Australia requires passport photos measuring 35×45 millimeters (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches) or 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. While Australia uses the standard ICAO dimensions shared by most European and Asian countries, the Australian Passport Office (APO) has strict enforcement on face coverage and a total ban on glasses that catches many applicants off guard.
Exact Australian Passport Photo Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 35mm / 1.38″ / 413px |
| Height | 45mm / 1.77″ / 531px |
| Aspect ratio | 7:9 |
| DPI | 300 |
| File format | JPEG |
| Max file size | 500KB |
| Background | White |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Australian Passport Photo Head Height: The 60–80% Rule
Your head — measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull — must occupy 60-80% of the photo's 45mm vertical space.
In concrete terms:
- Minimum (60%): 27mm from chin to crown
- Maximum (80%): 36mm from chin to crown
- Target (70%): approximately 31.5mm — the safest position
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
Australia follows the standard ICAO range (60-80%), which is wider than the UK's strict 64-76% or Japan's very strict 71-80%. However, the APO's automated processing still rejects photos outside this range. Aim for 70% to stay safely within bounds.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Australian Passport Photos
- Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Australia enforces this strictly — even clear-lens frames with no glare will be rejected.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face, forehead, or eyebrows. Both ears should be visible.
- Head coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible.
The glasses ban is absolute — no exceptions. Unlike the UK, Germany, and Canada (which conditionally allow prescription glasses), Australia does not permit any eyewear whatsoever in passport photos, regardless of medical need.
Australian Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Head height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 35×45mm | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| New Zealand | 35×45mm | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 64–76% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
| Japan | 35×45mm | 71–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Canada | 50×70mm | 44–51% | White | ✅ Conditional |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
Australia and New Zealand share identical specifications — both 35×45mm with the same head height, background, and glasses rules. A compliant photo for one country works for the other without modification. This reflects the close Trans-Tasman relationship between the two countries.
The UK uses the same 35×45mm dimensions but differs in two important ways: a light grey background (not white) and conditional permission for glasses. France also uses 35×45mm with a white background but bans glasses. Japan uses 35×45mm but enforces a much stricter 71-80% head height range — a photo framed for Australia's 60-80% rule may fail in Japan if the head is below 71%.
Where to Get a Passport Photo in Australia
Australia Post outlets. Most Australia Post branches offer passport photo services. They produce compliant 35×45mm photos and verify framing before printing. Cost is typically AUD $15-20. Some branches offer a combined photo-and-application service.
Pharmacy photo services. Terry White Chemmart, Priceline Pharmacy, and some independent pharmacies offer passport photo services. Prices range from AUD $15-25.
Professional photographers. Studios charge more (AUD $25-40) but are often better for children's photos. Studios near passport offices in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) handle passport photos daily.
Photo booths. Automated booths in shopping centres, train stations, and near government buildings produce compliant photos for AUD $12-18. Look for machines labelled "passport photo" — standard photo booths may use different dimensions. Photo-Me and similar brands are common in Australian shopping centres.
DIY at home. Stand against a plain white wall in good natural light. Photograph from about 1.5 metres away. Crop to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI, save as JPEG under 500KB. Note that the APO's 500KB limit is stricter than many countries — reduce JPEG quality to 80-85% if your file exceeds this.
Digital Submission Requirements for Australian Passport Photos
When uploading to the Australian Passport Office:
- JPEG format, 413×531 pixels minimum at 300 DPI
- Maximum 500KB file size — this is stricter than the UK (10MB) or US (240KB, but a smaller photo)
- White background, no shadows
- Taken within the last six months
- The system runs automated checks on dimensions, face detection, and background colour
File size tip: A 413×531px JPEG at quality 85 is typically 50-150KB — well within the 500KB limit. If your file exceeds 500KB, reduce quality slightly rather than reducing resolution.
Australian Baby and Children's Passport Photo Size Rules
Children's Australian passport photos follow the same 35×45mm size and 60-80% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. The mouth can be slightly open for very young babies. No dummies, toys, hands, or other objects should be visible. Australia Post branches handle infant photos, though a professional studio is often easier.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centred. Getting a toddler to remain still with a neutral expression is the real challenge. Professional studios are usually more patient and experienced with children.
All children under 18: Australian children's passports are valid for 5 years (vs 10 for adults). This means more frequent renewals and more frequent photos. Keep a compliant digital copy of your child's most recent photo — you'll need it again sooner than for an adult passport.
Common Australian Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Using a US 51×51mm photo. The US square format is a completely different size and shape. Australian citizens in the US (or dual citizens) need a separate 35×45mm photo for their Australian passport.
Face too small from selfie distance. Arm's-length selfies produce a face at roughly 40-50% of the frame — below the 60% minimum. Use a tripod at 1.5 metres distance, or have someone else take the photo.
Wearing glasses. Australia does not allow glasses in passport photos under any circumstances. Remove all eyewear before the photo is taken.
Wrong background colour. Australia requires white (not the light grey used by the UK and Germany). Photos taken for a UK passport may fail on background alone.
Exceeding the 500KB file size limit. The APO's limit is stricter than most countries. If your JPEG is too large, reduce quality slightly — don't reduce resolution.
Verifying Your Australian Passport Photo Before Submission
Use our passport photo checker to validate your photo against Australian requirements. For background colour rules, see our guide on Australian passport photo background requirements. View all specifications on the Australia passport photo hub.
