Hong Kong Passport & Visa Photo Tool - 40×50mm HKSAR Format

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The Challenge

Hong Kong Immigration Department requires 40×50mm photos with chin-to-crown height exactly 32-36mm and plain white background. Photos are laser-engraved onto the passport data page—poor quality photos produce poor passport images permanently. Substandard photos cause applications to be returned unprocessed.

One photo format for HKSAR passport, visa, and Document of Identity

Hong Kong uses 40×50mm photos for HKSAR passport applications, visa applications, and Documents of Identity for Visa Purposes (Doc/I). The Immigration Department accepts both online digital submissions (JPEG) and physical prints. Same specifications apply across all document types. Online passport applications are available for Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of HKSAR holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card.

Your photo is laser-engraved onto your passport

HKSAR passports use laser engraving to personalise the data page with your photo
The quality of the engraved image depends entirely on the quality of your original photo
Low-quality, poorly-lit, or low-contrast photos produce poor passport images permanently
Do not fold, staple, write on the back, or attach with paperclip—damages the photo for engraving
Substandard photos are not processed—application returned to applicant

HKSAR passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?

40×50mm dimensions with chin-to-crown height 32-36mm
Sufficient headroom above crown of head
Plain white background with no shadows
Full frontal face with clear facial features
Face centred in photograph
No head dress (religious exceptions permitted)
No heavy make-up
Avoid overly dark or overly light-coloured clothing
No frame across eyes (glasses frames must not obstruct)
No hair across eyes or eyebrows
No flash reflection on face or glasses
No shadows on face or background
Not too light and not too dark (even exposure)
Digital: JPEG format, ≤5 MB, minimum 1200×1600 pixels

Official IMMD rejection reasons

Applicant not centred in photograph
Frame across eyes (glasses frames covering eyes)
Hair across eyes or eyebrows
Flash reflection on face or glasses
Shadow visible on face or background
Photo too light (overexposed)
Photo too dark (underexposed)
Photo folded, stapled, written on, or damaged by paperclip
Digital file exceeds 5 MB or below 1200×1600 pixels
Non-JPEG file format for online submission

Glasses, headwear, and clothing rules

Hong Kong allows prescription glasses in passport photos provided the frames do not cover any part of the eyes, lenses are not tinted, and there is no glare or reflection on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted. All headwear including hats and hairbands is prohibited unless worn for religious or medical reasons—in those cases, facial features must remain fully visible from chin to forehead. IMMD specifically warns against heavy make-up and recommends avoiding overly dark or overly light clothing. Darker clothing provides better contrast against the white background and produces better laser-engraved results on the passport data page.

How to submit digital photo for online passport application

Download single JPEG from this tool (formatted to 1200×1600 pixels minimum)
Visit gov.hk online passport application portal
Upload recent colour photograph with plain white background
System accepts upload but does not validate compliance automatically
IMMD reviews photo during processing—non-compliant photos cause application return
For best results: ensure even lighting, no shadows, high contrast against white background

How to print Hong Kong passport photos at home

Download print sheet from this tool with multiple 40×50mm photos
Paper: Use photo-quality paper. IMMD does not specify matte or glossy—either accepted
Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode
Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4 photos, or A4 for larger sheets
Cut precisely along grey guide lines. Final photos must measure exactly 40×50mm
Do NOT fold, staple, write on the back, or attach with paperclip to application form
Photo quality directly affects laser-engraved image on passport—use best possible print quality

Taking passport photos of babies and children

Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on flat surface
Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame
Ensure no shadows on face, especially when shooting from above
For infants: eyes not fully open is acceptable
For older children: eyes must be open, mouth closed
Only the child should appear in photo—no hands, toys, or other people visible
Plain white background required—ensure sheet has no patterns or creases
Children who cannot support their heads may alternatively be placed in a car seat covered with plain white sheet

Good vs bad Hong Kong passport photo examples

Face centred, chin-to-crown 32-36mm, sufficient headroom above

Head too large (chin-to-crown exceeds 36mm)

Head too small (chin-to-crown below 32mm)

Plain white background, even lighting, no shadows

Shadows visible on face or background

Eyes and eyebrows fully visible, no hair covering

Hair across eyes or eyebrows

Glasses with clear lenses, no glare, frames not covering eyes

Flash reflection on glasses or frame across eyes

Even exposure—not too light, not too dark

Overexposed (too light) or underexposed (too dark)

Darker clothing contrasting with white background

Overly light clothing blending with white background

Online vs in-person passport applications

HKSAR passport applications can be submitted online through gov.hk (for Chinese citizens who are permanent HKSAR residents with valid permanent identity card) or in person at Immigration Headquarters and branch offices. Online applications require one digital JPEG photo (≤5 MB, minimum 1200×1600px). In-person and postal applications require one physical printed photo—do not fold, staple, or attach with paperclip. Both methods use identical 40×50mm photo specifications with 32-36mm chin-to-crown height. Appointments for in-person applications can be booked online.

