Re: Diplomatic Note from the US Department of State, dated October 20, 2016, advising on the recent changes made by the Department of State, regarding photos submitted with visa applications.
Effective November 1, 2016, eyeglasses will not be allowed in any photo submitted with a visa application. Under this policy, the Department of State will no longer accept photographs of visa applicants wearing eyeglasses, except in rare, medically-documented circumstances, for example, when an applicant has had recent ocular surgery and eyeglasses are necessary to protect his/her eyes during urgent travel. Applicants must provide a medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner in these cases.
This policy applies to all persons, regardless of rank, position, or purpose of travel to the United States. All other requirements for visa photos remain the same. Additional information can be found on the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website www.travel.state.gov.
