How To Apply For Hong Kong Passport Online

Eligible Hong Kong residents can apply for an HKSAR passport online through the Immigration Department’s e-service platform, making it possible to submit documents and upload a passport photo without visiting an office in person.

This guide walks you through the Hong Kong online passport application process, covering the main eligibility requirements, required documents, and application fees. It also explains how to prepare a compliant digital passport photo that meets the official technical standards for online submission.

Table of contents

• Hong Kong Passport Eligibility
• Hong Kong Online Passport Application: Step-by-Step Process
• Documents Required for Hong Kong Passport Application
• Hong Kong Passport Photo Requirements
• Get a Digital Hong Kong Passport Photo Online
• Take a Hong Kong Passport Photo With a Phone
• Do You Need to Print Out a Photo for Hong Kong Online Passport Application?
• Hong Kong Passport Processing Times
• Hong Kong Passport Fees
• FAQ

Hong Kong Passport Eligibility

To apply for an HKSAR passport, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Chinese citizen.
• Be a permanent resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
• Hold a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card or an acknowledgement of application for one.

Applicants aged 16 or 17 must also provide additional supporting documents. These include proof of a parent’s or guardian’s Hong Kong identity card or Hong Kong-issued travel document, a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate (particularly if born outside Hong Kong), and, where applicable, a marriage certificate to verify any change of name or marital status.

HKSAR Passport Application Online: Step-by-Step Process

To apply for a Hong Kong passport electronically, follow the steps below:

1. Gather all required documents, including your Hong Kong permanent identity card, your current HKSAR passport if you are renewing, and any additional supporting documents such as birth or marriage certificates, depending on your age and personal circumstances.
2. Visit the Immigration Department’s Online Services page and select the Online Application for HKSAR Passport option.
3. Complete the online application form, upload a recent colour passport photo taken against a plain white background in JPEG format (maximum file size: 5 MB), and attach scanned copies of all required supporting documents.
4. Pay the application fee online using the Faster Payment System (FPS) or a supported credit or debit card, including Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, or JCB.
5. Save or print the confirmation page for your records. You will need it until you receive the official Collection Notice confirming when and where your new passport will be available.
6. Collect your new HKSAR passport in person at the designated Immigration Department office, Passport Collection Kiosk, or mobile service location. You will need to present your Hong Kong permanent identity card and original supporting documents for verification, and your existing passport may be cancelled at collection if it is being renewed.

Eligible applicants can renew their Hong Kong passport online by completing the application form, uploading the required photo and documents, and paying electronically. Adults aged 18 and above can complete the entire process online, while applicants aged 17 and above may also choose to apply by post, in person at an Immigration Department office, or through a self-service kiosk. Applicants under 18 must comply with additional age-specific documentation and parental consent requirements set by the Immigration Department.

Documents Required for Hong Kong Passport Application

Here is a list of the documents you need to apply for a Hong Kong passport.

Here is an updated list of the core documents required to apply for an HKSAR passport, based on 2026 requirements from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

If you're 18 or older:

• Completed online application form for an HKSAR passport.
• Recent colour passport‑style photograph on a plain white background, uploaded in JPEG format (not larger than 5 MB), meeting the Immigration Department’s technical specifications.
• Valid Hong Kong permanent identity card, or an acknowledgement of application for a Hong Kong permanent identity card.
• Current HKSAR passport or previous HKSAR travel document (if applicable), plus a clear copy if required for online submission.
• Proof of identity and residence, such as additional identification documents if requested (e.g., proof of Chinese nationality or naturalisation records, where relevant).

Note: The Immigration Department does not require “proof of sufficient funds,” a university degree, language‑proficiency certificates, professional‑reference letters, or documentation of career achievements solely for a standard HKSAR passport application. These are not part of the official documentary checklist for ordinary‑route applicants.

If you're 16 or 17 and not married:

• Completed online application form.
• Recent colour photograph on a plain white background that meets the standard requirements.
• Consent from a parent or legal guardian, typically evidenced by the guardian’s Hong Kong permanent identity card or valid travel document (if not a Hong Kong resident, a copy of that document may be required).
• Birth certificate (if born outside Hong Kong) or other legal documents proving parentage, such as court‑ordered custody papers if applicable.
• School‑issued photo identification document bearing your photo, authenticated by the school; if unavailable, a completed Form for Countersignature (ID‑641) plus a copy of the countersignatory’s identity document.

If you do not yet hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Document, you must first apply for one by submitting a recent photograph and the required documents proving your right to permanent residence in Hong Kong, such as birth or entry‑related documents, naturalisation papers, or other proof of continuous residence and Chinese nationality.

Please ensure that the information on your passport, including name, date of birth, and sex, matches the data on your Hong Kong permanent identity card. If there are discrepancies (for example due to a name change or gender‑marker update), you must contact the Registration of Persons Office to amend your records before applying for or renewing your HKSAR passport.

Hong Kong Passport Photo Requirements

Ensure that your HKSAR passport photo meets the following requirements:

• For online applications, photos should be sized at 1200×1600 pixels. For print applications, they should be 40×50 mm.
• The top of your head and chin should be at least 35 mm in the photo, with a 5 mm gap between the top of your head and the top of the image.
• The background should be plain white.
• For online applications, photo files should be in JPEG format and less than 5 MB in size. The resolution should be 600 dpi.
• Your face should be clearly visible, looking straight ahead, without any shadows. You can smile softly without showing teeth, or maintain a neutral expression.
• Your eyes should be clearly seen - not covered by hair or spectacles.

