China Passport & Visa Photo
33 × 48 mm (1.3 × 1.89 in) · Passport & visa
For the best photo: a plain face, looking straight at the camera, even light with no shadows, and no glare on glasses. Stand in front of a plain light wall.
The official rules
From the government's own website, checked September 2026. Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.
| Photo size | 33 × 48 mm (1.3 × 1.89 in) |
|---|---|
| Head size | Head height, from the base of the chin to the crown, between 28 mm and 33 mm. Head width 15 to 22 mm. |
| Background | White or close to white, with no border. |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed, ears visible. |
| Glasses | Allowed if lenses are not tinted and there is no glare, shadow or frame covering the eyes. |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons, and it must not hide any facial features. |
| How recent | Taken within 6 months. |
| Copies | Visa: 1 photo on glossy photo paper. |
| Good to know | Natural face. Clear glasses are OK with no glare. |
Applying online
- Chinese visa online application: 354 × 472 px to 420 × 560 px, 40 KB to 120 KB, JPEG. Choose Use it for: Online above and the file is made to match.
- PRC passport (China Consular app): no pixel size given, 30 KB to 80 KB, JPEG. Follow the upload steps on the official site.
Common questions
What size is a china passport & visa photo?
33 × 48 mm (1.3 × 1.89 in). Head height, from the base of the chin to the crown, between 28 mm and 33 mm. Head width 15 to 22 mm.
What background do I need?
White or close to white, with no border.
Can I wear glasses?
Allowed if lenses are not tinted and there is no glare, shadow or frame covering the eyes.
Can I smile?
Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed, ears visible.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken within 6 months.
Will my photo be accepted?
We can't promise that. The final decision is always made by the passport or visa office. This page follows their published rules, which we last checked in September 2026, so check the official page before you apply.