No — glasses of any kind are not permitted in South Africa passport photos. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) bans all eyewear. This applies to South African passports and South African visa applications.
Exact Glasses Ban Rules for South African 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.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Why Does South Africa Ban Glasses in Passport Photos?
South Africa's DHA uses biometric facial recognition to match applicants against their 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.
Are There Medical Exemptions for South African Glasses Ban?
Medical exemptions are extremely rare. For the vast majority of applicants, removing glasses for the photo is the simplest solution. The photo takes only seconds.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses in South African Passport Photos?
Clear prescription contact lenses are fine. The rule targets glasses and tinted lenses.
What might get flagged: Coloured or cosmetic contact lenses that noticeably change your eye colour.
Tips for Glasses Wearers Getting South African Passport Photos
Before the photo
- Remove glasses 5–10 minutes early. This allows the red marks on the bridge of your nose to fade.
- If you normally squint without glasses, practise keeping your eyes naturally open.
- If you use contact lenses, insert them before arriving at the DHA office or studio.
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 before accepting. Verify no red marks from frames are visible.
Where to Get South African Passport Photos Without Glasses
DHA offices. Department of Home Affairs offices across South Africa have on-site photo services. Cost: included in the application fee or R30–50 separately. Staff know all requirements.
Professional studios. Studios near DHA offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and other cities. Cost: R50–100. Ask for "passport photo, no glasses, white background."
CNA stores. Many CNA (Central News Agency) outlets offer passport photo services. Cost: R50–80.
Postnet outlets. Postnet locations in shopping centres offer document services including passport photos. Cost: R60–100.
DIY at home. If taking your own photo:
- White background (South Africa requires pure white)
- 35×45mm
- No glasses of any kind
- Neutral expression, mouth closed (smiling not allowed)
- Both eyes clearly visible
South African Smart ID Card and Glasses Ban
The same no-glasses rule applies to the South African Smart ID Card. A single glasses-free photo can serve for both passport and Smart ID applications if it meets the requirements.
Glasses Rules: South Africa vs Other Countries
| Country | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | ❌ Banned | |
| United States | ❌ Banned | Since 2016 |
| China | ❌ Banned | |
| Japan | ❌ Banned | |
| France | ❌ Banned | |
| India | ❌ Banned | Since 2020 |
| Australia | ❌ Banned | Since 2018 |
| United Kingdom | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Germany | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Canada | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| Italy | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
| South Korea | ✅ Conditional | Prescription only, no glare |
South Africa follows the global majority in banning all glasses. Only a minority of countries — UK, Germany, Canada, Italy, and South Korea among major nations — still permit prescription glasses conditionally.
Common Glasses Mistakes in South African Passport Photos
Keeping glasses on "because they're clear." Even clear prescription glasses are banned.
Wearing transition lenses. These retain tint indoors. Remove them.
Digitally removing glasses. Photo manipulation is detectable.
Ignoring nose-bridge marks. Remove glasses well before the session.
Glasses Rules for South Africans Renewing Passports Abroad
If you're renewing your South African passport from abroad, the same no-glasses rule applies. South African embassies and consulates in London, Washington DC, Canberra, Berlin, Riyadh, and Nairobi all enforce the ban.
In countries where glasses are allowed (UK, Germany, Canada), studios may assume glasses are fine. Specify: "South African passport photo, no glasses, white background, 35×45mm."
DHA Processing Times and the Glasses Photo Rule
South Africa's DHA offices can experience long wait times, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape. If your photo is rejected for glasses at the DHA office, you'll need to leave, retake the photo, and rejoin the queue. Ensure your photo is correct before arriving to avoid losing your place.
South African Children's Passport Photos and Glasses Ban
The same no-glasses rule applies to children. South African passports for children under 16 require both parents' consent. The no-glasses rule applies regardless of the child's age.
Can You Wear Glasses at the DHA Office?
The glasses ban applies only to your actual passport photo. You can wear glasses:
- At the DHA office during your appointment
- During in-person biometric capture (fingerprints, facial scan)
- In your supporting documents (Smart ID, driver's licence, etc.)
South African Visa Photo Glasses Rules
If you're applying for a South African visa from abroad (for non-citizens), the same no-glasses rule applies:
- 35×45mm, white background
- No glasses
- No smiling
- Recent photo (within 6 months)
eHomeAffairs Online Photo Requirements for Glasses
South Africa is progressively moving passport services online. When uploading a digital photo through eHomeAffairs or similar portals, the system may validate your photo against DHA requirements. Glasses will be flagged. Ensure your uploaded photo is glasses-free before submitting.
Advice for Strong Prescription Wearers in South Africa
If your prescription is strong and you don't normally wear contact lenses:
- Daily disposable contacts are available at South African optical chains (Spec-Savers, Torga Optical). A single pair is affordable and solves the problem.
- Ask the photographer to guide you. If you can't see the camera clearly, the photographer can help you position correctly.
- The photo takes seconds. Remove glasses, take the photo, put them back on. The brief discomfort is negligible.
South African Passport Photo Renewal and Glasses Changes
If your current passport photo shows you with glasses, you'll need a new glasses-free photo for your renewal. Your existing passport remains valid until it expires.
DHA Photo Rules for Refugees and Permanent Residents
Non-citizens with South African permanent residence permits or refugee status follow the same photo requirements as citizens. No glasses are permitted in any DHA-issued identity document photos.
Emergency South African Passport Photo Glasses Rules
South Africa issues emergency travel documents in urgent situations. The same no-glasses rule applies to emergency passport photos. DHA offices that process emergency applications have photo services available.
Do Not Digitally Remove Glasses from SA Passport Photos
Do not digitally remove glasses from a photo. Always take the photo without glasses from the start.
Verify your photo meets all South African passport requirements with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size requirements, see South African passport photo size guide. View all South African passport photo rules on the South Africa hub.
