Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card Photo Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card Photo Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Country	Malaysia
Document Type	APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Photo Size	35 × 50 mm (3.5 × 5.0 cm)
Resolution (DPI)	600
Head Size	25–30 mm from chin to crown (50–70% of photo)
Background Color	Plain white background
Printable	Yes — on matte photo-quality paper
Digital Photo Size	1050 × 1500 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Photo Paper Type	Matte (glossy not recommended)
Color	Color only (black and white not accepted)
Recency	Taken within the last 6 months
Quantity Required	2 identical photos

Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card Photo Size Diagram

Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 35×50mm. Your head should measure 25–30mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your crown, occupying 50–70% 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 35×50mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card Photo Requirements

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) facilitates business travel between APEC member economies. Malaysian business people applying for the ABTC must provide a compliant passport-style photo. Below is a comprehensive guide.

About the APEC Business Travel Card

The APEC Business Travel Card allows pre-cleared business travelers to access fast-track immigration lanes at participating APEC economies. As a Malaysian applicant, your photo must meet strict requirements to be accepted with your ABTC application.

Photo Basics

Your photo must be in color — black and white not accepted
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness
No filters or editing — do not digitally alter your appearance
Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

Photo size: exactly 35 × 50 mm
Your head should measure 25–30 mm from chin to crown
Printed on matte photo-quality paper
No white border around the photo

Pose and Expression

Face the camera directly — head must not be tilted or turned
Maintain a neutral facial expression
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Keep your mouth closed
Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead

Background

Plain white background
No patterns, textures, or objects visible
No shadows on your face or behind your head
The background must be uniform and clean

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in APEC Business Travel Card photos. This applies to all applicants regardless of prescription. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are strictly prohibited.

Head Coverings

Hijab is allowed for Muslim applicants — must be dark-colored (black, dark blue, or dark brown)
The hijab must not cover the forehead, eyebrows, or any part of the face
No hats or caps unless worn for religious reasons
No headphones, earbuds, or wireless devices

Clothing

Wear professional business attire recommended
Do not wear uniforms
Avoid white tops that may blend with the white background
For Muslim women, ensure the hijab contrasts with the background

Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries →

How to Take a Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card Photo at Home

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera works. Clean the lens, use highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to help.

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight.

Tip: Our AI will automatically replace your background with white.

Dress Appropriately

Wear professional business attire. Avoid white tops. Muslim women may wear dark-colored hijab.

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters from the camera. Head facing directly forward, shoulders relaxed.

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed. No glasses allowed.

Good and Bad Examples

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable APEC card photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card photo?

A Malaysia APEC Business Travel Card photo must be 35×50mm with a white background. The head should measure 25–30mm from chin to crown, occupying 50–70% of the photo.

What is the APEC Business Travel Card?

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel document that allows pre-cleared business travelers to access fast-track immigration lanes at participating APEC member economies, streamlining business travel across the Asia-Pacific region.

Can I take my APEC card photo with my phone?

Yes! Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure compliance with APEC Business Travel Card photo requirements.

Can I wear glasses in my APEC Business Travel Card photo?

No. Glasses are not allowed in Malaysian passport and travel document photos, including the APEC Business Travel Card. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are also prohibited.

Can I wear a hijab in my APEC card photo?

Yes, hijab is allowed for Muslim applicants. The hijab must be dark-colored (black, dark blue, or dark brown) and should not cover the forehead, eyebrows, or any part of the face.

How many photos do I need for the APEC Business Travel Card?

Typically 2 identical photos are required for the APEC Business Travel Card application. Check with the Malaysian Immigration Department for their exact requirements.

Is the photo requirement the same as for a Malaysian passport?

Yes, the APEC Business Travel Card photo requirements are the same as Malaysian passport photos: 35×50mm with a white background, no glasses, and neutral expression.