Country guide · Last verified: April 2026
China Passport & Visa Photo Requirements 2026 — Complete Guide
Quick answer: Chinese passport and visa photos must be 33 mm × 48 mm — not the common 35×45 mm or US 2×2 size. Use pure white as the safe passport background; use light grey or light blue only if your active consular instructions allow it. Head height 28–33 mm (chin to crown). No glasses. Source: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — consular services. Biometric framing aligns with ICAO Doc 9303.
Written by the PixID.studio compliance team. Always confirm the latest visa or passport notice at your Chinese embassy or consulate before submitting.
Why China’s photo size is different
Most EU and UK booths default to 35×45 mm. Chinese authorities use 33×48 mm — consulate systems often reject wrong dimensions. Ask any studio explicitly for 33×48 mm.
| Document | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese passport | 33 × 48 mm | Standard passport applications |
| Chinese visa (all common types) | 33 × 48 mm | Tourist, business, student, work, etc. |
| Chinese Resident ID card | 26 × 32 mm | Different — confirm with issuing authority |
| Student visa (X) | 33 × 48 mm | Same as standard visa photo |
Official photo specifications
Dimensions and file
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Width | 33 mm |
| Height | 48 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 28–33 mm |
| Face coverage | ~60–75% of photo height |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum for prints |
| Format | JPEG (digital submissions) |
| Colour | Full colour |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
Background
Pure white is the safe default for passport photos. Some consular or visa instruction sheets mention light grey or light blue; use those only when the active instructions for your application allow it. No patterns, gradients, or shadows.
Glasses
Glasses are not permitted — rule enforced strictly for passports and visas. Remove prescription frames; contact lenses are OK if eyes are fully visible and not tinted.
Head position and framing
Head height 28–33 mm means your face fills roughly 58–69% of the 48 mm height. Face the camera squarely — no tilt. Both ears visible where possible. No portrait-style angles.
Expression and appearance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Expression | Neutral — no smile |
| Mouth | Closed |
| Eyes | Open, looking at camera |
| Hair | Must not hide face edges or eyes |
| Jewellery | OK if it does not obscure the face |
| Headwear | Religious only — full face visible |
| Uniforms | Not permitted |
| Retouching | No beauty filters or blemish removal |
Visa types (same 33×48 mm)
L (tourist), M/F (business), X1/X2 (study), Z (work), G (transit) — same photo format on the application. e-Visa (where available): JPEG, 33×48 proportions, light background, often under ~200 KB — follow the live portal.
China vs other countries
| Country | Photo size | Background |
|---|---|---|
| China | 33 × 48 mm | White safest |
| USA | 51 × 51 mm (2×2 in) | White |
| UK | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey or cream |
| Australia | 35–40 × 45–50 mm | White or light |
| India (consulate) | 51 × 51 mm | White / light grey |
You cannot reuse a 35×45 mm Schengen photo for China without reformatting.
How to take a compliant photo at home
White or light grey wall, 60–80 cm from background, daylight from the front, no glasses, neutral face. Upload to PixID and select China — we set 33×48 mm, head height, and background.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Chinese passport photo?
Can I wear glasses?
What background colours are allowed?
Can I smile?
How recent must the photo be?
Is the e-Visa photo the same size?
Can I use one photo for passport and visa?
33×48 mm — automatic crop & checks
Get your China photo — $4.99
Select China in PixID for passport or visa. No facial retouching — ICAO-aligned geometry.
Create your China photo ($4.99) →Verified against cs.mfa.gov.cn and ICAO Doc 9303. Last updated April 2026.