For a Hong Kong tourist visa, Indian citizens require two color photos in a 40mm (width) x 50mm (height) size. This small size detail can make or break your visa application. In this blog, we will cover all the essential Hong Kong visa photo requirements and specifications to help you get your visa on time.
|
Specification |
Hong Kong Visa Photo Requirement |
|
Size (Printed Photo) |
40 mm × 50 mm |
|
Face Height (chin to crown) |
32 mm to 36 mm |
|
Head Position & Face Visibility |
Full face, frontal; face centered; no head tilt; both ears visible; clear facial features. |
|
Background |
Plain white; no patterns, shadows, or objects. |
|
Expression / Eyes / Mouth |
Eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression. No hair across eyes, no glare on glasses. |
|
Recency (When Photo Taken) |
Taken within the last 6 months. |
|
Digital/E-Submission Specs |
JPEG; file size ≤ 5 MB; |
Photo Size
|
Photo Size in MM |
40mm x 50mm |
|
Photo Size in CM |
4 cm x 5 cm |
|
Photo Size in Inch |
1.57 inches x 1.97 inches (approx.) |
|
Photo Size in Pixels |
200 x 1600 pixels |
Photo Color & Recentness
Age of the Photo
Your photo must be recent, taken within the last 6 months. This ensures that your current appearance matches the photo.
Photo Matte or Glossy
Glossy finishes are acceptable for Hong Kong visa photos. The important factor is that the photo is clear and of high quality.
Colour
Hong Kong visa photos must be in full color. Black and white photos are not accepted.
Suggested Read: How to Book Hong Kong Visa Appointment in India: Full Guide
Photo Background & Lighting
Background
The background of your photo should be plain white. It must be clean, with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible. The background should provide a clear contrast to your face and clothing.
Lighting
The lighting in your photo should be even and balanced. There should be no harsh shadows on your face or the background. Natural or soft artificial light works best to ensure your features are clearly visible.
Face Visibility & Expressions
Facial Appearance/Size
Your face should take up about 70-80% of the photo. The distance from the top of your head to your chin should be between 32mm and 36mm.
Face Orientation
Your head should be straight and facing the camera directly. Both ears should be visible, and your eyes should be looking straight at the camera.
Expression
Your expression should be neutral, with your mouth closed and no smile. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible. Avoid any exaggerated expressions or poses.
Photo Attire & Accessories
Attire
Wear everyday clothing in your visa photo. There’s no need for formal attire, but avoid white clothes, as they may blend with the background. Choose colors that contrast with the white background.
Accessories
Glasses/Spectacles
If you normally wear glasses, you can keep them on in your photo. However, ensure there’s no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses or tinted lenses are not allowed.
Health Accessories
Necessary health accessories like hearing aids are permitted in the photo. They should not obstruct your face or create shadows.
Jewelry
Small, non-distracting jewelry is allowed. However, avoid large or reflective pieces that might create glare or shadows on your face.
Headwear
Generally, headwear is not allowed in Hong Kong visa photos. Exceptions are made for religious or medical reasons. In such cases, ensure your full face is visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
Makeup
Light, natural-looking makeup is acceptable. Avoid heavy makeup that significantly alters your appearance. Your facial features should be clearly visible and recognizable.
Suggested Read: Hong Kong Visa Extension for Indians | A Visa Guide
Hong Kong Visa Photo Requirements for Children
Taking photos of infants can be challenging, but Hong Kong has some specific guidelines:
- The baby should be awake with eyes open. In the case of infants, it is acceptable if their eyes are not entirely open.
- No other person should be visible in the photo.
- You can lay the baby on a plain white sheet for support.
- The baby’s head should be straight and facing the camera.
- A soft, natural expression is acceptable for babies.
For children under the age of 10 years:
- The child should face the camera directly.
- Eyes must be open and clearly visible.
- The child should have a neutral expression (not smiling).
- Parents cannot be in the photo holding the child.
- If needed, a chair can be used for support, but it shouldn’t be visible in the final photo.
Common Reasons for Hong Kong Visa Photo Rejections
1. Incorrect Photo Size
One of the most common reasons for Hong Kong visa photo rejections is submitting a photo with incorrect dimensions. The acceptable Hong Kong visa photo size is 40mm x 50mm.
2. Poor Photo Quality
Another frequent cause of rejection is poor photo quality. The Hong Kong Immigration Department requires high-quality, clear photos that accurately represent the applicant. Several factors can contribute to poor photo quality, such as blurriness, low resolution, overexposure or underexposure, and visible pixels or digital alterations.
3. Incorrect Background
The background of your Hong Kong visa photo is crucial and must meet specific requirements. Many applications are rejected due to background issues like a non-white background, a textured or patterned background, shadows on the background, or visible objects in the background.
4. Incorrect Facial Expression or Pose
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has strict requirements for facial expression and pose in visa photos. Many applicants face rejection due to smiling or other expressions, eyes not fully open or visible, head not straight or facing the camera, or shadows on the face.
5. Issues with Glasses or Headwear
While glasses and certain types of headwear are allowed in Hong Kong visa photos, they often cause rejections due to incorrect presentation, such as glare on glasses, tinted lenses, frames covering eyes, or inappropriate headwear.
Suggested Read: Hong Kong Visa Rejection for Indians: Top 10 Causes
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FAQs
Q: What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens in Hong Kong?
According to the Hong Kong visa photo guidelines, the standard size for visa photos for Indians must be 40mm wide and 50mm high.
Q: Can you use a photo with a colored background for your Hong Kong visa application?
Only plain white or off-white backgrounds are acceptable for Hong Kong visa photos. A photo required for a Hong Kong visa must not have a colored or patterned background.
Q: Are glasses allowed in visa photos?
Glasses are allowed in visa photos but must be non-tinted with thin rims, and eyes should be clearly visible without glare or shadows.
Q: What facial expression should you have in your visa photo?
Yes, you must maintain a neutral expression with open eyes and closed lips, keeping your face straight with no significant tilting.
Q: What should you do if your visa photo is rejected?
If your photo is rejected, submit a new one that fully complies with all specified requirements to continue processing your application.
Q: Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos?
For infant photos, the Hong Kong visit visa photo requirements are more relaxed and flexible. The photo must show a clear, front-facing view with visible features.