Hong Kong visa photo requirements

Hong Kong visa applications use the same 40×50mm photo specifications as passport applications. Visa applicants typically need two identical printed photos for postal or in-person submissions, or one digital JPEG for online submissions. The same requirements apply: plain white background, 32-36mm chin-to-crown, no headwear (religious exception), glasses permitted without glare. Photos should be taken within six months of application.

Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services

Photo booth in HK: HK$40-60 for 4 photos
Professional studio in HK: HK$80-150 for digital + prints
Photo services abroad (UK/US/AU): £8-15 / $10-20 / AU$15-25
This tool: Free—download JPEG for online submission or print at home
Print at photo shop: HK$10-30 / £3-8 / $3-8 if providing file
Family of four: save HK$160-600 / £32-60 / $40-80 using DIY

Official Hong Kong Government Resources

Step-by-Step Workflow

Upload Photo

Position Head (32-36mm Chin to Crown)

Select Enhancement

Download JPEG for Online Submission or Print

Specifications

Photo Size: 40×50 mm
Digital Minimum: 1200×1600 pixels, JPEG
File Size: ≤5 MB
Head Height: 32-36 mm chin to crown (64-72% of frame)
Background: Plain white, no shadows
Recency: Must reflect current appearance
Expression: Neutral preferred, gentle closed-mouth smile acceptable
Valid For: HKSAR Passport, visa, Document of Identity (Doc/I)

Best Practices

Photo is laser-engraved onto your passport—high quality original produces high quality passport image
Do NOT fold, staple, write on, or paperclip photos to application forms
Chin-to-crown must be exactly 32-36mm—use crop guidelines to verify
Glasses allowed if lenses are clear, no glare, and frames don't cover eyes
Avoid overly light clothing—darker colours contrast better against white background
IMMD does not specify matte or glossy paper—either finish accepted
No explicit recency period stated, but photo must reflect current appearance
Same 40×50mm format works for passport, visa, and Document of Identity applications

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hong Kong passport photo requirements?

HKSAR passport photos must be 40×50mm with plain white background. Chin-to-crown height 32-36mm with sufficient headroom. Full frontal face, clear features, no shadows, no flash reflection. Digital submissions: JPEG, minimum 1200×1600 pixels, ≤5 MB.

Can I use the same photo for HK passport and visa?

Yes. HKSAR passport, visa applications, and Document of Identity for Visa Purposes all use identical 40×50mm specifications. One compliant photo works for all applications.

Can I wear glasses in Hong Kong passport photos?

Yes. Prescription glasses are allowed if lenses are clear (not tinted), there is no glare or reflection, and frames do not cover any part of the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.

How recent must Hong Kong passport photos be?

IMMD does not specify an exact timeframe. The photo must reflect your current appearance. For best practice, use a photo taken within the last six months.

What digital format for online passport application?

JPEG format, maximum 5 MB file size. Minimum 1200×1600 pixels if captured by digital camera, or 600 DPI scan of 40×50mm print. Upload via gov.hk online application portal.

Why does photo quality matter more for HK passports?

HKSAR passports use laser engraving to personalise your photo onto the data page. The engraved image quality depends entirely on the original photo quality. Poor lighting, low contrast, or low resolution photos produce poor permanent passport images.

Can I smile in Hong Kong passport photos?

A gentle closed-mouth smile is acceptable. Neutral expression is preferred. Do not show teeth. Avoid exaggerated expressions.

Where can I print Hong Kong passport photos?

Print at home on photo-quality paper (matte or glossy both accepted), or at any photo printing service. Specify 40×50mm dimensions. Do not fold, staple, or damage printed photos—they must be pristine for laser engraving.

What clothing should I wear?

IMMD recommends avoiding overly dark or overly light clothing and heavy make-up. Darker clothing provides better contrast against the white background. Do not wear headwear unless for religious or medical reasons.

Can I apply for HKSAR passport online?

Yes, if you are a Chinese citizen and permanent resident of HKSAR with a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card. Upload one digital JPEG photo via gov.hk. Appointments for in-person applications can also be booked online.