Eyes in Passport Photos 2026 – Open, Visible, and Looking Forward

Facial recognition systems used at passport control and e-gates rely primarily on the geometry of the eye region to identify a person. Key measurements include:

• The distance between the inner and outer corners of each eye.
• The distance between the two eyes (interpupillary distance).
• The relative position of the eyes within the face.
• The colour and pattern of the iris (less used in passport photos, but relevant for some systems).

Any obstruction of the eyes — glasses frames, reflections, shadows, partially closed lids, or gaze directed away from the camera — reduces the accuracy of biometric extraction. This is the technical reason why eye requirements in passport photos are strictly enforced, and why the 2022 ICAO standard update permanently removed any remaining allowance for glasses.

ICAO Doc 9303 specifies that both eyes must be:

• Fully open — not squinting, not partially closed, not drooping.
• Clearly visible — not obscured by hair, reflections, or any other element.
• Looking directly at the camera — facing straight ahead, not upward, downward, or to either side.

The most common reason for eye-related rejection is squinting in bright light.When taking a photo near a window or under harsh artificial light, people naturally squint. The solution is to use softer, more diffuse light so the eyes can remain relaxed and open.

The second most common issue is looking at the screen rather than the lens.When using a smartphone, people often look at their own image on screen to see how it looks, which means their gaze is slightly off-axis. Always focus on the camera lens itself, not the preview image.

The rule is straightforward: contact lenses are permitted in passport photos; glasses are not.

Contact lenses: Clear contact lenses are fully accepted — they do not obstruct the eye or affect biometric measurements. Coloured contact lenses that significantly change the apparent colour of the iris may be questioned by some authorities, as they can affect iris recognition. The safest approach is to wear natural-coloured lenses or none at all, but standard coloured lenses are not automatically rejected under ICAO rules.

Glasses: All glasses, including prescription glasses, reading glasses, and fashion frames, are prohibited in passport photos across all ICAO countries. The ban was formalised in the 2022 ICAO standard update (the US State Department banned glasses independently as early as 2016). The reason is that frames obstruct part of the eye area, and lens reflections can obscure the iris entirely.

Red-eye is caused by light from a camera flash reflecting off the retina at the back of the eye. It creates a red glow in the pupil that overrides the natural eye colour and alters the appearance of the iris region — both biometrically significant reference points.

All ICAO countries reject photos with visible red-eye. The fix is straightforward:

• Do not use direct on-camera flash.
• Use natural window light as the primary light source.
• If using artificial light, position the light source to the side of the camera, not directly behind it.
• If you must use flash, use an off-camera flash or bounce it off a ceiling.

Note: digital red-eye removal tools alter the pixel data of the eye area. While automated red-eye correction may be acceptable if it accurately restores natural eye colour, any manipulation of the eye area that alters biometric features beyond correcting the red reflection is not permitted.

Eye makeup — including eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, and brow products — is permitted in passport photos, provided the eyes remain fully visible and open. ICAO's authenticity principle requires that the photo represents your normal appearance, and everyday makeup falls within this.

False eyelashes: Standard false eyelashes that enhance but do not dramatically change the shape of the eye are generally accepted. Very dramatic extensions that alter the apparent eye shape significantly — for example, by making the eye appear larger, more elongated, or obscuring the upper eyelid — may be questioned in a manual review, as they can affect biometric measurements. Natural-looking lashes are always safer.

The key test: are both eyes still clearly, fully visible? If yes, the makeup is acceptable.

Some applicants have medical conditions that affect how their eyes appear in photographs:

• Ptosis (drooping eyelid): A drooping eyelid that partially covers the eye may prevent a fully open appearance. The photo should still show as much of the eye as medically possible. Contact the issuing authority in advance.
• Cataracts and cloudy lens: Cataracts change the appearance of the eye but do not obstruct it from being open. A photo can still be taken following standard rules. The photo must still show open eyes.
• Eye surgery or trauma: If eye surgery has permanently changed eye appearance, the current post-surgery appearance is the reference. The photo should represent the current state accurately.

Always verify with the issuing authority if you have a medical condition that significantly affects eye appearance in photographs. Documentation may be required.

Babies frequently have their eyes closed or half-open in photos. The same rule applies: both eyes must be fully open. Practical tips:

• Take the photo when the baby is alert and awake — not just after feeding or before sleep.
• Use natural light and no flash — flash startles babies and can cause squinting or crying.
• Take many photos and select the best. Getting an eyes-open shot of a baby often requires 20–30 attempts.
• Have a second person hold the baby's attention from slightly above the camera lens to encourage eye contact.