2026 HKSAR Passport Renewal: Application methods, booking process, fees and required documents at a glance

Before planning an overseas trip, in addition to booking flights, hotels and itineraries, you should also check the validity of your HKSAR Passport. Many countries and regions require travellers to have at least 6 months’ validity remaining on their passport upon entry. Even if your passport has not officially expired, insufficient validity may still result in denied boarding or affect entry.

This time, 10Life has compiled the key points for renewing an HKSAR Passport, including the application method, whether an appointment is required, fees, required documents, photo specifications, processing time, self-service stations and arrangements for urgent express applications, so you can review everything clearly before departure.

In general, to apply for a HKSAR passport, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be a Chinese citizen
• Be a permanent resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
• Hold a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card

If you do not yet hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card, you will usually need to apply for one first. However, if you already hold the “Receipt for Application for a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card” (ROP140/140A), you may also apply for an HKSAR passport using the receipt.

It depends on the application method. For ordinary passport renewal, if you apply online, via the Immigration Department app, at a self-service kiosk, by post or by drop-off, an appointment is generally not required.

However, if the passport has been lost or damaged, or if personal details need to be changed, in-person attendance and an appointment are usually required. If you do not have an appointment, service may still be arranged subject to the quota available on the day, but places are limited and it may not be processed on the same day.

1. Online or via the Immigration Department App Application 

If you are simply renewing a passport, applying online or via the App is usually the most convenient option. Applicants may submit information, upload a photo and make payment through GovHK or the Immigration Department mobile application, then collect the new passport at the designated location upon notification.

However, if the existing passport has been lost, damaged, rendered unusable, or if personal particulars need to be amended, online application is generally not available and an in-person application is required.

Online application process 

1. Go to GovHK or the Immigration Department App 
2. Select the application type and number of passport pages 
3. Fill in personal details and contact information 
4. Upload a recent colour photo with a white background that meets the specifications 
5. Upload the relevant supporting documents 
6. Select the collection location 
7. Enter your email address to receive notifications 
8. Check the information and submit 
9. Complete payment 

2. Application at a Self-service Kiosk

For ordinary HKSAR passport renewal, the self-service kiosk is also one of the methods commonly used by many people. Applicants may complete the entire process themselves at a designated Immigration Department self-service kiosk, including taking a photo, entering information and submitting the application. The process is usually quicker and does not require an appointment.

However, if the application involves a lost or damaged passport, a change of personal particulars, or the submission of additional supporting documents, the self-service kiosk is generally not suitable, and in-person handling is still required.

Self-service kiosks are generally suitable for:

• Ordinary HKSAR passport renewal/replacement
• Holders of a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
• Cases where the existing passport has not been lost or damaged, and no personal particulars need to be amended

Self-service kiosk application process

1. Insert your Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
2. Select the application type and number of passport pages
3. Take a photo on site or upload a photo
4. Verify personal details
5. Select the collection location
6. Complete payment and submit the application

3. Application by Post or Drop-off

If it is inconvenient to apply in person immediately, you may also choose to submit your application by post or drop-off. However, postal and drop-off applications usually require an additional 2 to 3 working days, and are not applicable to cases involving a lost or damaged passport, or changes to personal particulars. They are also not applicable where additional supporting documents are required.

For postal applications, remember not to send original identity documents, and payment must be made by crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.

Postal address
2/F, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories 
Travel Documents and Nationality (Applications) Section 

Important notes for postal applications 

• Sufficient postage must be attached 
• A return address must be provided 
• Payment must be made by crossed cheque 
• The cheque should be made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” 
• Cash or post-dated cheques are not accepted 
• Original documents should not be sent by post

4. In-person submission

If a passport has been lost or damaged, or if personal particulars on the passport need to be amended, you will generally need to attend the Immigration Department in person, and an appointment is usually required. Appointments may be made through the following channels: 

• GovHK appointment system 
• Immigration Department mobile application 
• 24-hour telephone appointment hotline: (852) 2598 0888 

If you do not have an appointment, the office may arrange service according to the quota for that day, but places are limited and same-day service may not be available. 

In such cases, additional forms may also need to be completed, for example:

• If the passport is lost, damaged or unusable: Form ID 645 is required 
• If personal particulars are being amended: Form ID 854 is required  

The required documents may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s age and application method. In general: 

• Online/App application: upload copies of the documents 
• In-person submission: bring the originals 
• Postal/drop-off application: submit photocopies (A4) 
   

Applicants aged 18 or above 

• Passport application form (Form ID 841) 
• Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, or the “Acknowledgement of Application for Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card” (ROP140 / 140A) 
• Recent colour photograph against a white background 
• If the existing passport has been lost, damaged or is unusable, Form ID 645 must also be completed. If you need to amend personal details on the passport, Form ID 854 must also be completed. 

