The main task of the photograph, which is pasted into the passport, is the identification of the owner of the document, and therefore an impressive number of requirements are imposed on such photographs. Strictly full-face, the face is clearly visible, the hairstyle does not hide the facial features … But what about the glasses? Can I be photographed in them?
Photo for a civil and foreign passport: are glasses acceptable?
All requirements for photographs that are submitted for issuing passports of Russian citizens are approved by the Administrative Regulations of the FMS. They are the same for the whole country, and all passport services must adhere to them. And to the question of whether it is possible to be photographed with glasses on a passport, there is an unequivocal answer: it is not only possible, but even necessary - provided that we are talking about glasses with corrective lenses (and not sunglasses), which are used for constant wear.
The same principle is used when photographing with a foreign passport:
- people who wear glasses all the time take them off;
- those who wear them only periodically (for example, for reading or for driving) - without glasses;
- sunglasses are prohibited.
In theory, visually impaired people who do not leave the house without glasses on their nose are required to be photographed for documents in this form. However, in practice, this requirement is not strictly observed: the FMS does not require any documents from an ophthalmologist confirming visual acuity, and glasses are an accessory that can be easily removed when checking documents. Therefore, even people who wear glasses all the time often end up taking pictures without them. Simply because it is easier than getting a photo that is guaranteed not to be "wrapped" by the representatives of the Federal Migration Service - after all, the requirements for pictures with glasses are quite strict.
Requirements for a passport photo with glasses
The clear distinction of all facial features can be called “requirement # 1” for all passport photos, and nothing should impede identification. Therefore, only accessories that meet the following requirements are suitable for photography:
- transparent lenses without toning and darkening;
- a frame that does not distort the characteristic features of the face and allows you to see the shape of the eyebrows, the shape of the eyes, etc.
At the same time, the photograph had to be made so that the glasses of the glasses did not glare, did not seem darkened (which sometimes happens even in cases when "in reality" the lenses are absolutely transparent), and the eyes would be clearly visible. At the same time, the standard lighting schemes used in the photo studio do not always allow you to take a high-quality picture. The most common defects are glare, eyeglass shadows on the face, and blurry eyes. And such pictures may not be accepted.
Another controversial point may be the shape or appearance of the frame. What is considered "distortion of facial features" is not spelled out in detail anywhere. Glasses with thin and light frames, which do not attract much attention, usually do not raise questions, but in all other cases, the decision whether a photo is suitable or not is at the discretion of the employees who receive the documents.
Taking pictures with or without glasses?
Thus, according to the law, if you constantly wear glasses on your passport, you need to be photographed in them, but getting a high-quality photo that is guaranteed to be accepted is not so easy. Therefore, in many cases, people with low vision take pictures without glasses - especially since there are no penalties for this.
Note, by the way, that it was precisely the problems with the quality of photographs that caused the US Department of State to prohibit photographing with glasses for documents - this applies to both American passports and photographs for visas. An exception to the rule can be made only if there are serious medical indications and upon presentation of a certificate. However, the American approach is still an exception to the rule, and when issuing, for example, Schengen visas, there are standard requirements for photos that allow shooting with glasses with transparent glasses.
