Chinese visa photo requirements: 33 × 48 mm
A Chinese visa application photo can be submitted on paper or digitally. Check the photo rules for the visa center or embassy where you apply, and follow its instructions for submitting the photo.
Photo size and face position
The paper photo must be 33 mm wide × 48 mm high (about 1.30 × 1.89 inches). The head height, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, must be 28–33 mm. Leave 3–5 mm between the crown and the top edge, and at least 7 mm between the chin and the bottom edge. The head width must be 15–22 mm.[1][2]
For a digital photo, use 354–420 pixels wide × 472–560 pixels high. The file must be 40–120 KB. For a 354 × 472 pixel photo, the line through the center of the eyes must be more than 256 pixels from the bottom edge. The source does not set a single pixel size, dpi value, or millimeter eye-line height.[2]
The photo must show your full face from the front. Keep your head centered and look straight at the camera. The background must be white or close to white, with no border or shadows. #F5F5F5 is an example of a close-to-white shade.[2]
Expression, eyes, glasses, and head coverings
Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Keep both eyes open and visible, and look directly at the camera.[2]
The rules allow eyeglasses only when the lenses are not tinted and there is no glare, shadow, or frame covering the eyes. The paper-photo reminder advises removing glasses unless there is a medical reason. Check the instructions of the place where you apply if you need glasses for a medical reason.[1][2]
Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, and they must not hide any facial features. The source does not list a separate medical exception for head coverings.[2]
Taking the photo at home
Choose a plain white or close-to-white wall. Stand far enough from it to avoid a cast shadow. Face a window or another even light source; avoid direct flash, harsh light, and bright spots on your face. These are practical tips to help make a clear photo.
Ask another person to take the picture if possible. Put the camera at eye level, about 1–1.5 m away, and use the main camera rather than a close selfie. Keep your shoulders square to the camera, your head straight, and your face centered. Leave room above your head and below your chin for the required margins.
Take several pictures and inspect them at full size. Check that the image is sharp, evenly lit, and free of shadows, glare, red eye, or objects in the background. Then crop to 33 × 48 mm for paper, or to a size within the digital pixel range. The tool above can help crop the photo; the authority still decides whether it meets the rules.
Children and babies
The cited source does not specify separate photo rules for infants or children. It lists the photo requirements for applicants generally, including the dimensions and face requirements.[2]
For a baby, lay them on a plain white sheet and take the picture from above, or have another adult hold them against a white background. Make sure the adult's hands and any support are outside the frame. These are practical suggestions, not extra official requirements.
Submitting a paper or digital photo
Both paper and digital photos are accepted under the listed requirements.[1][2] For a paper photo, print a 33 × 48 mm image on photo paper, then follow the visa center or embassy's instructions for attaching or submitting it. The sources do not set a paper resolution or dpi value.[1]
If printing at a kiosk, the tool above can place the photo on a 4 × 6-inch sheet. Choose a 4 × 6-inch print, then cut out the 33 × 48 mm photo carefully. Measure the cut image; kiosk cropping can shift the layout. Use this sheet only if your application location accepts a printed photo.
For a digital upload, save the image within 354–420 × 472–560 pixels and 40–120 KB. No single pixel size is required. Check the upload instructions for your application location, since the listed sources do not set one universal submission method.[2]
Common reasons a photo may be refused
A photo may fail the listed rules if it is the wrong size, the head is too large or too small, or the margins are outside the required range. A colored background, visible border, shadow, or uneven light can also conflict with the requirements.[1][2]
Other problems include a non-neutral expression, an open mouth, eyes hidden by glare or frames, tinted glasses, or a head covering that hides facial features. For digital submissions, a file outside the stated pixel or file-size range does not meet the listed specifications.[2]
Use a clear photo taken within the last six months that shows your current appearance.[1][3] The authority handling your application makes the final decision; meeting these measurements does not guarantee acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Chinese visa photo?
The paper photo must be 33 × 48 mm (about 1.30 × 1.89 inches). The head height from chin to top of head must be 28–33 mm.[1][2]
What pixel size should a digital Chinese visa photo be?
Use 354–420 pixels wide × 472–560 pixels high, with a file size of 40–120 KB. The source does not set one exact pixel size.[2]
Can I wear glasses in a Chinese visa photo?
The photo rules allow clear lenses only if there is no glare, shadow, or frame obscuring the eyes. The embassy reminder advises removing glasses unless there is a medical reason.[1][2]
Can I wear a head covering?
A head covering is allowed only for religious reasons and must not hide any facial features.[2]
Are there special photo rules for babies?
The cited source does not give separate infant rules, so use the same size and face requirements.[2]