Here is an example:

Get a Digital Hong Kong Passport Photo Online

Quickly get a digital passport photo for Hong Kong with Visafoto.com. Simply follow these instructions:

• Take a photo with your digital camera or smartphone in front of a plain white background.
• Upload your photo to Visafoto.com.
• Download your professionally edited photo instantly.

Visafoto automatically adjusts your photo by resizing, changing the background, and making sure your head is in the right position — all with just a few clicks.

You'll get a digital photo that's perfect for online applications, as well as a printed version. If your photo isn't accepted for any reason, Visafoto offers a 100% money-back guarantee. With a 99.7% acceptance rate, they're experts at meeting specific photo requirements for various documents.

Let’s look at examples. First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this:

Then resize it with Visafoto and get a photo for Hong e-passport and 4 photos for printing:

Take a Hong Kong Passport Photo With a Phone

Another great option is 7ID, an app supported by Visafato.com, that makes it easy to take and edit a passport photo right from your phone, suitable for both digital and paper applications. Here's what you need to do:

• Download the 7ID app from Google Play or the App Store.
• Upload your photo to the app.
• Choose the country and document type you need.
• Let 7ID automatically adjust your photo to ensure perfect alignment of your face and eyes without any manual effort.

The 7ID app also lets you quickly change the background color to meet official standards and provides a print-ready template that fits different paper sizes. So you can print your passport photos anytime, anywhere.

For more detailed edits, the Expert feature uses advanced technology to enhance your photo to ensure it meets all requirements. If you encounter any problems or your photo is rejected, the 24/7 support team will assist you with quality control and guidance.

Do You Need to Print Out a Photo for Hong Kong Online Passport Application?

You don't need to submit a printed photo to get your Hong Kong passport online. Instead, you need a digital image. Use the one provided by Visafoto.com and simply upload it to your online application form.

HKSAR Passport Processing Times

Wating times for a Hong Kong passport vary depending on where and how you apply, as well as your age and document status. According to the Immigration Department’s 2026 guidelines, the estimated processing times are as follows:

• Applications submitted in Hong Kong (including online and in person): around 5 working days after the Immigration Department receives all required documents, the application fee, and a compliant passport photo. For non-in-person submissions, such as online applications or drop-in-box submissions, an additional 2–3 working days may apply.
• Children under 11 without a Hong Kong permanent identity card: approximately 10 working days after all required documents, payment, and photo are received.
• Applications submitted overseas through Chinese embassies or consulates: typically 4–6 weeks for applicants holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card, or 6–8 weeks for those who do not. Delivery and forwarding times are not included.
• Applications submitted through Mainland Offices: generally 4–6 weeks, excluding the time needed for document transfer and passport dispatch.

Because processing times may increase during peak travel periods or if additional verification is required, applicants should submit their passport application well in advance of any planned travel.

Hong Kong Passport Fees

The standard HKSAR passport application costs for 2026 are as follows

If you are applying in Hong Kong

• Adults (18 and above): HK$370 for a standard 32-page passport or HK$460 for a 48-page passport.
• Children (under 16): HK$185 for a 32-page passport or HK$230 for a 48-page passport.

If you are applying from outside Hong Kong

Applicants submitting their application through a Chinese embassy, consulate, or other overseas mission usually need to pay an additional service or handling fee on top of the standard passport charges. The exact amount varies by location, so it is best to check the current fee directly with the relevant mission before applying.

Accepted payment methods may include:

• Faster Payment System (FPS).
• Credit or debit card, including Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and JCB, where online payment is available.
• Postal money order, if required for applications submitted by post.

Prices change from time to time, so it's a good idea to check the Hong Kong Immigration Department's Fee page for the latest fees before you apply.

FAQ

Can I apply for an HKSAR passport online if I’m under 18?

Yes, but the rules depend on the applicant’s age. Applicants aged 16–17 can apply online, but they must upload a consent letter signed by a parent or legal guardian, along with the guardian’s identity documents. For children under 16, the application must generally be submitted by post or in person rather than through the online system.

Can I pause and resume my online HKSAR passport application?

The Immigration Department’s online application system does not automatically save partially completed forms. It is best to complete the application in one session or keep your information ready to re-enter if needed. Unsaved data may be lost if the session expires.

Do I need to schedule an appointment after submitting my application online?

No separate appointment is usually required for standard applications. Once your application has been approved and processed, you will receive a Collection Notice with instructions on when and where to collect your passport. In urgent or exceptional cases, the Immigration Department may ask you to book an appointment through its online booking system or mobile app.

What happens if my online application is rejected or additional documents are required?

If your application is incomplete or does not meet the required standards, the Immigration Department will contact you using the email address or phone number provided in your application. You may be asked to submit corrected information or additional supporting documents within a specified deadline. Delays in responding can extend processing times or result in the application being cancelled.

Can I track the status of my online HKSAR passport application?

Yes. You can track your application using your reference number through the Immigration Department’s online enquiry system or mobile app. Application statuses typically include “Received,” “Under Processing,” “Approved,” and “Ready for Collection.”

Last Update: May 2026