Everything you need to know about Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo for your ABTC application.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Region | Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR), China |
| Document Type | APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) |
| Photo Size | 40 × 50 mm (1.57 × 1.97 inches) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 32–36 mm from chin to top of head |
| Head Proportion | 70–80% of the photo |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital Photo Size | Minimum 1200 × 1600 pixels (digital camera) |
| Color | Color only |
| Recency | Recent photo reflecting current appearance |
| Quantity Required | 2 identical photographs |
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) allows business travelers visa-free entry to participating APEC economies. The photo requirements are the same as other Hong Kong travel document photos.
If you wear prescription glasses, they are permitted provided that the frames do not cover your eyes, the lenses are not tinted, and there is no flash reflection. However, removing glasses is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
The ABTC is a travel card that provides business people with:
The ABTC facilitates entry to the following participating economies:
Source: Hong Kong Immigration Department — APEC Business Travel Card
Follow these steps to take a compliant ABTC photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone can take a quality photo. Clean the lens and use the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo — avoid selfies.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor light sources if needed.
Wear business attire or smart casual clothing. Avoid white tops. Remove glasses and large earrings.
Stand about 1.2 meters from the camera, head facing forward, shoulders relaxed. Ensure your face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed. Both eyes open, mouth closed. A slight natural smile is acceptable — no teeth. Remove glasses.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable photos
A Hong Kong ABTC photo must be exactly 40×50mm. Your head must measure between 32mm and 36mm from chin to top of head, occupying 70–80% of the photo.
You need 2 identical recent photographs for the Hong Kong APEC Business Travel Card application (form ID900).
Glasses are permitted if frames don't cover your eyes, lenses aren't tinted, and there's no flash reflection. Removing glasses is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
Yes! Upload your phone photo to Passport Size Photo and our AI will crop to 40×50mm, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements.
The background must be plain white with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Your full face must be clearly visible from chin to forehead.
The ABTC is a card issued to business people that provides visa-free entry and fast-track immigration clearance at participating APEC member economies. It is valid for up to 5 years and facilitates business travel across 19 economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Other Hong Kong documents:
Popular photo requirements:
