Here are the full rules for Hong Kong passport photos:((Government of Hong Kong. (2023, December 29). Online Application for HKSAR Passport. Www.gov.hk. h<ttps://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/traveldoc/hksarpassport/applyhkpassport.htm#:~:text=Acceptable%20dimension%3A,)%20x%201600%20px(H)>))
Dimensions
- Paper application: 40mm (width) x 50mm (height)
- Online application
- File size: Up to 5MB
- Resolution: 600 DPI
- Image size: At least 1200 pixels (width) x 1600 pixels (height).
Framing
- Full frontal face with clear facial features.
- Head centered and facing forward.
- Head size is between 32mm and 36mm, measured from chin to crown.
- Leave sufficient space between the head and the top of the photo (around 5mm).
Quality of photo
- Clear, sharp, and in focus.
- Recent (taken within the last six months).
- Color photo with an accurate reflection of natural skin tones and hair color.
- Printed on high-quality photo paper for paper application.
- JPEG format with 600dpi resolution and 5MB maximum file size for online application.
Quantity
- Two (2) identical copies.
Lighting
- Even lighting without harsh shadows or glares on the face.
- Avoid flash or excessive lighting.
Background
- Plain white background with no patterns or shadows.
Glasses
- Generally not allowed unless medically necessary.
- If worn, frames must be thin and not cover the eyes.
- No tinted lenses or glare.
Facial appearance
- No hats, headbands, or other headwear (except for religious reasons).
- Avoid heavy makeup or overly dark/light clothing.
- Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows.
- Neutral facial expression (natural smile without showing teeth is acceptable).
Exception for religious reasons
- Headwear is allowed if worn for religious purposes, but it must not obscure the face.
Exception for children under the age of six
- More relaxed requirements for facial expression and head position.
Visas for Future Passport Photo Service
Use the Visas for Future passport photo service to get a passport photo that’ll work for your application. Simply take a photo of yourself using our guidelines, send it in and we’ll edit it. We’ll send you your passport photos by post with free shipping. We deliver to Canada, the EU, the US, and the UK. For individuals outside of those countries, we can deliver your passport photos to your inbox, which you can print at home.
How it works
Take a photo.
We verify your photo.
Passport photos are delivered by post or email.
How to take your passport photo
Here’s how you can take passport photos at home to ensure that they’ll be high quality:
1.) Stand .5 meters or 2 feet from the wall. This ensures that there’s no shadow on your portrait.
2.) Place the camera 2 meters or 6 feet away from the subject. This will prevent distortion and give you a prettier picture!
3.) Have the camera on the same level as the subject’s face.
4.) Use plenty of lighting. Natural light is preferred but plenty of light in general is the best. Make sure it is even and doesn’t leave a shadow.
Benefits of using an online passport photo service
There are many choices when it comes to getting a passport photo but here are reasons why you should go with an online agent:
- You don’t have to leave your house.
- We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
- We validate your photo – we check your passport photo to make sure it is in order.
- Save money with bulk orders – you can order many passport photos and save.
Why choose us
Visas for Future is a convenient service that can help you with your passport photo needs. Here are six reasons why you should choose Visas for Future for your passport photo services:
- Expertise: Our experts ensure that your passport photo meets the official requirements of your destination country.
- Convenience: You can upload your own photo or take one with your smartphone, and we will crop, resize, and enhance it to create a perfect biometric photo.
- Support: We’re visa and passport photo experts. You can ask us travel questions, making your trip-planning process easier.
- Speed: Your photos are shipped within a day!
- Unlimited retakes: You can also take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the result.
Tips for Taking a Perfect Hong Kong Passport Photo
Preparation
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a camera (smartphone can work), a plain white sheet/backdrop, a ruler for measuring, a tripod (optional), and good lighting.
Setting Up
- Lighting: Natural light diffused through a window is ideal. Avoid harsh shadows or uneven lighting.
- Background: Hang your white sheet/backdrop on a wall or secure it firmly behind you. Iron out any wrinkles.
