My passport photo doesn't look much like me. Should I renew it before going to Israel?
In 2010 I got a new passport (I am Australian) and, for some reason I cannot comprehend, used possibly the worst photo of me ever taken. My hair is everywhere and I have a weird look on my face. Anyway, it barely looks anything like me.
I've used it to go to the USA and Japan and it has never caused me any problems (though both in the US and coming home to Australia I've had a few chuckles when border security agents have looked at it - one even called a friend over to have a laugh...).
Next year, I'm planning to go to Israel and was wondering whether security there might find it less amusing and more serious. I will be crossing the border from Jordan to Israel at one point on foot, as well as flying in to Jordan and out of Israel. Is it worth renewing my passport (doesn't expire until 2020) before going in order to get a more accurate photo? Am I likely to encounter problems with a strange photo?
Best Answer
You've not chosen to share the passport photo, so it's hard to offer an opinion on whether it's acceptable. But if Australia's own border guards haven't said that it's unacceptable or warned you that you should replace your passport, it probably isn't a problem.
The actual guidelines for passport photos are:
- Good quality, colour gloss prints, less than six months old
- Clear, focused image with no marks or 'red eye'
- Plain white or light grey background that contrasts with your face
- Uniform lighting (no shadows or reflections) with appropriate brightness and contrast to show natural skin tone
- Face looking directly at the camera and not tilted in any direction
- Hair off the face so that the edges of the face are visible
- Eyes open, mouth closed
- Neutral expression (not smiling, laughing or frowning), which is the easiest way for border systems to match you to your image.
No particular hairstyle is required, and a variety of facial expressions might be considered "neutral" for the purpose of facial recognition. The linked DFAT page gives several (less amusing) examples of what is acceptable and unacceptable.
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Does your passport photo matter?
What's most important, though, is that you choose an outfit that makes you feel confident. As long as you aren't wearing glasses, headgear, uniforms, or hair in your face, your passport picture will be just fine!Can you redo your passport picture?
You cannot change just the photo in your passport. The only way to change it is to apply for a renewal. You can do this at any time but will lose the remaining validity in your current passport. Passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years.how to look so bomb that you're UNRECOGNISABLE in your passport photo
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Answer 2
I frequently flew between Israel and UK when I was in my early twenties, but my passport was from my early teens. Obviously I looked quite different.
Each time that I flew, I was asked if I had any other ID and they were very happy to accept my photo driving license.
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