US to ban eyeglasses from passport, visa photos from Nov 1

It says the step is being taken to “eliminate glares and shadows” that can cause delays in processing the applications and to ensure consistent photo standards.

The US state department is banning passport and visa applicants from wearing eyeglasses in photos taken for the documents.

A passenger holds his passport and ticket at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. (AFP file photo)

In a notice published Friday, the department says that effective November 1, applicants must remove glasses for passport and visa photographs. It says the step is being taken to “eliminate glares and shadows” that can cause delays in processing the applications and to ensure consistent photo standards. Only in rare circumstances, if applicants have “documented medical necessity during urgent travel” will glasses be allowed.

The department says it expects to process a record number of passports — more than 20 million — in the current budget year that ends next October.