Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes Photo Requirements
Check the photo requirements for a Hong Kong document of identity for visa purposes before preparing your application.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The photo size is 40 by 50 millimeters, or about 1.57 by 1.97 inches[1]. The Immigration Department lists this size for travel document photos. Crop the printed photo to these dimensions.
Your head height within the frame must measure between 32 and 36 millimeters[1]. You must measure this specific distance precisely from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head[1]. If your head is too small or too large within the 40 by 50 millimeter space, the authorities may refuse your application photo.
Check the head-height measurement before printing. It must be 32 to 36 millimeters, measured from chin to the top of the head[1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
Use a plain white background[1]. Avoid patterns and shadows in the picture. Standing a short distance from the wall can help reduce shadows.
Your face must be positioned full frontal and centred within the frame[1]. You must look straight ahead toward the camera lens without tilting your head up, down, or to either side. Additionally, the photograph must include sufficient headroom above the top of your hair[1].
Good lighting is essential for capturing a clear, natural skin tone without dark patches. Face a bright window during daylight hours or use two balanced light sources to illuminate your face evenly. Avoid using a direct camera flash that creates glaring reflections or deep shadows under your chin and nose.
Face, Glasses, and Head Coverings
Headwear is not permitted in the photo[1].
If you wear glasses, the frames must not obscure your eyes, and the lenses must not reflect flash[1].
Face the camera straight on[1].
Rules for Children and Minors
Children under 16 years of age apply using the designated child application route[2]. Despite the different application pathway, the exact same travel-document photo specifications apply to young applicants and children[2]. Parents and guardians must carefully follow every sizing and background rule when photographing infants and toddlers.
The same photo specifications apply to children under 16[2]. For a young child, try to keep the plain white background clear in the photo.
For older children, seat them upright against a plain white wall with their shoulders square to the camera. Remind them to keep their mouth closed and look straight ahead. Taking multiple test shots helps you capture one frame where the child has a neutral expression, open eyes, and the correct head height.
Submission, Printing, and Quantity
Applicants must provide recent colour photos[2]. Adult applications require three photos[2].
The photo is laser-engraved on the document data page[2]. Use a clear, well-exposed photo.
Follow the application instructions for how to prepare and submit your photos[2].
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can easily take a compliant ID photo at home using a digital camera or smartphone. Set up your camera at eye level on a stable tripod or ask a household member to take the picture for you. Never use a handheld selfie angle, because holding the camera too close distorts facial features and alters your natural proportions.
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to achieve a natural perspective. Position yourself in front of a plain white wall with optimal natural lighting from a nearby window. Review the digital image on a large screen to check that your head height measures correctly between 32 and 36 millimeters.
You can use the tool above to crop the photo to 40 by 50 millimeters[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for a Hong Kong document of identity for visa purposes?
How many photos must I submit with my adult application?
Adult applications require three identical physical colour photos[2].
What is the required head height in the photo?
Your head height must measure between 32 and 36 millimeters from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head[1].
Are glasses permitted in the application photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, meaning the frames must not obscure your eyes and the lenses must be completely free of glare[1].
What background colour is required for the picture?
You must use a plain white background with sufficient headroom above your hair and a full frontal view of your face[1].
Do children have different photo requirements?
Children under 16 apply using the child application route, but the exact same travel-document photo specifications still apply[2].