Singapore passport holders apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) in the Australian ETA app, which takes a live photo of your face. Foreign residents of Singapore who need a Visitor visa (subclass 600) attach a recent 45 × 35 mm passport photograph of their head and shoulders, on a plain background and taken within the last 6 months.
Australia visa and ETA photo requirements
| Visitor visa photo | 45 × 35 mm passport photograph |
|---|---|
| Framing | Head and shoulders only, facing the camera |
| Background | Plain |
| Photo age | Less than 6 months old |
| Printed photos | Name printed on the back |
| Online upload | ImmiAccount attachments up to 5 MB each (JPG, PNG, PDF and others) |
| ETA photo | Live photo taken in the Australian ETA app |
Citizenship photo rules are different
Many websites quote Australia's citizenship photo rules (1200 × 1600 px, JPEG 70 KB to 3.5 MB, light grey background) for visas. Those figures are for citizenship applications. For visas, Home Affairs asks for a 45 × 35 mm passport photograph.
Australian ETA photo for Singaporeans
The ETA is applied for only in the Australian ETA app. The app reads the chip in your passport, so you need a phone that supports NFC, then asks you to take a live photo to confirm you match your passport. Home Affairs' guidance asks for a good-quality, passport-style photo: face the camera, use a plain background and a well-lit area, and avoid direct overhead light. Glasses are allowed, but heavy frames make the check harder and you may need to remove them.
An ETA is valid for 12 months and allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. You cannot work on an ETA.
Visitor visa (subclass 600) photo
Foreign residents of Singapore whose passport cannot be used for an ETA usually apply for a Visitor visa online in ImmiAccount and attach a passport photograph: 45 × 35 mm, head and shoulders, facing the camera, plain background, taken less than six months ago.
If Home Affairs sends you a biometrics request letter, you give your fingerprints and photo at the Australian Biometric Collection Centre run by VFS Global at 135 Cecil Street, Singapore.
Sample photos
Samples show pose, lighting and background. Crop your own photo to the Australia visa size.
Australia visa photo FAQ
Yes, but you take it in the Australian ETA app. The app asks for a live photo of your face during the application.
Home Affairs asks for a 45 × 35 mm passport photograph showing your head and shoulders on a plain background, taken within the last six months.
No. The 1200 × 1600 pixel and 70 KB to 3.5 MB limits are for citizenship applications. Visa applications use the 45 × 35 mm passport photograph specification.
Official sources
- Department of Home Affairs: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
- Department of Home Affairs: Australian ETA app guidance (PDF)
- Department of Home Affairs: Photograph – Passport
- Department of Home Affairs: Attach documents to your application
- Australian High Commission, Singapore: Visas and migration
- Department of Home Affairs: Citizenship photo requirements
Last checked October 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.