Is There a Dress Code for Australian Passport Photos?
DFAT does not impose a specific dress code. However, clothing must not:
- Cover your face or jaw (except for religious reasons)
- Blend into the background (avoid pure white or off-white tops)
- Appear as a uniform (military, police, etc.)
- Feature large logos or reflective elements that distract from the face
Why White Clothing Can Cause Problems
The Australian passport photo background must be plain white or very light grey. If you wear a white shirt or top, the boundary between you and the background becomes unclear.
This can cause:
- Automated background detection failure
- Manual rejection for ambiguous subject boundaries
Wear a contrasting colour — navy, grey, or a medium tone works well.
Religious and Cultural Head Coverings
Head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted if:
- The face remains fully visible from forehead to chin and ear to ear
- The covering does not cast shadows on the face
- It is worn consistently in everyday life
This applies to hijabs, turbans, kippot, and similar items.
Medical Head Coverings
Head coverings worn for verified medical reasons (e.g., chemotherapy) may also be permitted. A supporting letter from a medical professional may be required at the time of application.
What About Glasses?
Glasses are not permitted in Australian passport photos unless there is a medical reason. Even if you always wear glasses, they should be removed for the photo. See our Australian passport photo glasses rules guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's best to avoid white or light-coloured tops, as they can blend into the white background and cause rejection.
Yes, as long as your face remains fully visible from forehead to chin and ear to ear.
No — uniforms (military, police, etc.) are not permitted in passport photos.
No — everyday clothing is fine. The key is that your face is clearly visible and clothing doesn't blend into the background.
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