The U.S. Embassy to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) advises that, effective November 1, 2016, applicants for U.S. passports and visas must remove their eyeglasses for U.S. passport and visa photos.

The U.S. Department of State is implementing this policy to enhance the security of the application process and improve officers’ ability to quickly verify the identity of applicants.

If applicants must wear eyeglasses for medical reasons, they will need to submit a signed statement with their application from a medical professional or health practitioner, such as a surgeon or ophthalmologist.

Applicants should ensure that they have removed their eyeglasses for their U.S. passport and visa photos to avoid any delays in processing applications.