Hong Kong SAR passport photo requirements 2026: what the IMMD requires

The practical answer

HKSAR passport photos must be 40mm wide × 50mm high. The face from chin to crown must measure 32–36mm, with appropriate headroom above the crown. The background must be white. The photo must be a colour close-up showing the full face clearly. For digital applications via the IMMD's online portal or mobile app, the file must be a JPEG of 5MB or below, at a digital image size of 1200 × 1600 pixels (from a digital camera) or equivalent from a 600dpi scanner. Prescription glasses are permitted if the lenses are completely clear (no tint, no colour, no photochromic tint that appears light indoors), and there is absolutely no glare on the lenses. Clothing should not be pure white (to contrast with the white background) and should not be too dark or too light. There is no explicit rule against a natural smile, but an exaggerated or unusual expression may be rejected.

Where people get surprised

Three things catch applicants. First, the size: 40×50mm is unique to Hong Kong SAR. The US uses 51×51mm (square), the UK and Australia use 35×45mm, and Canada uses 50×70mm. Using any other country's format for an HKSAR application will result in immediate rejection. Second, the glasses rule: unlike the US, Australia, and New Zealand — which all prohibit glasses entirely — Hong Kong permits clear prescription glasses. But "clear" means genuinely clear: photochromic lenses that appear transparent indoors still fail because they have a residual tint under certain lighting. Blue-light-blocking coatings with a visible yellow or orange tint also fail. Third, clothing: IMMD explicitly advises against wearing pure white clothing (it blends with the white background) and against very dark or very light colours generally. A solid medium-tone colour with a proper collar is the standard recommendation.

How PassSnap fits

PassSnap 2.0 supports the HKSAR Passport photo type with the correct 40×50mm crop and 1200×1600px digital export. The app's guided capture includes framing guidance for the 32–36mm face height requirement. The optional AI verify step checks for lens glare and tint — a specific check for the Hong Kong market where glasses are permitted but must meet exact optical conditions.

Before you take your HKSAR passport photo

• Wear a solid-coloured top with a proper collar in a medium tone. Avoid pure white (blends into the background), very dark, and very light colours. IMMD explicitly advises against all three.
• If wearing glasses, confirm the lenses are completely clear with zero tint. Photochromic lenses that look clear indoors, blue-light coatings with any colour cast, and lightly tinted lenses all fail the requirement. Test in the actual shooting light before you start.
• Ensure there is no glare anywhere on the lenses before pressing the shutter. Adjust the light source position — even a small rotation of the head can eliminate glare without changing the face-on requirement.
• For digital upload via the IMMD online portal or app, export a JPEG at 1200×1600 pixels, 5MB or below. The portal checks file size on upload — oversized files will be rejected immediately.
• Do not fold the photo, attach it with a staple or paperclip, or write on the back. IMMD uses laser engraving to transfer the photo to the passport; any physical damage to the print affects the final passport quality.

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