China Visa photo requirements
Paper photo 33 mm wide x 48 mm high; head from chin to crown 28–33 mm, 3–5 mm of space above the head and at least 7 mm below the chin. Digital: 354x472 to 420x560 px, 40–120 KB JPEG. No borders.
| Photo size | 33 x 48 mm (1.3 x 1.89 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 385 x 560 px |
| Resolution | 296 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 58.3–68.8% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | white or near-white |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | 40 KB – 120 KB |
| Background editing allowed | No — crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Official source: bio.visaforchina.cn
How to take your China Visa photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a white or near-white wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- Can I take my Chinese visa photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: white or near-white. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://bio.visaforchina.cn/SGP3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/changjianwenti/376268253753905152.html. Last verified: 2026-09-27.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.