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Hong Kong Passport Photo Requirements

Size 40×50mm - Immigration Dept Standard

Hong Kong Passport Photo Size

Dimensions

  • Size: 40 × 50 mm
  • Inches: 1.57 × 1.97 inches
  • Digital: 472 × 591 pixels
  • Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
  • Face height: 32-36 mm

Photo Composition

  • Face: Centered in frame
  • Head position: Straight, looking forward
  • Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
  • Eyes: Open, visible clearly
  • Ears: Both visible preferred

Important: No Glasses Allowed

Since 2015, Hong Kong Immigration Department does NOT allow glasses in passport and HKID photos. This includes prescription glasses and contact lenses with colored or patterned designs.

Background Requirements

  • ✓ Plain white background only
  • ✓ No shadows on background
  • ✓ Evenly lit, uniform color
  • ✓ No patterns, textures or objects

How to Apply for HKSAR Passport

1

Online Application

Apply via immd.gov.hk e-Application system or mobile app

2

Upload Photo

40×50mm digital photo, white background, no glasses

3

Pay Fee

HKD 370 (32 pages) or HKD 460 (48 pages) for adults

4

Document Verification

Visit Immigration Tower with HKID if required

5

Collect Passport

Standard: 10 working days; collect at any Post Office

Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid

Wearing Glasses

Hong Kong's Immigration Department has completely banned glasses in passport photos since 2017. This includes prescription glasses and reading glasses. Remove them entirely.

Using Standard 35×45mm Size

HKSAR passports use a larger 40×50mm format. Many online tools default to 35×45mm which won't be accepted. Our Hong Kong preset uses the correct size.

Non-White Background

Only a plain white background is accepted. Blue-tinted or off-white backgrounds from old photo booths will be rejected by the Immigration Department's automated system.

Smiling or Expression

Mouth closed, neutral expression only. Even a slight smile can fail the biometric check. Think of the expression you make while looking at a blank wall — calm and relaxed.

Hair Over Face

Bangs, loose strands, or hair covering the eyes, eyebrows, or ears will cause rejection. Pin hair back or tuck it behind your ears for a clear, unobstructed face.

Shadows on Face

Uneven lighting causes shadows that make facial features unclear. Use front-facing diffused light — position yourself near a large window for the most even illumination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HKSAR passport photo size?
Hong Kong uses a 40mm × 50mm format, which is larger than the international standard 35×45mm. Your head from chin to crown should measure 32-36mm. This is the size required by the Immigration Department for all HKSAR passport applications.
Can I apply online for a Hong Kong passport?
Yes — you can apply via the immd.gov.hk e-Application system or the ImmD mobile app. You'll need to upload a digital photo. Our tool provides the correct digital format for online submission as well as a print-ready version.
Why are glasses banned in HK passport photos?
Hong Kong banned glasses to improve the accuracy of facial recognition at e-Gates (automated immigration gates) at HKIA and border crossings. Glasses can cause reflections, shadows, and obstruction of the eye area — all of which reduce biometric matching accuracy.
Is VisaPicPro free for Hong Kong photos?
Yes — completely free. No registration, no watermarks. Photo booths in HK charge HKD 40-80. Skip the queue at Wanchai Immigration Tower photo booths and make your own compliant photo in under a minute.