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Chinese Passport Photo Dimensions

The dimensions for a Chinese passport photo required for passport application or renewal vary based on whether digital or paper. For digital images, the dimensions should range between 354 pixels (width) × 472 pixels (height) and 420 pixels (width) × 560 pixels (height). Meanwhile, the paper photo should measure 33mm (wide) by 48mm (high). Visas for Future provides a passport photo service to assist you in obtaining an ideal photo for your application.

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The Chinese passport photo dimensions refer to the required photo measurements for applying for a Chinese passport. These dimensions are as follows:1

  • Digital photos should be between 354 pixels (width) × 472 pixels (height) and 420 pixels (width) × 560 pixels (height).
  • Paper photo must be 33mm (wide) by 48mm (high).
  • The head’s mandatory width should fall between 15mm to 22mm.
  • Maintain a distance of 3mm to 5mm between the upper edge of your head, including the hairline.
  • Ensure that the length from the bottom of your chin to the image’s edge is 7mm or more.
  • The photo’s file size should be between 40 KB – 120 KB.

Here are some reasons why adhering to the correct dimensions for a Chinese Passport Photo is important:

  • Application Approval: Following the specified dimensions increases the likelihood of your passport application being accepted smoothly, minimizing complications or delays.
  • Facial Recognition Technology: A photo that meets the correct dimensions ensures accurate capture of facial features. This makes it easier for automated systems, like facial recognition technology, to verify your identity.
  • Consistency in Documentation: Adhering to standard dimensions maintains consistency across all passport photos. This is vital for administrative purposes, reducing the risk of confusion or issues during identity verification processes.
  • Avoidance of Rejection: Strict adherence to guidelines prevents your passport application from being rejected. This saves you from the hassle of dealing with rejections and additional steps in the application process.
  • International Standards: Passport photo standards, often guided by international organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), are crucial. Adhering to these standards ensures that your passport photo is accepted in China and when traveling internationally.

Here’s the full rules for the Chinese passport photo:2

  • Dimensions and format
    • Size: To meet the required specifications, make sure that the dimensions of the digital photo fall within the range of 354 pixels (width) × 472 pixels (height) to 420 pixels (width) × 560 pixels (height). The paper photo should be between 33 mm (width) and 48 mm (height).
    • Image Compression: The photo must be in JPEG format, with a file size ranging from 40 KB to 120 KB.
    • Head size: The head must be between 15mm and 22mm wide and between 28mm and 33mm high.
  • Quality
    • Color: RGB 24-bit true color.
    • Background: The background must be white or light blue.
    • Sharpness: The photo must be clear and sharp.
    • Clarity: The photo should be clear and free of any damage, red-eye, shadows, or over/under-exposure.
  • Facial Requirements
    • Expression: The expression must be neutral, with the eyes and mouth closed.
    • Hair: The hair must be neatly combed and not cover the face.
    • Glasses: Not allowed, unless medically necessary, with a doctor’s note.
    • Headwear: No headwear is allowed, except for religious headwear.
  • General Requirements
    • Recency: The photo must be taken within the past six months.
    • Quantity: You need to provide four identical passport photos.
China Passport Photo
Here is a sample. Click the photo to view the full-size China passport photo size infographic.

Visas for Future Passport Photo Service

For a stress-free and accurate passport photo, consider using our professional service here at Visas for Future. We provide an online passport photo service, ensuring high-quality images that meet the application standards. Say goodbye to concerns about rejected applications due to incorrect photos. Now, you can quickly get your pictures taken without leaving your home or visiting a photo studio.

Take a photo of yourself using our guidelines, send it in, and we’ll edit it. We’ll send you your passport photos by post with free shipping. We deliver to Canada, the EU, the US, and the UK. For individuals outside of those countries, we can provide your passport photos to your inbox, which you can print at home. For every product sold, we plant a tree!


How it works

Take a photo.
We verify your photo.
Passport photos are delivered by post or email.

How to take your passport photo

Here’s how you can take passport photos at home to ensure that they’ll be high quality:

1.) Stand 5 meters or 2 feet from the wall. This ensures that there’s no shadow on your portrait.

2.) Place the camera 2 meters or 6 feet away from the subject. This will prevent distortion and give you a prettier picture!

3.) Have the camera on the same level as the subject’s face.

4.) Use plenty of lighting. Natural light is preferred, but plenty of light in general is the best. Make sure it is even and doesn’t leave a shadow.


Benefits Of Using An Online Passport Photo Service

There are many choices when it comes to getting a passport photo, but here are reasons why you should go with an online agent:

  1. You don’t have to leave your house.
  2.  We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
  3.  We validate your photo and check your passport photo to ensure it is in order.
  4.  Save money with bulk orders – you can order many passport photos and save.

Why Choose Us

Visas for Future is a convenient service that can help you with your passport photo needs. Here are six reasons why you should choose Visas for Future for your passport photo services:

  • Expertise: Our experts ensure that your passport photo meets the official requirements of your destination country.
  •  Convenience: You can upload your photo or take one with your smartphone, and we will crop, resize, and enhance it to create a perfect biometric photo.
  •  Support: We’re visa and passport photo experts. You can ask us travel questions, making your trip-planning process easier.
  •  Speed: Your photos are shipped within a day!
  •  Unlimited retakes: You can also take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the result.

