Australia Passport & Visa Photo

Understanding Australian Passport Photo Requirements

Australian passport photos follow standards set by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The required size is 35 x 45mm with a white background. Your face must measure between 32mm and 36mm from chin to crown. Australia uses advanced biometric matching, so photos must meet very precise specifications - the DFAT reports that approximately 1 in 4 passport photos submitted are initially rejected.

Australia requires a "neutral expression with mouth closed" - no smiling. The lighting must be even with no shadows, and both eyes must be open and clearly visible. Glasses are permitted only if you wear them permanently for medical reasons (not just prescription lenses), and you'll need a medical certificate to support this. Most applicants should remove glasses entirely to avoid complications.

Where to Apply for an Australian Passport

• Australia Post Offices - Over 3,500 participating offices nationwide (most common method)
• Australian Passport Office Sydney - 26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
• Australian Passport Office Melbourne - Ground Floor, Casselden, 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Australian Passport Office Canberra - R.G. Casey Building, John McEwen Crescent, Barton ACT 2600
• Overseas - Through Australian embassies, high commissions, and consulates in over 100 countries

Common Australian Photo Rejection Reasons

1. Head tilt or rotation - Australia's biometric system is extremely sensitive to head position. Your face must be perfectly straight and centered.
2. Non-uniform background - Even a slightly off-white or gradient background will be flagged by the automated checking system.
3. Mouth slightly open - Even a partially open mouth will be rejected. The lips must be together in a relaxed, closed position.
4. Incorrect face proportions - The 32-36mm face height requirement is strictly enforced. Photos from phone selfies often don't meet this specification.
5. Overexposure or underexposure - Photos must show natural skin tones without washed-out or overly dark areas.

Costs & Processing Times (2026)

A standard 10-year adult Australian passport costs $398 AUD (domestic applications) or $448 AUD (overseas applications). Processing time is typically 6-8 weeks for standard applications. Priority processing (approximately 2 business days for collection) costs an additional $230 AUD and is available at selected passport offices. Child passports (under 16) cost $199 AUD and are valid for 5 years.

Official Sources

• Australian Passport Office - Photo Guidelines
• DFAT - Office Locations