Guide To Baby Passport Applications In Hong Kong

Applying for a passport for your newborn baby in Hong Kong can feel like braving the MTR at rush hour, but have no fear Sassy Mamas — we have it sorted! We’ve done the research and included useful links to help you more easily navigate the process.

While getting your newborn a passport may seem daunting, in reality, it’s quite easy for passports for most countries in the world. What is essential is getting all documents and paperwork in order (births in Hong Kong have to be registered within 42 days of delivery). Sit back and relax as we help you navigate through the process of applying for your newborn baby’s first passport in Hong Kong.

Sassy Mama Tip: There are a bunch of small photography shops on Wellington and Stanley Street in Central that will do baby passport photos. Most baby passport photo requirements include having a plain white or light background, so mums may consider bringing a white bed sheet to cover their hands while supporting a baby for the photo.

Here’s how to get a passport for your baby for the following countries:

• Hong Kong
• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• France
• India
• USA

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Hong Kong

The Hong Kong government wins on accessibility and ease of baby passport application. To apply in person (with original documents), you can make an appointment online or by phone 2598 0888. You can also apply by post or drop-in (with photocopied documents), but this may extend the process by two to three working days. Within 14 working days, you can collect your baby’s passport at any of the seven locations, or even designate a representative to pick it up using a signed authorisation (ID 678).

Is my child eligible for a Hong Kong passport?

If your child is a Chinese citizen, a permanent resident of the HKSAR and a holder of a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card (see these FAQs to learn more), then yes!

What do I need to apply for?

The only paperwork you’ll need is the simple two-page ID 842 form, found here. But if your child does not yet have their permanent identity card, an additional Acknowledgement of Application for a Hong Kong permanent identity card (ROP140/140A) is needed.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

If your child already has a permanent identity card:

• The completed ID 842 form
• The child’s Hong Kong permanent identity card
• One recent colour photograph on a white background (40mm width X 50mm height)
• Consenting parent’s Hong Kong identity card or valid travel document
• The child’s birth certificate with the consenting parent’s name, or a court order for proof of consenting legal guardian’s custodial rights
• Application fee (HK$185 for 32 pages or $230 for 48 pages) to be paid via EPS, cash or credit.
• One additional document with proof of identity or a Form for Countersignature (ID 641) with a copy of the countersigner’s identifying document

If your child does not yet have a Hong Kong permanent identity card:

• The completed ID 842 form
• Completed application form for a Hong Kong permanent identity card (ROP140/140A)
• Document supporting the child’s right of abode (a Hong Kong birth certificate showing permanent residence status is sufficient)
• The child’s birth certificate with the consenting parent’s name, or a court order for proof of consenting legal guardian’s custodial rights
• Two identical recent colour photographs on a white background (40mm width X 50mm height)
• Consenting parent’s Hong Kong identity card or valid travel document
• Application fee
• Plus one other document with proof of identity or a Form for Countersignature (ID 641) with a copy of the countersigner’s identifying document

Our local government certainly made this a pain-free process, and has even provided a condensed guide to filling out the forms here. Your tot will be a milk-tea-sipping, egg tart-gobbling child in no time!

Read More: Best Playgroups In Hong Kong For Babies And Toddlers

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Australia

To obtain a baby passport from the land down under, you’ll need to visit the Australian Consulate-General in Wanchai to submit forms in person with your child. Luckily, there are convenient times for lodging applications, from Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. In roughly six weeks, you can pick up the newly minted baby passport or have it delivered by mail.

Is my child eligible for an Australian passport?

If either parent or guardian is an Australian citizen, your child is eligible for an Australian passport. 

What do I need to apply for?

You’ll first need to apply for Australian Citizenship by descent (this takes around one month), and you’ll need your child’s original Hong Kong birth certificate in order to apply. After making an appointment at the Passports Office, you can fill out the form for Australian Passport Overseas Application online, and print out to be signed and dated. Alternatively, you can collect a paper copy at the Wanchai Passports Office.

To complete the passport application form, both parents with parental responsibility for the child must give consent on the form, and the consent signing must be witnessed. This can be done at the Consulate-General by appointment.

