Hong Kong passport photo guide
Hong Kong Passport Photo Requirements
Create a compliant Hong Kong SAR passport photo following the Immigration Department's standards. The common mistake is using mainland Chinese passport dimensions or a generic 35 × 45 mm image instead of Hong Kong's 40 × 50 mm portrait format.
Contents
Hong Kong passport photo requirements
These core requirements are summarized for quick reference. Always confirm against the current Hong Kong Immigration Department instructions before submitting.
Official source: Immigration Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
Who PhotoOmni is for
PhotoOmni supports 3 common Hong Kong passport photo situations.
New HKSAR passport applications
Prepare a compliant 40 × 50 mm photo for a first-time Hong Kong SAR passport application.
Passport renewals
Create a recent photo that reflects your current appearance for a renewal.
Photo re-checks
If your photo was rejected for using the wrong size or aspect ratio, run it through our checker before you resubmit.
How PhotoOmni's Hong Kong Passport Photo Tool works
Upload a photo, use our checker for an AI and expert compliance review, then download your files.
Step 1
Photo upload
Upload one selfie or take a new photo with your phone.
Step 2
AI + expert compliance review
Our tool crops your photo to the correct 40 × 50 mm portrait format, checks head size, background, and lighting, then an expert reviews it before delivery.
Step 3
Get your digital photo file
Download the digital JPEG file and a 40 × 50 mm print-ready sheet for online or in-person application.
5 tips for taking a Hong Kong passport photo at home
Use these 5 tips before uploading your photo.
- Wear everyday clothing; avoid overly dark or overly light clothing.
- Use soft, even lighting against a plain white wall.
- Keep your face centred, head straight, and facial features clearly visible.
- Keep hair away from your eyes and eyebrows; avoid glare on any glasses.
- Do not crop or resize the photo yourself — let the tool fit the correct 40 × 50 mm ratio.
Common reasons Hong Kong passport photos are rejected
Because Hong Kong's format differs from neighbouring documents, size and ratio mistakes are especially common.

- The photo uses mainland China's 33 × 48 mm size or a generic 35 × 45 mm size instead of 40 × 50 mm.
- Head height falls outside the 32–36 mm chin-to-crown range.
- The background is not plain white, or shows shadows.
- The face is off-centre, obscured by hair, too light, or too dark.
- The photo is older than 6 months or does not reflect your current appearance.
PhotoOmni vs. online tools vs. photo studios
PhotoOmni combines at-home upload, an AI-powered Hong Kong passport photo check, expert review, and ready-to-use files.
Convenience
- PhotoOmni
- Upload from home in minutes
- Other online tools
- Usually online
- Traditional photo studios
- Requires a store visit
Peace of mind
- PhotoOmni
- AI pre-check plus expert approval
- Other online tools
- May lack expert review, or charge extra for it
- Traditional photo studios
- Depends on local staff
Expert adjustments
- PhotoOmni
- Included when needed
- Other online tools
- Varies by service
- Traditional photo studios
- Usually retake-based
Ready-to-use files
- PhotoOmni
- Digital JPEG plus print-ready sheet
- Other online tools
- May be limited or extra
- Traditional photo studios
- Digital copy may not be included
Rejection protection
- PhotoOmni
- 100% refund for photo-caused rejection
- Other online tools
- Policy varies
- Traditional photo studios
- Policy varies by shop
Total price & inclusions
- PhotoOmni
- One-time fee of $5.99
- Other online tools
- Add-ons can cost $3–$10+
- Traditional photo studios
- Often $15+; files vary



