Are Visa and Passport Photos the Same? 

Are you planning to travel outside Australia? Have you kept your passport up to date? Are you aware of the visa requirements? How much do you know about the photo specifications for visas and passports? These are some of the topics we will be exploring in this blog post to help you understand the specifications for visa and passport photos.

Australia Passport Photo Specs

You can’t take any old photo and expect it to be accepted for your passport. There are specific requirements and if your photo doesn’t match those requirements, your application is unlikely to be approved. Here’s a list of some of these specifications:

• The size of the photo should be 35 to 40 mm in width and 45 to 50 mm in length.
• Only colour photos are accepted.
• The photo should be centred. It should not be tilted or slumped.
• The photo should have been taken in the last 6 months.
• The photo should have a plain white or grey background. The face should have depth.
• Do not smile in the photo. You must maintain a neutral expression.
• Your eyes should be completely open and you should be looking at the camera.
• If you wear glasses, you can take photos with non-thick prescription glasses.
• Only religious headgear is allowed and it should not block the face.
• All parts of the face should have the same amount of lighting.

For your passport application, you will need to submit two photos.

Australia Visa Photo Specs

Here’s a list of the specifications for the Australia visa photo:

• The photo should be 45 mm x 35 mm in size.
• The face should cover at least 80% of the photograph
• Your eyes should be fully open
• The background should not have any shadows or patterns and it should be plain white.
• It has to be a coloured photo and should have been taken within the last 3 months.
• Caps or hats should not cover any part of the face
• No headgear other than for religious reasons is allowed in the photograph. Even then, it should not cover any part of the face.
• There shouldn’t be any face jewellery.
• Maintain a neutral expression.
• Photos should not be edited such as removing a scar, background irregularities or a mole.
• Your mouth should be closed.
• Your head should be straight without any tilting.

Visa Photo Requirements, Rules & Guidelines

As far as the visa photo requirements for other countries are concerned, most countries have fairly similar requirements. Some countries might have slightly different requirements but ultimately, the goal is to make sure that the face of the applicant is clearly visible for facial recognition. No part of the face should be covered by hair or headgear or any other items. Also, the face should cover at least 80% of the photo.

If you are planning to scan a picture for an Australian visa, make sure every photograph is scanned separately. The picture should be clear. Do not place it on the top of a piece of paper and make sure the front and back are clearly visible.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are different photo requirements for passports and visas. Even though most of the requirements are similar, there is a slight difference in the dimensions of the photographs required for passports and visas, respectively. If you haven’t updated your passport photo in recent years or you are getting a new passport, it is important for you to be aware of the photo requirements. Similarly, you need to be aware of the visa photo requirements for the country where you plan to visit. Keep in mind that your application is likely to be rejected if the photos do not meet the specifications.

Visit Photoland for Passport & Visa Photo Services

Whether you want to apply for a passport or you are applying for a visa, you will need good quality photographs that meet the necessary specifications. Here at Photoland, we specialise in passport and visa photos. This is one of our most popular services and we are aware of the requirements for passport and visa photos. If you are visiting this part of this city and are looking for a passport photo, our rush service will help you get the photograph in just 15 minutes. We also accept photos via email. Just email us the photos and get the printed photos matching your requirements in just a few days.

Photoland offers a wide range of products and services ranging from printing and scanning photos as well as photo albums and framing.

Please call us today on (02) 9235 1933 or contact us via our website.