China Visa Photo Requirements

Official photo requirements for China visa applications. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your photo is accepted. Rectangular format (48mm wide × 33mm high)

Official Photo Size

The photo must be exactly 2×2. This is a critical requirement—photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be rejected.

Inches2×2
Millimeters48×33
Pixels (300 DPI)567×390 px
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Tip

Our tool automatically sizes your photo to these exact dimensions. Just upload your photo and select the visa preset.

Background & Lighting

Background: Plain white or light-colored. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or other people visible.

  • No shadows on the background or your face
  • No patterns, textures, or decorations
  • No other people or objects visible
  • Uniform color throughout
  • Even lighting with no harsh shadows

Face & Head Size Rules

Head size: 28-33mm from chin to top of head. Your face must be positioned correctly in the frame.

  • Face the camera directly (no tilting)
  • Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling)
  • Eyes open and clearly visible
  • Head centered in the frame
  • Shoulders visible in the photo

What You Can Wear (Glasses, Head Coverings)

Understanding what accessories and clothing are allowed:

  • Glasses: Not allowed (must be removed)
  • Clothing: Regular clothing (dark colors recommended)
  • Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes
  • Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face
  • Your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead

Photo Quality Requirements

High quality, sharp focus, 300 DPI, color photo

  • Sharp focus with no blur
  • High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for printing)
  • No filters or digital alterations
  • Color photo (no black and white)
  • Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)

Common Rejection Reasons

Photos that don't meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Common issues specific to China visa applications:

  • Wrong photo size (not 2×2)
  • Incorrect background (not plain white or light-colored)
  • Wrong head size (not 28-33mm from chin to top of head)
  • Poor photo quality (blurry or pixelated)
  • Wrong expression (Neutral expression (no smiling))
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Photo too old (taken more than 6 months ago)
  • Digital alterations or filters
  • Wrong size (not 48×33mm)
  • Glasses visible (must be removed)
  • Wrong background color
  • Photo too old

Local Notes for China

  • Rectangular format (48mm wide × 33mm high)
  • Photo must be recent (within 6 months)
  • No head coverings unless for religious purposes
  • Ears must be visible

Printing Tips for China

  • Print at 300 DPI for professional quality
  • Use photo paper, not regular printer paper
  • Verify all requirements are met before printing

Create a China Visa Photo Online

Use our tool to create a compliant visa photo. We'll automatically:

  • Crop to exactly 2×2
  • Fix background to plain white or light-colored
  • Ensure proper head size (28-33mm from chin to top of head)
  • Align face correctly
  • Export at 300 DPI for print quality

Create Your Visa Photo

Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with China requirements

China Visa Photo Requirements FAQs

What size is a Chinese visa photo?

Chinese visa photos are 48mm wide × 33mm high (rectangular format, not square). This is different from the 2×2 square format used in the US.

Can I wear glasses in a Chinese visa photo?

No, glasses are not allowed in Chinese visa photos. You must remove them for the photo.

What background color is required?

Chinese visa photos require a plain white or light-colored background with no shadows or patterns.

How recent must the photo be?

Chinese visa photos must be taken within the last 6 months to be considered current.