Applicants aged 16 to 17 

• Passport application form (ID 841) 
• Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or receipt 
• Recent colour photograph against a white background 
• Copy of the identity document of the parent / legal guardian 
• Copy of the birth certificate (if not born in Hong Kong) 
• Copy of court order (if applicable) 

Children aged 11 to 15 

Passport application form (ID 842), signed by a parent / legal guardian 

• Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card 
• Recent colour photograph against a white background 
• Copy of the identity document of the parent / legal guardian 
• Copy of the birth certificate (if not born in Hong Kong) 
• Copy of court order (if applicable) 

Children under 11 

In addition to the basic documents above, if the child already holds a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, you will usually also need to provide a student document with a photo, certified by the school stamp, such as a student handbook or school record card. 

If the child does not hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, you will usually also need to submit: 

• An additional identical photograph 
• Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card application form (ROP 3) 
• Document(s) proving the child’s right of abode in Hong Kong 
   

If the photo does not meet the specifications, it may affect the application progress.

Physical photo specifications

• Size: 40mm × 50mm
• Face size: 32 to 36mm
• Plain white background
• Clearly shows the full front view and facial features

Digital photo specifications for online applications

• Format: JPEG
• File size: 5MB or below
• Size: at least 1200 × 1600 pixels

Common reasons for rejection

• Wearing a hat or headwear that obscures the face
• Glare on glasses
• Hair covering the eyes or eyebrows
• The photo is too dark, too bright, or has shadows
• The background does not meet the specifications

Tip: Many Immigration Department self-service stations offer free photo-taking services, allowing you to complete the application in one go.

In general:

• In-person submission / self-service kiosks: approximately 5 working days 
• Online / App application: approximately 5 working days + an additional 2 to 3 working days 
• Postal / drop-box application: approximately 5 working days + an additional 2 to 3 working days 
• Children under 11 who do not hold a permanent resident identity card: approximately 10 working days 
• Lost, damaged or changes to personal details: depending on the case, the processing time may be longer 

If the case involves loss, damage or changes to personal details, the processing time may be longer.

General collection requirements 

• Applicants are generally required to collect in person 
• The Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card must be presented when collecting the document 
• The original supporting documents submitted with the application must be brought along 
• In the case of a passport replacement, the original passport must be surrendered for cancellation 

Persons under 16, or unmarried persons aged 16 to 17 

A parent or legal guardian who has consented to the application will generally need to accompany the applicant for collection. 

Can someone else be authorised to collect on the applicant’s behalf? 

In some cases, yes. Applicants aged 16 or above who apply in person or at a self-service kiosk may complete the authorisation form ID 678 to authorise a person aged 18 or above to collect on their behalf. However, if the Immigration Department considers it necessary, it may still require the applicant to collect in person. 

Many countries and regions require passports to have at least 6 months’ validity remaining. Even if a passport has not officially expired, having only 3 to 6 months of validity left may still affect boarding or entry arrangements.

If you have already planned an overseas trip, it is advisable to arrange renewal as early as possible when your passport has less than 6 months’ validity remaining, so as not to affect your flight ticket, hotel booking or the entire trip.
 

After renewing your HKSAR passport, remember to arrange travel insurance before departure as well. Flight delays, itinerary changes, lost luggage or unexpected medical expenses overseas may all affect your trip and budget. If you are not very familiar with the terms of travel insurance, or are concerned about slight differences in the scope of cover, you can visit the 10Life Travel Insurance page, which consolidates product information and claims procedures from multiple insurers, making comparison easier for everyone.

If you need to leave Hong Kong as soon as possible due to an emergency, you may apply to the Immigration Department for expedited processing, commonly known as a “fast-track certificate”.

General application requirements

Usually, you need to:

• attend the Immigration Department in person
• submit written reasons
• provide relevant supporting documents (such as medical needs, the death of a family member, etc.)
   

Important notes

• Ordinary travel reasons are generally not regarded as valid grounds for a fast-track certificate
• Whether an application is approved will be determined by the Immigration Department on a case-by-case basis

If you lose your passport overseas in an emergency, you may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit: (852) 1868.

Source: Immigration Department

Can a Hong Kong SAR passport renewal be applied for online? 

Yes. A standard passport replacement application can be submitted via the GovHK website or the Immigration Department mobile application. However, if the passport is lost or damaged, or if personal particulars need to be amended, you will usually need to apply in person. 

Do I need an appointment for Hong Kong SAR passport renewal? 

An appointment is generally not required for online applications, self-service kiosks, postal applications or drop-in submission methods; however, special cases requiring an in-person application will usually need an appointment.

How long does Hong Kong SAR passport renewal take? 

It generally takes about 5 working days. If you apply online, by post or via the app, please allow an additional 2 to 3 working days.

Can I travel with only 3 months left on my Hong Kong SAR passport? 

It depends on the requirements of your destination. As most countries require a passport to have at least 6 months’ validity remaining, having only 3 months left may affect boarding or entry.

How do I replace a lost Hong Kong SAR passport? 

You should report the loss to the Immigration Department as soon as possible, complete ID 645, and visit the office in person to complete the process. An appointment is usually required. 

Further reading:

Which travel insurance is best? Experts teach you 10 key details to look out for when choosing travel insurance

[Travel insurance cover for phones/laptops/cameras] Compare personal belongings cover across 9 popular travel insurance plans (with claims guide)

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.