🇨🇳 China passport and ID photos

Two photos with different background rules

The Chinese passport photo is 33 mm wide by 48 mm high. The head must measure 28–33 mm from chin to top, with 3–5 mm between the top of the head and the photo edge. Use a white background.^[1][2]

The Chinese visa photo uses the same print size and head measurements. Its background may be white or off-white. Both types call for a neutral expression with the mouth closed, and glasses should be removed unless there is a medical reason that meets the source’s conditions.^[1][3][4]

Take a clear, recent photo

For a passport photo, the National Immigration Administration says the photo must be recent, show the full face and head, and have no shadows on the face or background. It also says to wear dark clothing so it stands out against the white background.^[1]

For a visa photo, the cited specification calls for a photo taken within the last six months. It asks for the face to look straight at the camera, with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. The digital photo must be JPEG, 24-bit RGB, and 354–420 pixels wide by 472–560 pixels high; the stated file size is generally 40–120 KB.^[4]

As practical advice, face a window or another even light source, keep the camera at eye level, and ask someone else to take the picture. Stand in front of a plain wall and check that your hair or clothing does not cast a shadow.

Avoid common reasons for rejection

For passport applications handled through the cited Chinese consular process, photos must not be edited or combined. Remove glasses unless there is a medical reason; if you have one, follow the conditions in the instructions for your application.^[1][2]

For visa photos, do not wear dark or colored glasses, and avoid headwear unless worn for religious reasons; if worn, it must not hide the face. The visa instructions also call for a white or near-white background and no border.^[4]

The passport instructions allow head coverings for religious or medical reasons when the full face remains visible. Check the rules for your application location, since consular procedures and submission steps can differ.^[1][2]

Prepare the print and upload

A 33 × 48 mm photo is about 1.3 × 1.89 inches. Use the tool above to crop to the selected type, then check the head size, top margin, and background before saving. Those physical measurements do not set a pixel size or file limit for the passport photo in the facts provided here.^[1][2]

The cited visa instructions specify both a digital file and a 33 × 48 mm print for sticking to the form. The photo tool above can make a sheet for ordinary 4 × 6-inch printing; after printing, check that each photo measures 33 × 48 mm.^[4]

Submission instructions depend on where and how you apply. The National Immigration Administration passport service page is the authority for applications in China; consulates may have their own steps. For example, the cited Morocco visa notice describes online upload followed by in-person submission after the initial review. Follow the directions shown for your application location.^[1][4]

Check before you apply

Compare your finished photo with the official sample or checklist for the exact passport or visa process you will use. Make sure the crop leaves the required head height and top margin, the face is clear, and the background fits that document’s rule.^[1][2][4]

A correctly sized photo does not guarantee acceptance. The authority or visa application center reviews the image and may ask for a replacement.^[1][4]

Frequently asked questions