China
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 2 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in China
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for a Chinese passport, you must adhere to the strict standards set by the National Immigration Administration. Unlike many other nations that use a standard 35x45mm format, China requires a unique 33x48mm size for all official travel documents. Ensuring your image meets these precise specifications is critical to avoiding delays during your application process at the local Exit-Entry Administration office.
The photo must measure exactly 33mm in width by 48mm in height with a plain white background. Applicants must maintain a neutral facial expression, looking directly at the camera with both eyes open and mouth closed. Clear prescription glasses are permitted, but tinted or dark lenses are not allowed. Head coverings are generally not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. You can easily generate a compliant image using idpic.app to ensure your head size and margins are perfectly aligned with these specific standards.
See the full 33 × 48 mm §t:8d692fa8§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For online pre-checks or digital applications, your file must be in JPEG format. Check your country's official portal for exact file size limits and pixel dimensions. If you are applying in person, you will still need to provide physical prints that match these digital dimensions exactly, usually verified by the system's automated scanning software at the bureau.
Common issues
The most frequent cause for rejection in China is the presence of tinted or dark glasses, which are strictly prohibited. Additionally, many applicants fail because their ears are obscured by hair, or the background colour is slightly off-white instead of the required pure white. Shadows cast on the backdrop or the subject’s face are also common reasons for an application to be sent back for resubmission.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
While professional photo studios are located near most Exit-Entry Administration offices, they can be surprisingly expensive and often have long queues. It is much more efficient to take your own photo at home using a high-quality camera or smartphone against a plain white wall. Just ensure you have consistent, even lighting to avoid shadows, and use a reliable tool to crop the image to the exact 33x48mm dimensions before printing.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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