Can you smile in an Australian passport photo?
Last Update: June 12, 2026
No, you should not smile in an Australian passport photo.
Your photo needs to show a neutral expression, with your mouth closed and your eyes open. That means no big smile, no teeth, no grin, and no obvious smirk. Even a small closed-mouth smile can be risky if it changes the shape of your face.
The safest option is simple: look straight at the camera, relax your face, and keep your lips gently closed.
Why Smiling Can Cause Problems
Unlike a regular photo, a passport photo has one job: to make your face easy to identify.
When you smile, your face changes. Your cheeks lift, your eyes may narrow, and your mouth shape looks different. That might seem minor, but passport photos are used for identity checks, so the image needs to show your face as clearly and consistently as possible.
This is why Australian passport photo rules ask for a plain, neutral expression rather than a posed smile.
What Expression Should You Use?
Aim for a relaxed face, not a serious or angry one. You do not need to look uncomfortable. You just need to avoid making an expression.
A good passport photo expression usually means:
- Your mouth is closed
- Your eyes are open
- Your head is straight
- Your eyebrows are relaxed
- Your cheeks are not raised from smiling
- Your face is looking directly at the camera
Think of it as a calm resting face. If the photo looks like you are posing for a social media profile, it is probably too expressive.
Can You Show Teeth?
No. Teeth should not be visible in an Australian passport photo.
If your teeth are showing, your mouth is likely open or you are clearly smiling. Either way, the photo may be rejected. Keep your lips closed naturally, without pressing them together too hard.
How to Look Natural Without Smiling
Most people instinctively smile when a camera is pointed at them, so this rule can feel awkward.
Before the photo is taken, relax your shoulders and jaw. Look directly into the camera. Keep your chin level. Let your lips close gently, but do not clamp them shut.
If the result looks too stern, try again with a softer resting face. Just make sure it is still neutral.
Final Answer
You should not smile in an Australian passport photo. Use a neutral expression, keep your mouth closed, and look directly at the camera. A visible smile, teeth, or even a small closed-mouth grin can make the photo unsuitable, so a relaxed, expressionless face is the safest choice.