Australia Passport / Visa Photo Requirements and Size

Keeping your Australian passport accurate and up to date is essential for making sure you always have valid identification.

Photo Specs

• Size: 35mm to 40mm width. 45mm to 50mm length.
• Color: Color only.
• Head size and position: 32mm to 36mm. Not tilted or slumped. Centered.
• Recency: Not older than six months.
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey. Must give depth to face.
• Smile: Only a neutral expression.
• Eyes: Wide open and directed at camera.
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription.
• Headgear: Not blocking the face and religious apparel only.
• Dimensions and size (pixels): Not specified.
• Attire, clothing, dress code: Use your judgement and dress casual or business.
• Beard: Optional.
• Quantity needed in application: 2

Australia Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide

Australia Passport Photo and Visa Photo Requirements, Rules, Guidelines, and specifications

A snippet of how to take these photos is above. There are quite a few additional guidelines and rules to consider before snapping away. To assure government compliance, be sure you understand the following requirements:

• Every application needs two photos. This is true no matter how many people are submitting one, including children.
• Relaxed, natural expressions allow for better facial recognition than one with a smile. Resist the temptation to smile. Mouth needs to be closed completely and not open.
• Facial piercings are allowed so long as they do not give off a reflection or black the visibility of your face.
• If you wear prescription glasses every day, they can be worn in the photo as long as there is no glare or obstruction on your eyes. Sunglasses or ‘transition’ lenses with any tint are not allowed.
• No one else should be in the photo with you.
• A photo older than six months will not be accepted.
• Your hair can be down as long as the face can be clearly seen. Head pieces such as hats, beanies or hair accessories are not permitted. Headgear for religious purposes are OK if the face is not blocked.

For pictures taken digitally:

• No retouching of the picture in any way. This includes red eye removal or smoothing out blemishes or other skin issues.
• Camera used must be 1.2 meters away at the very least.
• High quality, glossy photo paper must be used for prints.
• Use good lighting so the face has the same amount of light on every part.

Rules and requirements for babies, infants, and newborns Passport and Visa photos

Each child receiving a passport or visa will need to have a photo. Group shots are not acceptable. Every child must be photographed separately, this includes infants. Kids are trickier and take a bit more time to take proper photos of. Don’t let that discourage you though. The Australian government understands and allows for looser regulations regarding children:

• Children under the age of three can have their mouths open but eyes need to be open as well.
• No one can be in the photo with them.
• Toys, bottles and other objects are not allowed in the photo.
• Face and tops of shoulders need to be squared with the camera. The child’s head cannot be tilted.
• Kids over the age of 3 are expected to be photographed as outlined above.
• All photos must comply with the technical rules and regulations such as sizing, color, brightness and contrast.

References

• https://www.passports.gov.au/Documents/camera-operator-guidelines.pdf

• https://www.passports.gov.au/passportsexplained/theapplicationprocess/passportphotographguidelines/Pages/default.aspx

• iVisa.com

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