Australian travellers due for passport renewal are being advised to take note of new photo guidelines announced by the federal government this week.
Changes rolling out over the next few months, are designed to better align passport images with the requirements of facial recognition technology used throughout Australian gateways.
Among the biggest adjustments commenced from 1 July 2018, when Aussies will no longer be permitted to wear glasses in passport photos.
According to an online notice, the rule applies to everyone required to wear glasses, including those with vision impairment.
Rare exceptions to the new glasses rule will be made to those who cannot remove their lenses for medical reasons, such as severe light sensitivity or recent eye surgery. If glasses must be worn, travellers will be required to submit a medical certificate and ensure frames don’t obscure the eyes and there isn’t a reflection from the lenses.
Other changes include allowing photos of babies and children under three to have their mouth open and and permitting people to wear facial jewellery and head scarves for religious reasons.
“Your photo is critical to the usability and security of your passport.”
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
“The facial recognition technology used in conjunction with Australian passports makes border processing more efficient and reduces the potential for identity fraud.”
Click here for more passport photo updates.
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