Hong Kong Passport Photo Requirements — 50×40mm, No Booth Photos

Hong Kong passport photos use a unique portrait-oriented 50×40mm size (taller than wide) — different from most countries. Photo booth photos like MTR or Photo-Me are explicitly not accepted. Professional photos only.

⚠ No Photo Booth Photos Accepted ✓ Correct 50×40mm Portrait Size ✓ 3 Photos Per Order ✓ Same-Day Pickup

Hong Kong residents in the USA applying for an HKSAR passport need a 50×40mm photo — a portrait-oriented format not produced by standard US photo labs. We specialize in this format with same-day pickup at Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart, or worldwide delivery.

Printed Photo Requirements

RequirementSpecification
Size50mm tall × 40mm wide (portrait orientation)
Head height32–36mm from crown to chin
Quantity3 identical photos required
BackgroundPlain white
ColorFull color, recent
ExpressionFull face, prominent features clearly visible
AttireDecent — must have sleeves and collar
GlassesPermitted if eyes are distinctly visible
Women — veilNot permitted except for Muslim women and nuns
Men — hair/earringsLong hair and earrings not permitted
Photo boothsNot acceptable — e.g. MTR or Photo-Me booths
⚠ No photo booth photos: The Hong Kong Immigration Department explicitly states that photos taken at photo booths (such as MTR or Photo-Me booths) are not acceptable. Photos must come from a professional photography service. We meet this requirement for every order.
Attire note: Both men and women must wear clothing with sleeves and a collar. Sleeveless tops, tank tops, and t-shirts without collars are not acceptable. Men with long hair or earrings are also not permitted in HKSAR passport photos.

Digital Photo Requirements (Online Application)

RequirementSpecification
File formatJPEG
File size600 KB or below
Scanned from print40×50mm at 600 DPI
Digital camera1200×1600 pixels

How to Order — 3 Simple Steps

1

Take a photo at home

Plain white background, natural light, camera at eye level. Decent attire with sleeves and collar. Both ears visible.

2

Upload your photo

Upload here for free pre-approval. We verify all Hong Kong-specific requirements including attire and background.

3

Receive your 3 photos

Same-day pickup at Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart — or worldwide mail or digital delivery.

Order Hong Kong Passport Photos — $9.95 →

Frequently Asked Questions

50mm tall × 40mm wide — portrait orientation (taller than wide). Head must be 32–36mm from crown to chin. 3 identical photos required. This size is not produced by standard US photo labs.
No. The Hong Kong Immigration Department explicitly states that photo booth photos (MTR, Photo-Me, or similar automated booths) are not acceptable. Photos must be taken by a professional photography service.
Decent clothing with sleeves and a collar is required. Sleeveless tops are not acceptable. Men with long hair or earrings are not permitted. Veils are not permitted except for Muslim women and nuns.
Yes, unlike many countries, glasses are permitted in Hong Kong passport photos — as long as the eyes are distinctly visible with no tinting or reflection.
Hong Kong uses a portrait-oriented 50×40mm format — taller than it is wide. Most countries use square or near-square formats (US 2×2 inch, EU 35×45mm). The 50×40mm size is unique to Hong Kong and is not available at standard US photo labs.

Also see: Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card (HKID) Photos →