Visa Photo — China Requirements
Photo size, background, and compliance rules — plus a free tool to create your photo instantly.
The official photo must be 33 × 48 mm. Required background: White. Face height must be 58–69% of the total photo height. Use the free tool below to create and check your photo instantly.
Create your photo now33 × 48 mm
Photo specifications
Dimensions
33 × 48 mm
Background
White
Face height
58–69%
of total photo height
Resolution
300 DPI
Glasses
Allowed (no tinted lenses)
Head covering
Not allowed
Max photo age
6 months
Expression
Neutral expression (no smile)
Official photo requirements
cs.mfa.gov.cn(opens in new tab)Verified
Other document types in China
Next steps and related guides
These related pages cover exact size rules, common rejection reasons, printing, and the editor.
Create this photo now
Open the editor with this country and document type preselected.
Why photos get rejected
Fix background, expression, and framing mistakes before you submit.
Passport photo size guide
Compare this format with 35 × 45 mm, 2 × 2 inches, and other common sizes.
How to print passport photos
Print the correct size without scaling errors or poor paper quality.
How to take your photo
- Set up the required background
Use a plain, evenly lit backdrop with no patterns, textures, or shadows. Required background: White. A plain wall or sheet works well.
- Get even, shadow-free lighting
Stand facing a natural light source or use two soft lights — one on each side — to eliminate shadows on your face and background.
- Position your face correctly
Your face must fill 58–69% of the photo height. Look directly at the camera. Head coverings are not permitted unless for religious reasons.
- Check and download with idpic.app
Upload your photo to the free tool — it checks all requirements automatically and generates a print-ready file.
Glasses requirements
Prescription glasses may be allowed for this photo, but tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted. There must be no glare or reflections on the lenses, and your eyes must be clearly visible.
Head covering rules
Head coverings, hats, and scarves are not permitted for this photo. An exception is made for head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons, but the face from chin to forehead must remain fully visible with no shadows cast on the face.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the required photo size for visa in China?
- Required size: 33 × 48 mm. Minimum resolution: 300 pixels on the shortest side.
- What background is required for visa in China?
- Required background: White.
- Can I create a photo for visa in China online for free?
- Yes. idpic.app lets you create a compliant photo for free, entirely in your browser with no uploads.
- Are glasses allowed for visa in China?
- Prescription glasses may be allowed, but tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted. There must be no glare.
- What is the maximum photo age for visa in China?
- Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must reflect your current appearance.
- Are head coverings allowed for visa in China?
- Head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Even then, the full face must be visible.
- Can I take a photo for visa in China with my phone?
- Yes. Modern smartphones have sufficient resolution. Use the rear camera. Ensure good lighting. Then upload the photo to idpic.app so the tool can crop, resize, and validate it automatically.
- What resolution do I need for a photo for visa in China?
- The recommended resolution is 300 DPI. Any modern smartphone camera exceeds this requirement.