Everything you need to know about Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, digital photo specifications, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Region | Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR), China |
| Document Type | HKSAR Passport (香港特區護照) |
| 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 photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes (JPEG, max 5 MB) |
| Digital Photo Size | Minimum 1200 × 1600 pixels (digital camera) or 40×50mm scan at 600 DPI |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Recency | Recent photo reflecting current appearance |
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has strict requirements for passport photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
If you wear prescription glasses, they are permitted provided that:
Hong Kong residents can apply for HKSAR passport online via the Immigration Department's website or mobile app. The digital photo must meet these specifications:
The Hong Kong Immigration Department will reject photos that have any of the following issues:
Source: Hong Kong Immigration Department — Photo Requirements for Travel Documents
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant HKSAR passport photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear colored clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid very dark or very light tops. Remove glasses and large earrings before taking the photo.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or eyebrows.
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a natural expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. You may have a very slight, natural smile — but no teeth showing. Remove your glasses to avoid flash reflection issues.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Hong Kong SAR passport 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.
Glasses are permitted if the frames do not cover any part of your eyes, the lenses are not tinted, and there is no flash reflection. However, it is strongly recommended to remove glasses to avoid rejection. Flash reflections on glasses are one of the most common reasons for photo rejection.
You may have a natural expression with a slight smile, but your mouth must be closed and no teeth should be showing. A completely neutral expression is also acceptable. Do not frown, squint, or make exaggerated expressions.
Yes! You can take your passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 40×50mm size, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official HKSAR passport photo requirements.
You can upload a digital JPEG photo (max 5 MB) through the Immigration Department's online application portal or mobile app. The digital photo must be at least 1200×1600 pixels from a digital camera, or scanned at 600 DPI from a 40×50mm print.
The background must be plain white with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. There should be sufficient contrast between your face and the background. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
If your passport photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit your application, saving you time and hassle.
