Australian Passport Photo Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide
Australian passport applications are processed using biometric verification. Photos that are blurred, retouched, or improperly lit can be rejected, causing delays or extra costs. Ensuring you meet the official passport photo guidelines and specifications protects your identity and enables smooth travel.
💡 Quick Answer:
- Your Australian passport photo must be recent and in colour.
- The background must be plain and light-coloured.
- Your face must be fully visible.
- Keep a neutral expression (eyes open, mouth closed).
- The photo must be 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high.
- Your photos must be printed on high-quality glossy paper.
Using a professional provider like PhotoBooth Online helps ensure your photo meets all requirements, with a 100% approval guarantee.
Contents
Australian Passport Photo Rules Explained
Photo Measurements
- Width: 35–40 mm
- Height: 45–50 mm
- Face height (chin to crown): 32–36 mm
Other Photo Requirements
- Less than 6 months old
- Good quality colour print, produced using dye sublimation (not inkjet)
- Printed on heavyweight, glossy paper (minimum 200 gsm)
- Clear, in-focus image with no marks, red-eye, shadows, or reflections
- Plain white or light background that contrasts with your face
- Uniform lighting with natural skin tones
- Face centred, looking straight at the camera, edges fully visible
- No retouching (removing moles, wrinkles, scars, or blemishes)
- No head tilt and no hair covering the edges of the face
- Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed (anyone over 3 years old)
Guidelines on Head Accessories & Facial Features
Religious Headwear
If you usually cover your head for religious reasons, you may wear your head covering in your passport photo.
It must be plain, without patterns (even small patterns). You must wear it so that your entire face is visible, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the edges of your face on both sides are clearly visible.
Jewellery and Piercings
If you usually wear jewellery or have a piercing, it must not obscure any part of your face, especially around the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Additionally, ensure there is no reflection from any rings, studs, or other pieces of jewellery in the photo.
Prescription Glasses
Glasses must not be worn in a passport photo unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons. Simply having vision impairment is not an acceptable reason to wear glasses.
If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure that the frames do not obscure your eyes and that there is no reflection from the lenses.
Hearing Aids
Adults, children, and infants can have a hearing aid in their passport photo if they usually wear it.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
- Non-neutral expression (smiling, open mouth)
- Looking slightly away from the camera instead of straight ahead
- Hair covering the eyes or the edges of the face
- Wearing glasses when they are not allowed or causing glare on the lenses
- Face not centred or positioned too close/far from the camera
- Background that is not plain or has visible texture or objects
- Clothing that blends into the background (reducing contrast)
- Uneven lighting creating shadows on the face or background
- Photo filtering (for example, using beauty filters)
- Low-resolution image or visible pixelation after printing
- Using non-glossy paper for prints
Examples of Correct and Incorrect Passport Photos
How to Get Verified and Guaranteed Passport Photos
Using a professional service like PhotoBooth Online is the safest way to ensure your passport photos meet all Australian requirements. Here’s how it works:
1
Upload Your Photo
Upload a regular photo taken at home using your smartphone or camera. No need to worry about background, size, or lighting – our system will fix them if needed.
2
Automatic Adjustment
Your photo is automatically cropped and adjusted to meet official Australian passport requirements, including size, proportions, and background.
3
Instant Download
Receive a digital Australian passport photo along with a print-ready 6×4″ template containing multiple correctly sized copies – you can print it at any photo shop without any preparation.
4
Print or Order Delivery
Print your photos at any store using the template, or order 8 high-quality prints pre-printed and delivered directly to your door by Australia Post.
By following these steps, you can quickly create a fully compliant picture that meets the Australian passport photo requirements, guidelines, and specifications set by the Australian Passport Office – all without visiting a studio. With rule-based adjustments and a guaranteed approval, you avoid common mistakes and delays. Start now and get your verified photo in minutes.
Written by: PhotoBooth Online Team
Updated: 06/04/26
Sources: Australian Passport Office guidelines
📎 Useful Links
- Camera Operator Guidelines brochure
- Official Australian Passport Office video
- If you have any questions, contact the Australian Passport Office directly