses ban applies only to your passport photo. You can wear glasses at the NADRA or passport office during your appointment, during biometric capture (fingerprints), and when completing paperwork.
Do Not Digitally Remove Glasses from Pakistani Photos
Do not digitally remove glasses from a photo. Always take the photo without glasses from the start.
Verify your photo meets all Pakistani passport requirements with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size requirements, see Pakistani passport photo size guide. View all Pakistani passport photo rules on the Pakistan hub.