Each passport application must be supported by the child’s original Australian Citizenship Certificate or original full Australian Birth Certificate to prove Australian citizenship. Extracts, commemorative birth certificates or birth cards cannot be used.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Here’s a checklist for the necessary documents and forms when lodging your application:

• The completed Application form
• Application fee (HKD $1,461 for a five-year validity passport), not including any additional Consular Fees if needed. Only HKD is accepted, and this can be paid in cash or credit card. This fee is adjusted monthly, so be sure to check out the fee table before you go.
• The child’s proof of Australian citizenship (see requirements above).
• Your proof of citizenship, either your Australian passport (valid for two years or more) or your Australian Citizenship Certificate.
• Original birth certificate (with the names of both parents) or a B-6 form if no birth certificate is available. If the birth certificate is not in English, a certified translation is required.
• Two colour photographs (35-40mm width X 45-50mm height), with one signed as a true photograph by a guarantor (someone who possesses an Australian passport or employed in specific fields)

For further details, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a super helpful Overseas Note for passport application.

Read More: Is Stress-Free Travel With Kids Even Possible?

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Canada

So you hail from the land of maple syrup and ice hockey? It’s relatively straightforward to get your child’s passport from the Consulate General’s office in Quarry Bay. You can mail in or drop-off your application, or make an appointment to present your documents in person. It takes around 20 working days to process an application, but you should allow five to six weeks in total to include mailing time.

Is my child eligible for a Canadian passport?

If either parent is a Canadian citizen before your child was born, then your child is eligible for a Canadian passport.

What do I need to apply for?

You’ll need to complete a passport application form online or on paper, as well as the following list of documents:

• A completed Child Abroad General Passport Application Form (PPTC 042), signed by both parents or legal guardians (if applicable).
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g. a long-form birth certificate or citizenship certificate).
• Proof of parentage or legal guardianship, and any documents related to custody or decision-making (if applicable).
• Any valid Canadian passport or travel document issued in the child’s name.
• Two identical Canadian passport photos, with one signed by a guarantor.
• Payment receipt showing passport fees have been paid online.
• If documents are not in English or French, an official translation is required.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Both parents must be present for the application process along with your child.

• A fully completed application form
• Two identical passport photos (50mm wide X 70mm high) – one must be signed by a Guarantor (the ‘other’ applying parent can be your Guarantor)
• Original or certified copies of required documents (see above)
• Payment receipt for online fees.

You can find all the details along with the link to the online application process on the official website.

Read More: Family Ski Resorts — Snow Trips For Any Time Of Year

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United Kingdom

The good news is that the entire British passport process is completed online without need for any appointments in person (interviews in special cases), the bad news is the whole process can take over eight weeks, so make sure you’re planning well ahead!

Is my child eligible for a British passport?

If you or your partner are British “not by descent”, meaning that someone was able to obtain British citizenship either on their own or were born in Britain, then your child will be able to become a British citizen “by descent”. You can learn more about your child’s eligibility on the government website.

What do I need to apply for?

A passport and a digital passport photo taken at home or at a photo shop (detailed guidelines are given during the online application process).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Since everything is conveniently done online, you’ll only need a credit card. Some additional details to have on hand:

• Passport numbers of both parents
• A digital passport photo
• A complete colour copy of any other current passports issued by other countries
• Plus additional supporting documents that may need to be provided in this handy-dandy chart
• A MasterCard/Visa/Visa Electron/Visa Debit card to pay a total of £85.36 online, which includes the passport fee (£65.50) and courier fee (£19.86).

You need to enter all this into the online passport application service website, and once the application is through you can continue to track your application online.

Read More: Ultimate List Of Best International Schools In Hong Kong In 2025

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France

Is my child eligible for a French passport?

If at least one parent is a French national, your child is eligible for a French passport.

What do I need to apply for?

Applying for a French passport in Hong Kong can sometimes be tricky. It requires original documents and a complete set of photocopies and the consulate is often very crowded. So go through these details carefully to make sure you have everything you need before making an appointment online.

