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Hong Kong Passport Photo

Last reviewed: July 20, 2026 | By Prabir Sarkar

Create perfect HKSAR passport, visa & HKID photos. Immigration Dept compliant.

Create Passport Photo View Requirements

40 x 50 mm

Hong Kong Passport Size

Quick answer

Hong Kong passport photo: 40 x 50 mm, white background.

Hong Kong Immigration Department lists a 40 x 50 mm travel document photo, plain white background, and 32-36 mm chin-to-crown head height. Online passport photos have separate JPEG size and pixel guidance.

Size
40 x 50 mm
Background
white
Export
Standard or HD
Reviewed
July 20, 2026

Official Immigration Department photo requirements: 40 x 50 mm, white background, 32-36 mm head height.

Hong Kong passport photo preparation workspace with white background and printed ID photos

Hong Kong Immigration photo checks

Hong Kong passport photos are strict about head position inside the frame. The photo is not only 40 x 50 mm; the chin-to-crown height must sit within the allowed range, with clear space around the head and no tilt. A common mistake is using a generic 35 x 45 mm passport crop, which can look acceptable but fail Hong Kong sizing when measured.

Use a bright plain white background, keep glasses glare out of the image, and check the final digital file before upload. If you are submitting online, follow the application page file-size and format limits exactly; if you are printing, use a high-resolution export so edges and facial details remain sharp.

Hong Kong Photo Documents

HKSAR Passport Photo

Hong Kong SAR passport photo requirements and size guide.

Size: 40 x 50 mm

Background: White

Visa Photo

Photos for China, US, UK and other visa applications.

Size: Varies by country

Background: White

HKID Photo

Hong Kong Identity Card photo requirements for residents.

Size: 40 x 50 mm

Background: White

Hong Kong Passport Photo Requirements

Required Specifications

  • Photo size: 40 x 50 mm
  • Plain white background
  • Taken within last 6 months
  • Face height: 32-36mm
  • Neutral expression
  • Sharp focus, natural colors

Not Allowed

  • Glasses (no glasses allowed)
  • Hats or head coverings
  • Colored contact lenses
  • Digital alterations
  • Shadows on face
  • Smiling or teeth showing

Immigration Department Guidelines

Hong Kong Immigration Department has strict photo requirements. Note: Glasses are NOT allowed in HKSAR passport photos.

Size

40 x 50 mm standard

Where to Apply

Immigration Tower or online via e-Application

Processing

10 working days standard

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is Hong Kong passport photo?

Hong Kong SAR passport photo size is 40 x 50 mm (4 x 5 cm). The face must be 32-36mm from chin to crown.

Can I wear glasses in Hong Kong passport photo?

No, glasses are NOT allowed in Hong Kong passport and HKID photos. This is a strict requirement from the Immigration Department since 2015.

What is the difference between HKSAR passport and BN(O)?

HKSAR passport is issued by Hong Kong Immigration Dept for HK permanent residents. BN(O) (British National Overseas) is a UK passport issued to those registered before 1997. Both use 40 x 50mm photos.

How many photos needed for Hong Kong passport?

You need 1 recent photo for online applications. For in-person applications at Immigration Tower, bring 2 identical photos.

Related Regions

China

Taiwan

Singapore

UK

Create Your Hong Kong Passport Photo

One standard daily download, Immigration Dept compliant

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Hong Kong SAR Passport Photos Don't Confuse Them With Mainland China

A Completely Different System From Mainland China

This is the mistake people make most often: assuming Hong Kong and mainland China share the same passport photo specs. They don't. Hong Kong SAR passports require 40 x 50mm photos, while mainland Chinese passports use 33 x 48mm. Different dimensions, different aspect ratio, and the Hong Kong Immigration Department runs an entirely separate processing system from the National Immigration Administration on the mainland.

The background should be white with no shadows, patterns, or gradients. Your face needs to be centered and take up about 70-80% of the vertical space. Expression: neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at the lens. Hong Kong follows ICAO standards but with their own size twist. If you're a dual resident who holds both a Hong Kong and mainland passport, you'll need two different sets of photos.

How to Apply

Hong Kong has made passport applications remarkably convenient:

  • Online via the Immigration Department portal immd.gov.hk. You can upload a digital photo and complete everything without visiting an office.
  • Immigration Tower 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai. The main in-person service center.
  • Kowloon Office 631 Nathan Road, Mong Kok. An alternative for Kowloon-side residents.
  • By post Mail applications with printed photos to the Travel Documents Division.
  • Chinese Embassies/Consulates abroad Hong Kong SAR passport services are available at PRC missions worldwide for HK permanent residents.

Why Your Photo Might Get Sent Back

  1. Used mainland China dimensions (33 x 48mm) The single most common error for people who move between HK and the mainland. Triple-check the 40 x 50mm requirement.
  2. Lens reflections on glasses Hong Kong's digital validation system is aggressive about catching glare on spectacle lenses. Tilting your head slightly can reduce reflections, but removing glasses is safer.
  3. Background not uniformly white Even a faint shadow or slight cream tint flags the automated check. Studio flash needs to hit the backdrop evenly.
  4. Head tilted or turned The face must be perfectly straight-on. Hong Kong's system measures facial symmetry and flags any rotation beyond about 5 degrees.
  5. Digital file too large or wrong format For online submissions, the photo must be JPEG format, 40KB-5MB. Other formats are silently rejected.

Costs and Timeline

A 32-page Hong Kong SAR passport costs HK$370 (~$48 USD) and the 48-page version is HK$460. Standard processing takes about 10 working days. There's no formal "express" service if you need it urgently, you apply in person at Immigration Tower and explain the situation. HK passport holders enjoy visa-free access to over 170 countries, making it one of the most powerful travel documents in Asia.

Official Resources

Helpful Passport Photo Guides

Passport Photo Size Guide

Complete size chart in pixels, cm, and inches for 50+ countries.

How to Make Passport Photos at Home

Step-by-step guide to take and print passport photos yourself.

12 Reasons Photos Get Rejected

Common mistakes that cause passport photo rejection and quick fixes.