No — glasses of any kind are not permitted in UAE passport photos. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP — الهيئة الاتحادية للهوية والجنسية والجمارك وأمن المنافذ) bans all eyewear. This applies to Emirati passports and UAE residence visa photos.
Exact Glasses Rules for UAE Passport Photos
All glasses are banned:
- Prescription glasses (نظارات طبية) — not allowed, regardless of medical need
- Sunglasses (نظارات شمسية) — 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 (عدسات لاصقة).
Get a compliant passport photo online
How the UAE's 40×60mm Size Affects the Glasses Ban
The UAE uses a 40×60mm passport photo. This means:
- Studios outside the UAE may default to 35×45mm — always specify 40×60mm
- The larger format makes glasses marks on the nose bridge clearly visible
- Always specify "4 × 6 cm" when ordering UAE passport or visa photos
Why Does the UAE Ban Glasses in Passport Photos?
The UAE uses facial recognition extensively — at airport e-gates, Emirates ID verification, and border control. 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.
Are There Medical Exemptions for UAE Glasses Ban?
The UAE 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 UAE Passport Photos?
Clear prescription contact lenses (عدسات لاصقة) are fine.
What might get flagged: Coloured or cosmetic contact lenses (عدسات ملونة) that noticeably change your eye colour. Clear lenses only.
Tips for Glasses Wearers Getting UAE Passport Photos
Before the photo
- Remove glasses 5–10 minutes early. Nose-bridge marks are clearly visible at 40×60mm.
- 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 UAE Passport Photos Without Glasses
Typing centres (مراكز الطباعة). The most common option for passport and visa photos. Found throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all other emirates. Cost: AED 25–50. Staff handle passport photos daily.
Amer centres (مراكز آمر). Dubai-specific service centres for government transactions. Most have on-site photo services. Cost: AED 30–50.
ICP service centres. The ICP's own offices in each emirate. Some have photo services on-site.
Professional studios. Studios in malls and commercial areas. Cost: AED 30–80.
Photo booths. Automated booths in some malls and metro stations. Cost: AED 20–40. Remove glasses before entering.
DIY at home. If taking your own photo:
- White background (UAE requires pure white)
- 40×60mm
- No glasses of any kind
- Neutral expression, mouth closed (smiling not allowed)
- Both eyes clearly visible
Emirates ID Photo Glasses Rules
The same no-glasses rule applies to Emirates ID (الهوية الإماراتية) photos. Since all UAE residents (citizens and expats) must hold an Emirates ID, a single glasses-free photo session can serve for both passport and ID card.
UAE Residence Visa Photo Glasses Rules
The UAE's large expatriate population means millions of people need residence visa photos. The same no-glasses rule applies. If you're applying for or renewing a UAE residence visa:
- 40×60mm, white background
- No glasses
- No smiling
- Recent photo (within 6 months)
Whether you're sponsored by an employer, a family member, or applying through a free zone, the photo requirements are identical.
Hijab and Glasses Rules for UAE Passport Photos
Women who wear hijab may wear it in their UAE 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: UAE vs Other Countries
| Country | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | ❌ Banned | |
| Saudi Arabia | ❌ 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 |
The UAE follows the global majority in banning all glasses.
Common Glasses Mistakes in UAE Passport Photos
Keeping glasses on "because they're clear." Even clear prescription glasses are banned.
Using the wrong photo size. The UAE's 40×60mm differs from the international standard 35×45mm.
Wearing transition lenses. These retain tint indoors. Remove them.
Wearing coloured contacts. Clear prescription contacts only.
Digitally removing glasses. Photo manipulation is detectable and grounds for rejection.
UAE Expat Photo Sizes: Glasses Rules Across Documents
If you're an expatriate in the UAE, you may need photos for multiple documents simultaneously — Emirates ID, residence visa, and your home country's passport. While the no-glasses rule is shared by most countries, photo sizes differ:
- UAE passport / Emirates ID / residence visa: 40×60mm
- US passport: 51×51mm (2×2 inches)
- UK passport: 35×45mm
- Indian passport: 35×35mm (51×51mm for US visa)
Take a glasses-free photo at the largest required size and have the studio crop for each document.
UAE Airport E-Gates and Glasses-Free Passport Photos
The UAE uses automated e-gates at Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), and Sharjah International (SHJ). These use facial recognition to match your passport photo to your live face. Glasses-free photos produce the best matching accuracy.
When passing through e-gates, you'll also need to remove glasses for the live scan.
Advice for Strong Prescription Wearers in the UAE
If your prescription is strong:
- Daily disposable contacts are available at optical shops throughout the UAE. Chains like Magrabi Optical, Al Jaber Optical, and Rivoli EyeZone stock daily disposables.
- Ask the photographer to guide you. They handle this daily.
- The photo takes seconds. Brief discomfort without glasses is negligible.
UAE Children's Passport Photos and the Glasses Ban
The same no-glasses rule applies to children. UAE passports for children follow the same ICP requirements as adult passports — no glasses, white background, 40×60mm.
Can You Wear Glasses at the ICP Office?
The glasses ban applies only to your passport photo. You can wear glasses:
- At the ICP office or Amer centre during your appointment
- During biometric capture (fingerprints, iris scan)
- In your supporting documents
UAE Golden Visa and Long-Term Visa Glasses Rules
If you're applying for a UAE Golden Visa (10-year visa) or Green Visa (5-year visa), the photo requirements are the same as standard residence visa photos: 40×60mm, white background, no glasses.
UAE Passport Photo Renewal and Glasses Changes
If your current passport or Emirates ID photo shows you wearing glasses, you'll need a new glasses-free photo for renewal. UAE passports for Emirati citizens are typically valid for 5 years. Residence visas vary by type (1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 years).
Do Not Digitally Remove Glasses from UAE Photos
Do not digitally remove glasses from a photo. Always take the photo without glasses from the start.
Verify your photo meets all UAE passport requirements with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size requirements, see UAE passport photo size guide. View all UAE passport photo rules on the UAE hub.
