China Passport Photo (33×48 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about China passport photo requirements (中国护照照片), including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

How PassportPhoto.help works - Upload, Crop, Download

China Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryChina (中国)
Document TypePassport
Photo Size33 × 48 mm
Resolution (DPI)600
Pixel Size (at 600 DPI)354 × 472 pixels
Head Width15–22 mm
Head Height28–33 mm (chin to crown)
Top Margin3–5 mm from top of head to photo edge
Bottom MarginMinimum 7 mm from chin to bottom edge
Background ColorWhite
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
Digital File Size30–80 KB JPEG
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 33×48mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official China passport requirements.

Detailed China Passport Photo Requirements

Chinese passport photos follow the standards set by the 出入境证件相片照相指引 (Entry-Exit Document Photo Guidelines) issued by the National Immigration Administration of China. The photo must precisely meet these specifications to be accepted for a Chinese passport application.

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or editing — do not digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: 33 × 48 mm
  • Head width: 15–22 mm
  • Head height (chin to crown): 28–33 mm
  • Top margin: 3–5 mm from the top of the head to the upper edge of the photo
  • Bottom margin: minimum 7 mm from the chin to the lower edge
  • At 600 DPI, the digital version should be 354 × 472 pixels
  • Digital file size: 30–80 KB in JPEG format

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression — mouth closed, no smiling
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear

Background

  • Use a plain white background
  • No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head
  • Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Chinese passport photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, before taking the photo.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious purposes
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from chin to forehead
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing that contrasts with the background
  • Do not wear uniforms
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background

Important Note for Applicants

In China, passport photos are typically taken on-site at the Entry-Exit Administration office (出入境管理处). However, it is still useful to know the exact requirements for digital photo submission, especially if you are applying from overseas at a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Children and Baby Photos

  • The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
  • The child's eyes must be open and visible
  • No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
  • A plain white sheet may be used as a background for babies
  • The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head
Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries →

How to Take a China Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant China passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

Taking passport photo with smartphone
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.
Proper lighting for passport photo
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.

Appropriate attire for passport photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted.

Correct posing for passport photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile — a straight, serious expression is required.

Neutral facial expression

Good and Bad Examples of China Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Other China Photo Requirements

Related pages:

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a China passport photo?

A China passport photo must be 33×48mm. The digital version at 600 DPI should be 354×472 pixels. The head height should be 28–33mm from chin to crown, and head width should be 15–22mm.

Can I wear glasses in my China passport photo?

No. Glasses are strictly not permitted in Chinese passport photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Can I take my China passport photo with my phone?

Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official China passport photo requirements.

What is the digital file size requirement?

The digital file must be a JPEG between 30–80 KB. The pixel dimensions should be 354×472 pixels at 600 DPI resolution.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?

No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. Even then, your full face must be visible from chin to forehead.

How recent must my China passport photo be?

Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance.

Is the photo taken at the passport office in China?

In China, passport photos are often taken on-site at the Entry-Exit Administration office. However, you can also bring your own compliant photo or submit a digital version. Knowing the requirements helps ensure your photo is accepted.