Along with the passport, you must apply for a request for transcription of the birth certificate (to be completed by the French parent). While requesting transcription, it is necessary to indicate any accents on the child’s first name.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• Your baby. All passport applications require the physical presence of the applicant, though you needn’t bring your child (under 12 years old) while picking up the passport.
• One passport photo taken less than six months ago, refer to photo requirements here.
• A transcribed copy of your baby’s Hong Kong birth certificate.
• Proof of French nationality of at least one parent on the date of birth of the baby.
• Passports of both parents with photocopies
• A French marriage certificate. If you have a foreign marriage certificate, it is advisable to request a transcription from the French consulate.
• The parents’ family booklet with a photocopy of the marriage page (if you are married); otherwise a full copy of each parent’s birth certificate.
• A request for transcription of the birth certificate. You can download these forms here.

Read More: A French Mama Shares Her Secrets And Tips About French Parenting

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India

Is my child eligible for an Indian passport?

If either you or your spouse is an Indian citizen, then your child is eligible. Note that Indians are not allowed dual citizenship, so this will be the only passport you will apply for.

What do I need to apply for?

If you are applying for an Indian passport for your newborn baby, you’ll have to first apply for the birth registration certificate online and declare that the child does not hold a passport from any other country.  Remember that passport and visa services have been outsourced to an external application centre, BLS. The application usually takes a month (20 working days).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• An application form that has been filled in online and then printed out
• You must bring your baby
• An affidavit signed by both parents and attested by the Office of Oath Commissioner of Hong Kong/Macau.
• Both parents must be present or a single parent with passport of both. You must also produce an affidavit if you are a single parent or if the other parent is not available for certain reasons (mentioned under para II). If a parent is unable to obtain the consent from the other parent for obtaining the passport for the child, another affidavit must be submitted along with supporting documents.
• Original and self-attested photocopies of the first two and last pages of the parent(s)‘ passport(s).
• Original and self-attested photocopies of the HKIDs/valid visas of the parent(s).
• Three recent passport-size photographs (2 inch X 2 inch) with full face and ears visible and a white background
• Original and self-attested photocopy of the baby’s birth certificate
• Original and self-attested photocopy of the marriage certificate of parents.
• In case one of the parents is a foreign national, a certificate from the Embassy/Consulate of the foreign country stating that the child has not been registered as its citizen and not been issued a passport OR a signed affidavit by the parents, attested by the Office of Oath Commissioner of Hong Kong.
• An undertaking submitted by both parents declaring that they have not applied for foreign nationality for the baby.
• Fees of $679 (including passport and birth registration fees)

Refer to the BLS International page for more details about applying for an Indian passport for newborn babies.

Read More: Celebrating Hong Kong’s Diversity

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USA

Applying for an American passport requires just three simple steps. Make an appointment at the US Consulate in Hong Kong online for business hours, Monday through Friday.

Is my child eligible for an American passport?

If either you or your partner are American citizens, then your child is able to receive a US passport too.

What do I need to apply for?

You will need the Passport Form (DS-11 form) completed either online or by hand. Ignore the part of the form which asks you to mail, and rather, bring it with you to the Consulate once you’ve made an appointment online. For children born outside of the US, you also need to apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• Your baby must be at the appointment
• Both you and your spouse must be present, and bring your passports
• Or, your passport and a copy of the other parent’s passport, along with a notarised form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) signed by the absent parent
• Your child’s birth certificate (original and official translation, if not in English) or any of the following: Consular Report of Birth (FS-240); Adoption Decree; Court Order establishing custody or guardianship; or an Official school or medical records showing both parents’ names, to be used a proof of parentage
• A document proving US citizenship, which can be any of the following: a US birth certificate or CBRA; a US naturalisation certificate; or a certificate of citizenship (issued by USCIS)
• A US passport-sized photo of your baby (2 inch X 2 inch or 5cm X 5cm) on a white background
• USD$135 in cash (USD or HKD) or by credit card (USD only) to pay the application and execution fees.

For more details, check out the step-by-step guide here. Once these things are in order you’ll be ready to jet off with bubs! Bon voyage, mama!

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