Note: Australian Passport Office rules may be updated at any time. Confirm requirements on the official APO website before submitting your application.
Glasses: Not Allowed
Since 2016, glasses of any type are prohibited in Australian passport photos. This is one of the most commonly overlooked rules and a leading cause of rejection.
- Prescription glasses — not allowed
- Reading glasses — not allowed
- Sunglasses — not allowed
- Tinted or photochromic lenses — not allowed
- Fashion frames (even without lenses) — not allowed
Even if you wear glasses every day, you must remove them for your passport photo. There is no approved exception for regular glasses wearers.
Head Coverings: Generally Not Allowed
Hats, beanies, caps, scarves, and other head coverings are not permitted — with two exceptions:
- Genuine religious head coverings (e.g., hijab, turban, kippah) — allowed if full face is visible
- Medical head coverings with supporting documentation — allowed case-by-case
- Fashion hats or caps — not allowed
- Beanies or casual headwear — not allowed
- Any covering that shadows the face — not allowed even with exemption
- Wigs (unless worn daily for medical reasons) — generally not allowed
Religious exemptions: The face from chin to crown must be fully visible with no shadows across the face. The covering must be consistent with your regular appearance.
Expression: Neutral Required
| Expression | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Neutral, relaxed face | ✓ Required |
| Mouth closed | ✓ Required |
| Eyes open, looking at camera | ✓ Required |
| Smiling (any degree) | ✗ Not allowed |
| Frowning or squinting | ✗ Not allowed |
| Raised eyebrows | ✗ Not allowed |
| Open mouth | ✗ Not allowed |
| Eyes closed or squinting | ✗ Not allowed |
Makeup and Appearance
What's Generally Acceptable
- Everyday, natural-looking makeup
- Foundation and concealer
- Light contouring that does not alter facial structure
- Natural-coloured eyebrows and eye makeup
- Modest lipstick or lip colour
What to Avoid
- Heavy theatrical or stage makeup
- Makeup that significantly changes your face shape or skin tone
- Dramatic contouring that alters your appearance materially
- Face paint or any non-everyday cosmetics
Jewellery and Accessories
- Earrings — acceptable if not obscuring the face
- Necklaces and chains — acceptable if not crossing the chin/face area
- Simple nose studs — generally acceptable
- Large statement jewellery that obscures part of the face
- Facial piercings that significantly alter your appearance
- Novelty accessories
Hair
- Hair styled normally and naturally
- Any natural or dyed hair colour
- Hair up or down — either is acceptable
- Hair covering the eyes or any part of the face
- Hair covering the forehead significantly
- Extreme or unusual styling that significantly changes your appearance
Background and Environment
- Plain white or off-white background
- Even lighting with no shadows
- Indoor or outdoor — either acceptable provided background is correct
- Coloured backgrounds (blue, grey, etc.)
- Patterned or textured backgrounds
- Shadows from the subject or from lighting
- Other objects or people visible in the background
Full Rejection Reasons List
- Glasses of any type present
- Non-white background
- Head too small (below 32 mm) or too large (above 36 mm)
- Shadows on face or background
- Eyes closed or not fully visible
- Photo older than 6 months
- Smiling or non-neutral expression
- Blurry or low-resolution image
- Hat or head covering without approved exemption
- Hair covering the eyes or face
- Photo digitally manipulated in a non-standard way
- Photo not in colour
- Damaged print (creases, marks, tears)
- Wrong dimensions (not 35×45 mm when printed)
- Other person or hand visible in the photo