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Hong Kong Visa Photo Checker
For Hong Kong visa photos, start with the listed 35×45 mm format. Our checker compares your image with the selected photo specification; confirm the current requirements with Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division before applying.
Hong Kong uses a 40×50 mm passport photo format with a white background. Hong Kong SAR passports are issued by the Immigration Department. The face should measure 32–36 mm from chin to crown. Hong Kong's smart ID card also uses the same photo specifications.
Use the tool above to upload a candidate photo. We analyse aspect ratio, resolution, background colour and uniformity, sharpness, and run on-device face detection to confirm head size, centering and eye visibility — all in your browser. Nothing leaves your device.
Official Hong Kong visa photo rules we check
- Required size: 35×45 mm (413×531 px at 300 DPI)
- Required background: White
- Issuing authority: Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division
- Print dimensions: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 inches)
- Digital size: 413×531 px at 300 DPI
- Background: White
Common Hong Kong visa rejection reasons
- Hong Kong-specific: Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 40×50 mm used by Hong Kong, and studios often print the wrong size unless the exact dimensions are stated in millimetres.
- Hong Kong-specific: Wearing a top that blends into the background at the shoulders — very common in Asian studio shots that use flat lighting.
- Hong Kong-specific: Uploading a photo whose background reads as off-white or cream once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- Hong Kong-specific: Submitting a photo older than 6 months even if you look the same — Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
- Aspect ratio drifted from 35:45 after a careless crop
- Soft focus or motion blur from a handheld phone shot in low light
How to pass the checker
Re-shoot in flat, even lighting
Stand 1.5 m from a plain wall matching the required white background. Use two soft light sources (or window light through a thin curtain) on either side of your face to eliminate the shadow that triggers most Hong Kong rejections.
Crop precisely to 35×45 mm
Use our free image cropper to pull the exact 35:45 ratio. Position your eyes near the upper third of the frame and leave roughly 5 mm of headroom above the hair — the proportions Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division expects.
Replace the background if it's the wrong colour
If our checker flags the background, compare it with the selected specification (white). The background remover can help prepare another preview; confirm that edited photos are accepted by the authority.
Verify face coverage with the checker
Re-upload the corrected photo and compare the framing with the selected application's guidance. Requirements for head position can vary by application.
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Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong nationals apply through Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division at the nearest passport office. Most centres now use live biometric capture in addition to any printed photo submitted with the paper form. Booking an appointment online first is standard practice and rarely optional.
Is a white background required in Hong Kong passport photos?
Yes. Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division requires a white background at the 40×50 mm print size. Substituting another colour or an off-white tone triggers rejection at the biometric pre-check even when the framing and lighting are otherwise correct.
What is the Hong Kong passport photo size in pixels?
472×591 pixels at 300 DPI. At 300 DPI that maps to the physical 40×50 mm print. If the online portal specifies a different pixel target, resize from a 300 DPI master file rather than re-cropping a smaller original.
How accurate is this Hong Kong visa photo checker?
Our checker reviews dimensions, aspect ratio, background, sharpness and face positioning with on-device detection where available. It cannot duplicate Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division's review or guarantee acceptance. Always check the official instructions for your application.
Does ImageGates upload my photo to a server?
No — every check runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly. Your photo never leaves your device. That is unique among most online checkers and is why the tool also works offline once loaded.