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Hong Kong Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Hong Kong passport photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division. In this guide, you can confirm the exact 40×50 mm size, 472×591 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Hong Kong passport application. A key local rule to remember is: Hong Kong requires a 40×50 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 472×591 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 40×50 mm (472×591 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official Hong Kong passport photo rules
- Hong Kong requires a 40×50 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 472×591 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
- Heavy digital retouching (skin smoothing, jaw reshaping, eye enlargement) is rejected by the biometric pass even when the studio applies it by default.
- Hong Kong Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division accepts photos taken within the last 6 months that accurately reflect your current appearance, including recent facial hair, glasses frames or hairstyle changes.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in Hong Kong passport photos
- 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.
- Wearing a top that blends into the background at the shoulders — very common in Asian studio shots that use flat lighting.
- Uploading a photo whose background reads as off-white or cream once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- 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.
Passport vs visa photo differences in Hong Kong
The passport photo in Hong Kong is 40×50 mm, while the visa photo is 35×45 mm. That size difference is enough to trigger rejection if you upload the wrong file, so always double-check which document you are preparing. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Hong Kong visa photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
China (33×48 mm)Taiwan (35×45 mm)Singapore (35×45 mm)
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 official passport photo size for Hong Kong?
The official Hong Kong passport photo size is 40×50 mm, which equals 472×591 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Hong Kong passport photo?
Hong Kong passport photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.