HK Hong Kong Octopus 1.5x2 inch Photo Requirements Guide - Official Guidelines
Navigating Hong Kong’s vibrant streets and efficient transit network becomes even more effortless when you personalize your Octopus card with a crisp, compliant headshot. Our HK Octopus 1.5×2-inch Photo Requirements Guide distills every detail you need—exact dimensions, background color, facial positioning and expression, lighting standards, and printing quality—into one authoritative resource. Whether you’re a local student, daily commuter or first-time visitor, following these guidelines ensures your photo is accepted without delay, so you can tap in and go. Let’s demystify the process and get your Octopus card ready in no time.
Requirements
- Photo size: exactly 5 × 2 inches (38 × 51 mm) with no cropping or trimming beyond these dimensions
- Color and recent: full-color photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance
- Background: plain white or very light grey, evenly lit with no patterns, textures, shadows or objects
- Head position: applicant facing camera directly, head centered, eyes level with the camera lens
- Head size and composition: head (from chin to top of hair) must be 1 – 1⅜ inches (25 – 35 mm) high and occupy ~70 – 80% of photo area
- Expression and eyes: neutral expression or natural smile, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- No headwear or accessories: no hats, caps, scarves or headphones except for religious reasons; hair must not cover face or eyes
- Eyewear rules: if normally worn, thin-framed clear-lens glasses only, no tinted lenses or glare obscuring eyes
- Print quality: high-resolution print on smooth, high-quality white photographic paper, matte or gloss finish, with no creases, smudges or borders
- No digital alterations: no filters, retouching, airbrushing, red-eye removal or enhancements that change natural skin tones
- Lighting and exposure: even lighting on face with no overexposure or underexposure, no harsh shadows on face or background
- Attachment and handling: photo must be firmly affixed to application form without bending, folding or adhesive showing around edges
Step-by-Step Process
Content about HK Hong Kong Octopus 1.5x2 inch Photo Requirements Guide - process
Tips and Best Practices
- Accurate Dimensions: ensure your photo is exactly 5×2 inches (38×50 mm) with no added borders to avoid automatic rejection by Octopus kiosks
- Plain Background: use a smooth, light‐coloured backdrop (white or off‐white) so your face stands out clearly and the card reader’s camera can focus properly
- Even Lighting: shoot under soft, diffused light to eliminate harsh shadows and glare—dark areas or blown highlights can prevent the machine from verifying your features
- Centered Framing: position your head squarely in the frame with eyes at mid-height and shoulders visible—off-centre or overly cropped shots may be flagged as invalid
- No Obstructions: remove hats, tinted glasses and heavy hairstyles—clear visibility of your full face is critical for the Octopus system to match your image accurately
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hong Kong Octopus 1.5×2 inch Photo Requirements Guide ensures your photo meets official standards, helping you avoid delays or rejections. By following these precise specifications, you guarantee a smooth application process.
Key Takeaways:
- Dimensions: exactly 5 inches wide by 2 inches tall with a tolerance of ±02 inches
- Head Size: between 18 inches and 34 inches (30 mm–34 mm) from chin to crown
- Background: plain white or off-white, evenly lit with no shadows or patterns
- Pose & Expression: full-face view, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and centered
- Lighting & Color: natural skin tones, no red-eye, even illumination, no over- or under-exposure
- Attire & Accessories: no hats or head coverings (except for medical/religious reasons), no tinted glasses, frames must not obscure eyes
- Photo Quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, unaltered and printed on matte or glossy standard photo paper
- Recency & Authenticity: taken within the last six months, showing current appearance, not digitally manipulated
Next Steps:
- Review your photo against each key point above.
- If in doubt, have your photo taken by a professional familiar with HK Octopus requirements.
- Submit your compliant photo to avoid any processing delays.
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