All photo formats / Asia & Pacific
HKSAR passport photo for online application
Hong Kong's Immigration Department (ImmD) requires passport photos of 40 x 50 mm with a plain white background, the head (chin to crown) measuring 32 to 36 mm, full frontal face, no head dress. For online passport applications the digital photo must be a JPEG of at most 5 MB and at least 1200 x 1600 pixels. This tool exports 1280 x 1600 px - the 40:50 frame that meets ImmD's digital minimum - on your device.
The official requirements
| Photo size | 40 x 50 mm; head from chin to crown 32-36 mm (64-72% of the photo height), with headroom |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white |
| Pose | Full frontal face with clear facial features; no head dress; avoid heavy make-up and overly dark or light clothing |
| Digital upload | Passport applications only: JPEG, 5 MB maximum, at least 1200 x 1600 px (digital camera) or a 600 dpi scan of the 40 x 50 mm print |
| This tool outputs | 1280 x 1600 px JPEG - the 40:50 ratio, meeting the 1200 x 1600 digital minimum |
Checked against the official sources below on 7 Nov 2026.
The online/mobile-app photo upload path applies to HKSAR passport applications only; other travel documents (Document of Identity, Re-entry Permit) take printed photos with the paper application.
ImmD lists these as automatic rejection reasons: not centred, a glasses frame across the eyes, hair across eyes or eyebrows, flash reflection on face or glasses, shadows, too light, too dark.
How to do it
- Take a photo facing the camera straight on, against a plain white background, with hair clear of the eyes and eyebrows.
- Upload it below and frame the head between the guide lines (chin to crown about 64-72% of the height).
- Create the file - 1280 x 1600 px JPEG under 5 MB - and confirm the checklist, including the manual lines.
- Download and upload it in your online HKSAR passport application.
Common questions
Why 1280 x 1600 pixels?
ImmD requires the printed photo at 40 x 50 mm (a 4:5 ratio) and the digital upload at least 1200 x 1600 px (a 3:4 ratio) - the two do not match. 1280 x 1600 px keeps the true 40:50 frame while exceeding the digital minimum in both dimensions, so nothing is stretched or padded.
Is a smile allowed?
ImmD's requirements state no expression rule - only a full frontal face with clear facial features. A neutral expression with the mouth closed is the safe choice.
Can I use this for a Document of Identity?
The digital upload applies to passport applications only. For other travel documents, submit printed 40 x 50 mm photos - this export also prints correctly at 40 x 50 mm.