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China Passport & Visa Photo Maker

Create perfect 33×48mm photos for Chinese passport, tourist visa, work permit, and student visa. Our AI ensures your photo meets all PRC Embassy requirements.

Last updated: February 2026 | By Prabir Sarkar

33 × 48 mm

33×48mm

Photo Size

White

Background

28-33mm

Head Height

6 Months

Photo Validity

China Passport Photo Requirements (2024-2025)

Planning a trip to China? Whether you're applying for a tourist visa, business visa, or renewing your Chinese passport, getting the photo right is crucial. I've seen countless applications get rejected simply because the photo didn't meet the strict requirements. Let me walk you through exactly what you need.

The Chinese government has very specific rules for passport and visa photos. Unlike some countries that are flexible, China's Embassy and visa centers are known for rejecting photos that don't meet every single requirement. But don't worry – with our free tool, you'll get it right the first time.

Official Photo Specifications

Photo Dimensions 33mm × 48mm (width × height)
Digital Size 390 × 567 pixels (at 300 DPI)
Head Height 28mm to 33mm (top of head to chin)
Head Width 21mm to 24mm
Background Color Pure white only
File Format JPEG (for online applications)
File Size 40KB to 120KB

Types of Photos We Create

Chinese Passport Photo

For passport applications and renewals. Standard 33×48mm size with white background.

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China Tourist Visa (L Visa)

For tourism and sightseeing. Same 33×48mm requirements apply.

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China Work Visa (Z Visa)

For employment in China. Requires recent photo within 6 months.

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China Student Visa (X Visa)

For studying at Chinese universities. Standard photo requirements.

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Photo Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed
  • Look directly at the camera
  • Ensure both ears are visible
  • Use proper lighting without shadows
  • Wear formal or semi-formal clothing
  • Take photo within the last 6 months

Don'ts

  • No glasses of any kind (even clear)
  • No hats, caps, or head coverings
  • No smiling or showing teeth
  • No white or light-colored clothing
  • No heavy makeup or filters
  • No hair covering forehead or eyes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact size of a Chinese passport photo?

Chinese passport photos must be exactly 33mm wide × 48mm tall. This is different from many Western countries that use 35×45mm or 2×2 inches. The head should occupy 70-80% of the frame height, with the head height measuring between 28-33mm from the top of your head to your chin.

Can I wear glasses in my China visa photo?

No, glasses are strictly not allowed in Chinese passport and visa photos. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and even clear decorative glasses. The rule is enforced to ensure clear visibility of your eyes for identification purposes. If you normally wear glasses, you'll need to remove them for the photo.

Is the China visa photo the same size as the passport photo?

Yes, both Chinese passport photos and visa photos use the same 33×48mm dimensions. Whether you're applying for a tourist visa (L), business visa (M), work visa (Z), or student visa (X), the photo requirements are identical.

How recent should my China visa photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Chinese visa centers are strict about this requirement. If your appearance has changed significantly (different hairstyle, weight change, etc.), you should take a new photo even if it's been less than 6 months.

What color clothes should I wear for a Chinese visa photo?

Avoid white or very light-colored clothing since the background is white. Dark colors like navy blue, black, dark gray, or burgundy work best. The contrast helps your face stand out clearly against the white background. Avoid busy patterns or logos.

Ready to Create Your China Photo?

Our free tool automatically adjusts your photo to meet all Chinese Embassy requirements. No registration needed – just upload and download in seconds.

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Complete Guide to Chinese Passport & Visa Photos

Understanding Chinese Passport Photo Requirements

Chinese passport photo specifications are set by the National Immigration Administration (NIA, formerly the Exit and Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security). China requires 33×48mm photos with a white background — a size that is unique globally and not interchangeable with other country standards. The head width should be 15-22mm, and the head height (from chin to top of hair) should be 28-33mm. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months.

China has specific requirements that differ from Western standards: the applicant must have a neutral expression, both ears must be visible, and no head covering is allowed (religious exemptions are very limited). Importantly, Chinese passport photos should not be digitally altered in any way — no skin smoothing, eye enlarging, or face-slimming filters. The NIA uses biometric matching systems that reject manipulated photos. Photos must be color (not black and white) with natural skin tones.

Where to Apply for a Chinese Passport

  • Exit-Entry Administration Bureaus — Located in every major city across China. Applications must be made at your registered hukou (户口) location or with valid temporary residence proof.
  • Beijing Bureau — No. 2, Dongcheng District Andingmen East Street, Beijing
  • Shanghai Bureau — No. 1500, Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
  • Chinese Embassy Washington DC — 3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
  • Chinese Consulate New York — 520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
  • Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) — Available in multiple cities worldwide for visa applications

Common Rejection Reasons for Chinese Photos

  1. Beauty filters or digital enhancement — Chinese authorities strictly check for digitally altered photos. Any face-modification filters will cause rejection.
  2. Incorrect photo dimensions — The 33×48mm size is unique to China and many photo studios abroad produce incorrect sizes.
  3. Ears not visible — Both ears must be clearly shown, requiring hair to be tucked behind the ears.
  4. Background not pure white — Even slightly off-white backgrounds are rejected. The background must be uniformly white with no gradient or shadow.
  5. Heavy makeup — Excessive makeup that significantly changes appearance (particularly around eyes and face shape) may cause rejection.

Costs & Processing (2026)

A Chinese passport (普通护照) costs ¥120 RMB within mainland China (approximately $17 USD). Standard processing time is 7 working days in most cities. For Chinese nationals abroad, passport renewal through an embassy costs $25-33 USD with processing times of 4-6 weeks for regular service. Express service (up to 4 working days) costs an additional $20 USD at most embassies.

Official Sources

Helpful Passport Photo Guides

Passport Photo Size Guide

Complete size chart in pixels, cm, and inches for 50+ countries.

How to Make Passport Photos at Home

Step-by-step guide to take and print passport photos yourself.

12 Reasons Photos Get Rejected

Common mistakes that cause passport photo rejection and quick fixes.