- Camera Setup: Use a portrait mode if available, ensuring good focus and framing. If using a tripod, position yourself at the correct distance for proper head size (32-36mm from chin to crown).
Taking the Photo:
- Framing: Stand up straight, center yourself, and look directly at the camera. Your shoulders should be visible.
- Expression: Maintain a neutral expression. A natural smile without teeth is okay. Avoid frowning or tilting your head.
- Clothing: Wear plain clothes with neutral colors or patterns. Avoid busy prints or logos.
- Hair: Ensure hair doesn’t obscure your face or eyebrows. Consider pulling it back for a neat look.
- Multiple Takes: Snap several photos to be sure you capture the best one.
Post-Processing
- Cropping: Crop the photo to the exact dimensions, using the ruler as a reference.
- Formatting: Ensure the photo is in the correct format and resolution (JPEG, 600 dpi, 5MB max for online).
- Quality Check: Double-check for clarity, focus, and adherence to all requirements.
If you are unsure how to take a good Hong Kong passport photo, or if you are worried that your photo may not meet the requirements, then it is a good idea to use Visas for Future passport photo service.
Hong Kong Passport photo for kids and babies
General Requirements
- Same as adults: Most requirements remain the same as for adults, including size (40mm x 50mm or 1200px x 1600px), background (plain white), quality (clear, recent, color), and facial expression (neutral, natural smile acceptable).
- Exceptions
- Eyes: For infants, closed eyes are acceptable. Other children must have open eyes.
- Mouth: Closed mouth requirement doesn’t apply to children under one (1) year old.
Additional Tips for Kids & Babies:
- Positioning
- Infants: Lay them on a plain white sheet on their backs, ensuring no shadows on their faces. Alternatively, use a car seat covered with a white sheet.
- Toddlers: Encourage them to stand naturally facing the camera with their shoulders visible.
- Older children: Explain the process gently and have them stand still while looking directly at the camera.
- Expression: Capture a natural expression. For babies, a calm state is usually best. For older children, explain they need to keep a serious face (but a natural smile is okay).
- Lighting: Use natural light or diffused artificial light to avoid harsh shadows or glares.
- Multiple Takes: Be prepared to snap several photos to capture the best one.
- Patience: Understand that babies and children may be restless or uncooperative. Take breaks and try again later if needed.
- Help from Others: Consider having a friend or family member assist with holding or distracting the child while you take the photo.
Taking a passport photo for a child or baby can be challenging, but Visas for Future can assist you in obtaining a Hong Kong passport photo that meets all official requirements for your little one.
Correct and Incorrect Samples of Hong Kong Passport Photos
Photo Quality
Head Position
Pose
Ornaments/Background
Expression
Eyeglass
Obscurring
Source: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Steps to get a Hong Kong passport photo Online
Here are the simple steps for obtaining your Hong Kong passport photos through Visas for Future.
Step 1: Click on “Get Passport Photo now“ button.
Step 2: Fill out the form: Provide your name, email, country of residence, phone number, and what country you are applying to.
Step 3: Pay the application fee: Pay online using a debit or credit card.
Step 4: Take a clear photo and upload it.
Step 5: Receive your photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear glasses in a passport photo in Hong Kong?
No, you cannot wear glasses in a Hong Kong passport photo unless medically necessary.
What color is the Hong Kong passport?
The main color of the Hong Kong passport is dark blue. The cover features the national emblem of the People’s Republic of China in gold, with the words “Passport” and “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” written in both Chinese and English, also in gold.
Is the Hong Kong passport the same as the Chinese
No, the Hong Kong passport and the Chinese passport are not the same, although they both fall under the umbrella of the People’s Republic of China.
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Written by
Jenilyn Samortin 
Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
Published by Visas for Future
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "Hong Kong Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/hong-kong-passport-photo/. Accessed on 21 September 2023.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "Hong Kong Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future. September 21, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/hong-kong-passport-photo/.