Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Photo (40×50mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo for your ABTC application.
Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Region
Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR), China
Document Type
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Photo Size
40 × 50 mm (1.57 × 1.97 inches)
Resolution (DPI)
600
Head Size
32–36 mm from chin to top of head
Head Proportion
70–80% of the photo
Background Color
Plain white
Printable
Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital Photo Size
Minimum 1200 × 1600 pixels (digital camera)
Color
Color only
Recency
Recent photo reflecting current appearance
Quantity Required
2 identical photographs
Hong Kong APEC Card Photo Size Diagram
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 40×50mm. Your head must measure between 32mm and 36mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, occupying 70–80% of the photo.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 40×50mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.
Detailed Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card Photo Requirements
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) allows business travelers visa-free entry to participating APEC economies. The photo requirements are the same as other Hong Kong travel document photos.
Photo Basics
Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
Must be a recent photo reflecting your current appearance
The photo must be clear, sharp, and in focus
No digital alteration — do not alter your appearance
Must have proper contrast — not too bright or too dark
Size and Dimensions
Photo size: exactly 40 × 50 mm
Your head (chin to top of head) must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm
Your head must occupy 70–80% of the total photo area
Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Pose and Expression
Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
Maintain a natural facial expression — slight smile with mouth closed is acceptable
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Your face must be fully visible from chin to forehead, ear to ear
Background
Use a plain white background
No patterns, textures, or objects behind you
No shadows on your face or behind your head
Glasses
If you wear prescription glasses, they are permitted provided that the frames do not cover your eyes, the lenses are not tinted, and there is no flash reflection. However, removing glasses is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
Head Coverings
No hats or head coverings unless worn daily for religious purposes
Your full face must be clearly visible
Hair should not cover your eyes or eyebrows
Clothing
Wear your normal everyday clothing or business attire
Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops
Do not wear uniforms
About the APEC Business Travel Card
The ABTC is a travel card that provides business people with:
Visa-free travel to participating APEC economies for business purposes
Fast-track immigration lanes at major airports across APEC member economies
Card validity of up to 5 years
Each stay typically allowed for 60 to 90 days per entry (varies by economy)
Eligibility: Hong Kong permanent residents who are engaged in legitimate business activities in APEC member economies can apply. You must not have a criminal record and must not pose a security risk.
APEC Participating Economies
The ABTC facilitates entry to the following participating economies:
Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Follow these steps to take a compliant ABTC photo at home using your smartphone.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone can take a quality photo. Clean the lens and use the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo — avoid selfies.
2
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window with natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor light sources if needed.
Tip: Our AI tool will automatically replace your background with white.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear business attire or smart casual clothing. Avoid white tops. Remove glasses and large earrings.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 1.2 meters from the camera, head facing forward, shoulders relaxed. Ensure your face from chin to forehead is visible.
5
Maintain a Natural Expression
Keep your face relaxed. Both eyes open, mouth closed. A slight natural smile is acceptable — no teeth. Remove glasses.
Good and Bad Examples of Hong Kong APEC Card Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card photo?
A Hong Kong ABTC photo must be exactly 40×50mm. Your head must measure between 32mm and 36mm from chin to top of head, occupying 70–80% of the photo.
How many photos do I need for an APEC card application?
You need 2 identical recent photographs for the Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card application (form ID900).
Can I wear glasses in my APEC card photo?
Glasses are permitted if frames don't cover your eyes, lenses aren't tinted, and there's no flash reflection. Removing glasses is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
Can I take my APEC card photo with my phone?
Yes! Upload your phone photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will crop to 40×50mm, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements.
What background is required?
The background must be plain white with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
Can I wear a hat or head covering?
No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Your full face must be clearly visible from chin to forehead.
What is the APEC Business Travel Card?
The ABTC is a card issued to business people that provides visa-free entry and fast-track immigration clearance at participating APEC member economies. It is valid for up to 5 years and facilitates business travel across 19 economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
