How long does it take to get a HKSAR passport? Processing times in 2026
Getting a HKSAR passport usually takes a predictable amount of time, provided your application is complete and accurate. However, different application methods and circumstances can affect the final timeline.
Read this article to learn about the current Hong Kong passport processing times and key factors that influence them.
Table of contents
- Standard HKSAR passport processing time in Hong Kong
- Processing time by application type
- Express HKSAR passport processing
- Online application vs in-person application processing time
- What can delay passport processing?
- Get a photo for your Hong Kong passport application online!
- Where and how to collect your HKSAR passport
How long does a HKSAR passport take to be issued? Standard processing time
Passport applications in Hong Kong are usually handled within a clearly defined timeframe, provided all documents are complete and correct.
The Immigration Department guarantees to process the passport within 5 working days after receiving all necessary documents, the application fee, and a compliant photo. For children under 11 without a Hong Kong permanent identity card, the process takes about 10 working days since they typically need to apply for a permanent ID card simultaneously.
Processing begins once the Immigration Department has all the required items, including:
- All necessary documents (such as ID card, proof of eligibility, etc.),
- The full application fee, and
- A photo that meets HKSAR passport standards.
What is the HKSAR passport collection time?
Under normal circumstances, you can pick up the new passport the next working day after the application is processed. For online or drop-in box applications, allow an extra 2–3 working days for handling and security checks, so passport collection generally occurs about 7–8 working days after submission, rather than immediately following the 5-day processing period.
Processing time by application type
The time required to issue a passport depends on how and where you apply, as well as your eligibility category. Below, we explain how processing times vary by application type.
Standard processing for adults
For adults and applicants over 11 with a Hong Kong permanent identity card, the Immigration Department usually wraps up processing in 5 working days after receiving all necessary documents, the application fee, and a compliant photo. Online or non-in-person applications might take an extra 2–3 working days due to handling requirements, bringing the total time from submission to collection to about 7–8 working days.
How long does the HKSAR passport renewal take? Renewing a standard HKSAR passport in Hong Kong usually takes five working days after the Immigration Department receives all the required documents, the fee, and a compliant photo.
Guideline: How to apply for a Hong Kong passport online
Minors without a permanent Identity Card
For children under 11 who do not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card, the process takes 10 working days. This timeframe covers the simultaneous application for a permanent ID card and applies to both first-time and replacement passport applications.
Lost, damaged, or replacement passports
When dealing with damaged, defaced, or lost Hong Kong passports, the replacement processing time is the same as standard applications for adults with a valid ID card, taking roughly 5 working days if submitted in person and complete.
If there are complexities like investigations, identity verification issues, or necessary amendments, processing can extend beyond the standard timeframe. In such cases, the department might request an in-person interview or additional documentation.
Express HKSAR passport processing
The Hong Kong Immigration Department doesn't offer a specific "express" or priority service for standard HKSAR passport applications. Instead, they have an urgent-issue scheme reserved for exceptional circumstances.
In urgent or "express-like" situations, the department considers requests only when there are justifiable reasons, such as genuine medical emergencies or urgent overseas travel for work or family matters. Each case is assessed individually.
While there's no guaranteed expedited service, urgent applications may be prioritized within the usual processing lines. To apply, you must:
- Visit an Immigration counter in person,
- Provide relevant supporting documents (like a flight itinerary or medical letter), and
- Accept that both approval and processing time remain at the department's discretion and may still take a few days.
Online application vs in-person application processing time
Both online and in-person passport applications share the same basic processing time: the Immigration Department typically issues passports within 5 working days after receiving all necessary documents, the payment, and an acceptable photo.
However, online and postal applications usually require an additional 2–3 working days due to handling formalities, whereas in-person applications at the counter generally bypass this extra step.
For online or self-service applications, you will receive a Collection Notice after the department completes verification and scheduling, which might not be as immediate as in-person submissions.
No matter which method you use, if you need a replacement passport due to loss, damage, or changes in personal data, you must apply in person, and the processing time could be longer.
What can delay passport processing?
Several factors might extend your HKSAR passport application's processing time beyond the standard 5 working days. Here's what can cause delays:
Administrative and document-related delays:
- Missing paperwork, incorrect payments, or an invalid photo can delay the start.
- Applications submitted online, by post, or through drop-in boxes generally add 2–3 extra working days for additional handling and security checks.
Case type and complexity:
- Applications for replacing lost, damaged, or defaced passports, or those requiring updates to personal information, usually require in-person submission and may take longer than standard cases.
- Children under 11 without a permanent Hong Kong ID card face a longer processing time (about 10 working days) because they need to apply for an ID card simultaneously.
System and workload factors:
- During busy periods like the summer holidays or year-end, processing times may extend even if the department strives to meet its targets.
- If you collect your passport through diplomatic or consular missions or mainland offices, additional time for mailing and customs clearance can significantly lengthen the overall wait from filing to receiving your passport.
Get a photo for your Hong Kong passport application online!
A correct passport photo is essential for approval. Here you’ll learn how to create one online that meets all official requirements.
Modern tools eliminate the need for a studio visit. With Visafoto, you can prepare a compliant Hong Kong passport photo in minutes. Follow these two simple steps:
- Upload a photo taken in good daylight to the Visafoto tool below.
- Choose the country and document type (for example, Hong Kong passport).
That’s it! Visafoto will automatically adjust the background, size, and head position to match official standards. You’ll receive a digital file for online submission and a print-ready version.
Example of the photo you can upload to Visafoto:
The result after Visafoto editing:
Visafoto has a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 1,000,000 approved photos. If your photo is rejected, you get a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7.
Where and how to collect your HKSAR passport
You have several options for collecting your HKSAR passport:
- You can pick it up in person at a designated Immigration office or use a Passport Collection Kiosk / Personal Documentation Collection Kiosk if you selected that option when you applied.
- You can also collect your passport at certain Mainland HKSAR offices or, for overseas cases, at designated missions or consular posts.
Here’s how it works: Once your passport is ready, you generally receive an SMS or collection notice. Bring your Hong Kong ID card and any necessary old passport or documents for cancellation to the specified location during the collection period. If your application was made in person, you might be able to authorize an adult to collect your passport for certain mainland-office scenarios. However, in Hong Kong, collection is typically done personally.
In Hong Kong, common collection sites include the Immigration Headquarters in Wan Chai and various offices on Hong Kong Island and in West Kowloon, which have kiosks or counters. No appointment is usually needed to collect your passport from a kiosk.