Singapore Passport Size Photo Glasses Rules: All Eyewear Banned

No — glasses of any kind are not permitted in Singapore passport photos. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) bans all eyewear. This applies to passports and Singapore visa applications.

Exact Glasses Ban Rules for Singapore Passport Photos

All glasses are banned:

• Prescription glasses — not allowed, regardless of medical need
• Sunglasses — 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.

Why Does Singapore Ban Glasses in Passport Photos?

Singapore's ICA uses facial recognition to match applicants against their biometric database. The system is also used at automated immigration lanes (AutoGates) at Changi Airport and other checkpoints. 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.
• AutoGate matching compares your passport photo to a live camera scan. Glasses in the photo but not at the gate (or vice versa) reduce matching accuracy.

Are There Medical Exemptions for Singapore Glasses Ban?

Singapore does not grant medical exemptions for glasses in passport photos. The ICA guidelines contain no documented exceptions. If removing glasses is medically difficult, contact ICA directly — but expect to be directed toward contact lenses. The photo itself takes only seconds.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses in Singapore Passport Photos?

Clear prescription contact lenses 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 that noticeably change your eye colour. The biometric system compares your photo to previous records. Plain clear lenses won't cause issues.

Tips for Glasses Wearers Getting Singapore Passport Photos

Before the photo

• Remove glasses 5–10 minutes early. 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. The photo requires a neutral expression with both eyes clearly visible.
• If you use contact lenses, insert them before arriving at the ICA Building 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.

After the photo

• Check the photo on screen before accepting. Verify no red marks from frames are visible.

Where to Get Singapore Passport Photos Without Glasses

ICA Building (10 Kallang Road). The ICA Building has photo services on-site. Cost: SGD $6–10. Staff know all requirements.

Professional studios. Studios near the ICA Building and in shopping centres (Bugis, Orchard, Tampines). Cost: SGD $8–15. Ask for "passport photo, no glasses, white background."

Photo booths. Automated booths at MRT stations and shopping centres. Cost: SGD $6–10. Remove glasses before entering. Check the preview.

Neighbourhood photo shops. Studios in HDB void decks and neighbourhood centres. Cost: SGD $5–10. These are affordable and understand local requirements.

DIY at home. If taking your own photo:

• White background (Singapore requires pure white)
• 35×45mm
• No glasses of any kind
• Neutral expression, mouth closed (smiling not allowed)
• Both eyes clearly visible

MyICA Online Photo Requirements for Glasses

Singapore's MyICA portal allows digital photo upload for passport applications and renewals. The system validates your photo automatically:

• Glasses will be flagged by the automated checker
• The digital file must meet ICA's resolution requirements
• Upload a glasses-free photo to avoid rejection at the digital stage

If the photo is rejected online, you'll need to upload a new one before your application can proceed.

NRIC Photo Glasses Rules in Singapore

The same no-glasses rule applies to NRIC photos. If you're renewing or applying for an NRIC, remove all glasses. A single glasses-free photo can serve for both passport and NRIC applications.

Glasses Rules: Singapore vs Other Countries

Singapore follows the global majority in banning all glasses. Only a minority of countries still permit prescription glasses conditionally.

Common Glasses Mistakes in Singapore Passport Photos

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

Using old photos from before the ban. If your previous passport showed glasses, you need a new glasses-free photo.

Wearing transition lenses. These remain slightly tinted indoors. Remove them.

Digitally removing glasses. Photo manipulation is detectable and can delay your application.

Ignoring nose-bridge marks. Remove glasses well before the photo session.

Glasses Rules for Singaporeans Renewing Passports Abroad

If you're renewing your Singapore passport from abroad, the same no-glasses rule applies. Singapore embassies and consulates in London, Washington DC, Canberra, Beijing, Tokyo, and New Delhi all enforce the ban.

In countries where glasses are allowed (UK, Canada, Germany, South Korea), studios may assume glasses are fine. Specify: "Singapore passport photo, no glasses, white background, 35×45mm."

How AutoGates Affect Singapore Passport Photo Glasses Rules

Singapore's AutoGates at Changi Airport, Woodlands, and Tuas checkpoints use facial recognition to match your passport photo to your live face. The system works best with glasses-free photos because the live scan typically captures you without glasses.

Singapore Children's Passport Photos and Glasses Ban

The same no-glasses rule applies to children. Singapore passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. Adult passports are valid for 10 years.

Can You Wear Glasses at the ICA Building?

The glasses ban applies only to your passport photo. You can wear glasses:

• At the ICA Building during your appointment
• During in-person identity verification
• At immigration checkpoints (you'll use AutoGates with your biometric passport)
• In your supporting documents (NRIC, driving licence, etc.)

Singapore NS Personnel Passport Photo Glasses Rules

For NSF and NSmen, the same no-glasses rule applies to passport photos. If you wear government-issued spectacles (SAF/SPF/SCDF), these must be removed for the passport photo. The rule applies regardless of whether your glasses were issued through a military or uniformed service.

Singapore PR Passport Photo Glasses Requirements

Singapore PRs applying for or renewing their re-entry permits follow the same photo requirements as citizens. No glasses are permitted in the photo.

Advice for Strong Prescription Wearers in Singapore

If your prescription is strong and you don't normally wear contact lenses:

• Consider daily disposable contacts. Available without fitting at most Singapore optical chains (Capitol Optical, Nanyang Optical, Spectacle Hut). A single pair costs SGD $2–5 and solves the problem.
• Ask someone to guide you. If you can't see the camera clearly, the photographer or a companion can help you position correctly.
• Practise going without. The photo session lasts seconds. Remove glasses, take the photo, put them back on.

Do Not Digitally Remove Glasses from Singapore Photos

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

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