Hong Kong Visa / Entry Permit Photo (40×50mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about Hong Kong visa and entry permit photo requirements for visit, employment, study, and dependent visa applications, including exact dimensions, digital photo specifications, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
Hong Kong Visa Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Region
Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR), China
Document Type
Visa / Entry Permit
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 for Online Submission
Yes (JPEG, PDF, GIF, PNG, TIF; max 5 MB each)
Digital Photo Size
Minimum 1200 × 1600 pixels (digital camera)
Color
Color only
Recency
Recent photo reflecting current appearance
Hong Kong Visa 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 Visa Photo Requirements
The Hong Kong Immigration Department requires visa and entry permit photos that meet the same standards as travel document photos. Whether you are applying for a visit visa, employment visa, student visa, or dependent visa, the photo specifications are the same.
Photo Basics
Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
Must be a recent photo that reflects 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 (no teeth)
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
Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops
Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing
Types of Hong Kong Visas / Entry Permits
All Hong Kong visa types require the same 40×50mm photo format:
Visit Visa / Entry Permit: For tourism, family visits, or short-term business. Available for mainland Chinese residents and foreign nationals.
Employment Visa: For foreign professionals working in Hong Kong. Requires employer sponsorship.
Student Visa / Entry Permit: For non-local students enrolled in HK educational institutions.
Dependent Visa: For spouses and unmarried dependent children of HK residents or visa holders.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): For highly skilled professionals seeking to settle in HK.
Working Holiday Visa: For young adults from participating countries.
Digital Photo for Online Application
Many Hong Kong visa applications can be submitted online. The digital photo must meet these specifications:
Tip: PassportPhoto.help will generate a digital photo that meets the Immigration Department's requirements automatically. Simply upload your photo and download the digital version ready for your online application.
Children and Baby Photos
The child must be the only person in the photo
The child's eyes must be open and visible
No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible
A plain white sheet may be used as a background for babies
Follow these steps to take a compliant HK visa photo at home using your smartphone.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone can take a visa-quality photo. Clean the lens and set 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: Don't worry about the background — our AI tool will replace it with white automatically.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear colored clothing contrasting with the white background. Avoid white tops. Remove glasses and large earrings.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 1.2 meters in front of 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 Visa Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Hong Kong visa photo?
A Hong Kong visa or entry permit 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.
Are HK visa photo requirements the same as passport photos?
Yes. Hong Kong visa and passport photos share the same specifications: 40×50mm, white background, neutral/natural expression, head size 32–36mm.
Can I wear glasses in my Hong Kong visa photo?
Glasses are permitted if the frames don't cover your eyes, lenses aren't tinted, and there's no flash reflection. However, removing glasses is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
What file formats are accepted for online HK visa applications?
The Immigration Department accepts JPEG, PDF, GIF, PNG, and TIF formats. Maximum file size is 5 MB per file. From a digital camera, the photo should be at least 1200×1600 pixels.
Can I take my Hong Kong visa 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.
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.
What happens if my visa photo is rejected?
If your photo doesn't meet requirements, your visa application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all requirements before submission.
