China · Passport / Visa Photo
China Visa Photo Size & Specs
A Chinese visa photo is 33×48 mm with a plain white background and the head measuring 28 to 33 mm from chin to crown. China has the strictest expression rules of any major country — both ears must be fully visible, glasses are entirely banned, and head coverings of any kind are not permitted. The same spec is used for the Chinese resident permit and most consular services.
Official spec
- Size
- 33×48 mm at 300 DPI
- Background
- Plain white only
- Head height
- 28 mm to 33 mm chin to crown
- At 300 DPI
- 390 × 567 px
Accepted for
- China visa (tourist L, business M, work Z, student X, family Q, transit G)
- Resident permit
- Hong Kong/Macau visa endorsement
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Rules that get checked
- Both ears must be fully visible.
- No glasses of any kind, including sunglasses, prescription, or non-prescription.
- No head coverings, including religious ones (very strict).
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling.
- Hair pulled back if it would otherwise cover ears or face.
Common reasons photos get rejected
These are the issues passport / visa authorities flag most often for China applications. Most are avoidable with a careful re-shoot or the AI background tool.
- Ears not visible (the single most common reason for Chinese visa photo rejections).
- Glasses in the photo (no exceptions made).
- Head covering of any kind.
- Background not plain white (cream and grey both fail).
- Smiling or any non-neutral expression.
FAQs
Why do my ears need to be visible?
China's biometric verification process matches the photo against the actual person at port of entry. Both ears visible is part of the standard biometric template. Hair tucked behind ears is fine; bangs and side-swept hair that hide ears are not.
I always wear glasses — can I leave them on?
No. China does not make exceptions for glasses, even prescription. Take them off for the photo.
Is the Chinese visa photo size the same as a passport photo?
No. Chinese visas use 33×48 mm, distinct from the 35×45 mm Schengen standard. Always check the spec for "Chinese visa photo" specifically.
What about Hong Kong or Macau?
For mainland China visa endorsement, use this same 33×48 mm spec. Hong Kong and Macau have their own ID photo specs not covered by this preset.
Official source: verify these specs against the China passport authority before submitting.
http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/zlcg/lsfwzn/qzfw/sqcjbgs/