If you’re an Irish citizen who’s currently living in Australia—either on a visa or as a permanent resident—you certainly already know that you need to renew your Irish passport before (or shortly after) it expires. And of course when you renew a passport, you have to submit a fresh biometric photograph for your new passport picture. But what if you’ve sent in an application only to have your photo rejected as non-compliant? What does this mean? What can you do if your Irish passport photo is rejected in Australia?
This article will answer these questions and provide important information on this topic.
Renew your Irish passport overseas
Ireland makes it convenient for its overseas citizens to renew their Irish passports from anywhere in the world. The fastest, easiest and cheapest way to apply is to use the Irish Passport Service’s online system, Passport Online. This is the recommended method for getting an Irish passport. When you apply via Passport Online, you submit a digital photo along with the digital application. Currently, it takes about 10 (ten) working days for Passport Services to process a renewal application, plus shipping.
If you prefer to use a paper application, you must submit traditional paper photos printed on high-quality paper, and mail the application to the Irish embassy or consulate nearest you. This would be either the Consulate General in Sydney (Level 26, 1 Market Street. Sydney, NSW 200) or the Australian Embassy in Canberra (20 Arkana Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600). Using this method takes about 8 (eight) weeks plus shipping to get your replacement passport.
However you choose to apply, the Irish Passport Service will quickly let you know should there be anything wrong with the photos you submitted to them. You will receive an email explaining that your passport application has been put on “hold” (but not yet cancelled); telling you why it has been put on hold; and explaining what you must do next to correct the problem and complete the application process. Let’s take a look at these 3 (three) things one at a time.
Passport application put on hold
Here is the good news: when an application is put on hold it is not cancelled—at least not right away. You do not need to reapply, and you do not need to pay the fees all over again. You only need to act fast and fix the problem before the hold time expires (usually 90 days). If you wait until after the deadline, then your application will be cancelled and you will have to apply all over again.
What’s wrong with my application?
The Irish Passport Service will let you know by email what the problem is. Maybe your application was incomplete, or your supporting documents were out of date. But the number one problem which causes an application to be put on hold is non-compliant photos. Unfortunately, the passport service will not state exactly how your photos did not meet specifications, only that the photos were rejected.
What do I do next?
The email will helpfully tell you what you need to do next in order to complete the application process. In the case of non-compliant photographs, you simply need to submit a new set of photos that meet all government standards and regulations. Just remember that you only have 90 days to get this done, so you better make sure your next photo passes muster!
Need a new passport photo soon? Learn the rules by checking out:
- How to Renew South African Passport in Australia: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Officeworks Passport Photos Rejected
- Philippines Passport Renewal in Australia: Process and Requirements
- How To Renew a U.S. Passport in Australia
- An American in Australia: My U.S. Passport Photo Was Rejected!
- Rejected Infant Passport Photo
- Renewing a UK Passport in Australia
Irish passport photo standards
As a member of the European Union, Ireland uses the same passport photo requirements as other E.U. nations. Specifically, this means that digital photos must be in the JPEG format, at least 715 pixels wide by 951 pixels high, and no larger than 9 megabytes. It must be an actual photograph, not a scan of an existing photo. It cannot be digitally altered, enhanced, or compressed.
Additionally, the photo must be in coulour. It must be recently taken, within the past 6 (six) months. The subject of the photo must be facing the camera straight on and sitting or standing up straight in front of a plain white, light grey or cream-coloured background. Your hair cannot obscure your face or eyes. You may wear glasses as long as the frames don’t block your eyes and there is no glare on the lenses. Hats and scarves are not permitted except for medical or religious reasons.
In other words, there’s a lot to know about Irish passport photo guidelines! But you don’t need to be an expert in the photo requirements to take perfect pictures. You don’t need to hire an expert either. Keep reading to learn the easy way to create your own biometric photos.
Passport Photo Online for making perfect passport photos
Turn your smartphone into your own personal photo booth by downloading a free app called Passport Photo Online. This app guides you through the photography process, making sure that your digital passport photo follows all the guidelines and meets all the Irish passport photo requirements. The premium version ($9.95 AUD) even makes corrections for you, such as digitally replacing your background with the perfect plain white background! You’re guaranteed to get a perfect picture for your Irish passport, or double your money back.
And if you insist on doing things the old-fashioned way, Passport Photo Online can even print your new passport photos onto premium photo-quality paper and mail them to your home.
Irish passport photos rejected in Australia: FAQ
Here are a few other questions you might be wondering about.
What is the best way to renew my Irish passport overseas?
Renew your Irish passport online. The online application process is fast and easy, taking about 10 (ten) minutes to complete. Your online submission is processed faster, too: in only 5 to 10 business days, instead of up to 8 weeks for paper applications. And when you apply online, any changes or updates can be made online, too, so it’s also faster and easier to correct any mistakes.
I originally submitted a paper form with paper passport pictures. Irish Passport Service has requested a new set of printed photos. Can I now submit a JPEG digital photo as my replacement photo?
No, it’s too late to change the application type. If something was wrong with your original paper photographs, you must replace them with new paper photos.
I just uploaded a new JPEG digital photo to replace a non-compliant photograph-how long will it now take to renew my Irish passport?
If the new digital passport photo is accepted, it will take about 5 (five) to 10 (ten) working days to finish processing your application.
Can I use the online tracker when overseas? And can I use the online tracker even if I applied with a paper application?
Yes. The online tracker works from anywhere in the world to help you keep track of the status of your passport applications, even if you applied via post.
I mailed my passport application to the Irish embassy in Australia but I can’t find my application in the Online Tracker – why not?
Only after the embassy sends your application to HQ for processing does it get entered into the tracking system. Be patient and check the system again in a day or two.
Can I just get a new Irish passport when I return to Ireland on holiday?
No, passports must be renewed in the country of residence.
Can I use Passport Photo Online to get a biometric photo of an infant?
Yes, in fact it’s a great idea to use a passport photo app to take photos of children at home instead of bundling them into a drugstore. You will have greater control over the process, and the child will be more comfortable.
Irish passport photos in Australia: conclusion
Anyone who has ever been travelling on St. Patrick’s Day—also known as 17 March—knows that this annual celebration of Irish culture and heredity has become a global phenomenon. That’s because the Irish are everywhere! Ireland is a nation of emigrants whose citizens have resettled all around the world. And Australia is one of the countries with the highest percentage of Irish immigrants, where they make up over 10% of the population.
When the time comes for you to renew your Irish passport in Australia, you have nothing to worry about. Be sure to use the Irish Passport Service’s online system, Passport Online, which makes it super easy to renew your important travel documents. And Passport Photo Online makes it simple to create your new biometric passport photo. Between these two online services, you’ll complete your renewal in almost no time at all. Then you’ll have time for a quick cup of tea—or a glass of Guinness—before getting back to living life Down Under.
Disclaimer: The material featured on the Passport Photo Online blog is intended to be used for general informational purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that all the content is up-to-date, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. In all cases, we recommend that you check the relevant government websites to find the most up-to-date information.
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Bryan is a writer and filmmaker originally from Texas who has sailed around the world. Thanks to his experience in the cruise industry and customer service, he understands what customers feel and needs, and as a result of numerous travels he has specialized in passport photography. Bryan is the author of FOG WATCH published on Amazon.