What are the specifications for a Chinese passport photo?

Size and Dimensions

Digital photos should be sized between 354 pixels (width) × 472 pixels (height) and 420 pixels (width) × 560 pixels (height). For paper photos, the dimensions are 33mm in width and 48mm in height, with the head’s width ranging from 15mm to 22mm and its height from 28mm to 33mm.

Color

The photo must be in natural colors, not altered or edited. Avoid using filters or effects that change the colors.

Subject

Only those applying for the passport should be in the photo, without relatives, friends, or children.

Head Size and Position

Center your head in the frame, taking up 60-80% of the image. The photo should be taken at eye level.

Focus

Ensure the photo is clear and sharp, avoiding blurriness or distortion to prevent rejection.

Recency

Take the passport photos within the last six months to reflect your appearance.

Background, Contrast, and Shadows

Use a plain white or light blue background without patterns. Maintain sufficient contrast and avoid shadows on your face or behind your head.

Smile

A natural smile is acceptable but avoid forced or exaggerated grins. Keep an overall neutral expression.

Eyes

Ensure your eyes are open and visible without obstructions, maintaining direct eye contact with the camera lens.

Red-Eye

Prevent red-eye by avoiding the camera flash if possible. If necessary, look slightly away from the camera.

Glasses

Wear glasses if you usually do, ensuring no glare or reflection on the lenses. Frames should not cover any part of your eyes.

Headgear

Keep your entire face, including the forehead and eyebrows, visible. Most headgear is not allowed except for religious reasons.

Background and Borders: 

The photo’s background should be white or color to white with no borders around the edge of the image.

Attire, Clothing, and Dress Code

Wear everyday clothing, avoiding uniforms or disguises. Choose plain, solid-colored backgrounds over busy patterns or prints.

Beard

Facial hair is acceptable if it doesn’t hinder identification but maintains a consistent appearance for international travel.

Makeup

Keep a natural, everyday look with minimal makeup, such as light foundation, mascara, and lip color.

Earrings

Opt for small studs or hoops that won’t distract from your face or hair.

Digital vs. paper photo size of Chinese passport photo

Digital Photo

  • Head Size and Orientation for Digital Photo
    • For a digital photo with dimensions of 354 pixels (width) × 472 pixels (height).
    • The head should be horizontally centered with a face width of 205 pixels x 14 pixels.
    • Space from the upper edge to the crown of the head: 10 – 70 pixels.
    • Vertical distance from the bottom edge to the line through the center of the eyes: 256 pixels.
    • In exceptional cases with excessive hair height, voluminous hair can be trimmed off to the size of the face.

Paper Photo

  • Head Size and Orientation for Paper Photos
    • The head width should be between 15mm and 22mm.
    • The head height, measured from the base of the chin to the crown of the head, should be between 28mm and 33mm.
    • The space between the crown and the upper edge of the photo should be between 3mm and 5mm.
    • The space between the chin and the bottom edge of the photo should be 27mm.

Here are samples of dimensions for digital and paper passport photos.1

Correct and Incorrect Sample of Chinese Digital Passport Photo

Here is a sample of correct and incorrect Chinese digital passport photos.1


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 2×2 photo for a Chinese passport?

No, the precise standard size for a Chinese passport photo is 33x48mm.

What color is a Chinese passport?

A Chinese passport is maroon in color.

What is the format of a Chinese passport photo?

A Chinese passport photo can be either in digital or paper format.

Can I smile in a visa photo?

No, you cannot smile in a visa photo, including a Chinese passport photo.


  1. Auckland China Consulate. (n.d). Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application. auckland.china-consulate.gov.cn. Retrieved February 6, 2024, <P020210524192603554625.pdf (china-consulate.gov.cn)> [] [] []
  2. Auckland China Consulate. Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application. auckland.china-consulate.gov.cn. Retrieved February 6, 2024, <P020210524192603554625.pdf (china-consulate.gov.cn)> []

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James Abel Diego
Written by

James Abel Diego is a content writer at Visas for Future who is an expert in travel and visa policies for Turkey, India, Colombia and Egypt. He is an Education graduate who is inclined with passion in writing informative content. He has been in several training sessions making him more of value in content and fulfilling customer orders efficiently. James maintains his understanding of visa processing by executing real visa orders once per quarter.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Glen Vidania
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Visas for Future strives to help you virtually, so that your research is complete in one visit. Our articles are informative, complete and to-the-point. We write in an accessible way, so that non-native English speakers will understand. Our website is accessible for the visually impaired. We have full oversight of our articles and are unbiased in writing. Check our editorial guidelines.

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MLA Style

Diego, James Abel. "Chinese Passport Photo Dimensions." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/chinese-passport-photo-dimensions/. Accessed on 14 September 2023.

Chicago Style

Diego, James Abel. "Chinese Passport Photo Dimensions." Visas For Future. September 14, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/chinese-passport-photo-dimensions/.

Published: 14 Sep 2023 8:52 UTC

Last modified: 24 Mar 2024 7:57 UTC

Reading time: 9 minutes

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