There are several options for taking your Chinese passport photo, depending on your preference and budget:
- Professional Studios
Expert guidance ensures adherence to requirements, with trained photographers ensuring accuracy and quality.
- Photobooths
Convenient, automated solutions in public spaces; follow instructions for compliance.
- Online Services
Many platforms enable the uploading of digital photos, offering personalized, standards-compliant images delivered to your doorstep. Here at Visas for Future, our online passport photo service is designed for your convenience, ensuring high-quality images that meet application standards.
- DIY with Smartphone App
Convenient at-home photo-taking with app guidance; ensure compliance with specified dimensions and background.
- Post Offices
Some post offices offer compliant passport photo services; inquire about availability and guidelines.
- Print and Copy Stores
Many stores provide convenient passport photo services with equipment and trained staff, ensuring compliance.
Here are the full rules and requirements for the Chinese passport photo:1
- 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.
Visas for Future Passport Photo Service
When choosing your method, consider your preferences, budget, and the level of assurance you desire. Always check the Chinese authorities’ requirements for a seamless passport application process. If you opt for convenience, Visas for Future provides a hassle-free passport photo service to help you. 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.
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:
- You don’t have to leave your house.
- We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
- We validate your photo and check your passport photo to ensure it is in order.
- 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.
Taking a Chinese passport photo using online
Here’s the step-by-step process for obtaining your passport photo through Visas for Future.
Step 1: Visit Visas for Future: Go to the Visas for Future website using your web browser.
Step 2: Click on the “Get Passport Photo Now” Button: Find and click on the “Get Passport Photo Now” button displayed on the website.
Step 3: Fill Out the Order Form: Provide the necessary details in the order form. This includes entering your name, email, and country of residence and specifying the country to which you are applying for a passport.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee: Make the required payment for the application fee through the provided payment methods.
Step 5: Upload Your Photo: Follow the instructions to upload a suitable photo that meets the specific requirements for passport photos.
Step 6: Receive your photo: After completing the process, expect to receive your photo within seven days for printed photo services or within 24 hours for digital photo services.
Pros and cons of taking Chinese passport photos via physical location and using online
Physical Location (Traditional Method)
Pros:
- Professional Assistance: When you visit a physical photo studio or booth, you can receive professional guidance on posing, lighting, and ensuring compliance with passport photo requirements.
- Guaranteed quality: Professional studios ensure adherence to requirements and high-quality results.
- Immediate confirmation: You get your photo on the spot.
Cons:
- Inconvenience: Traveling to a studio or booth can be time-consuming, especially if it’s not conveniently located.
- Cost: Physical locations may charge higher fees for passport photos.
- Limited Availability: Studios may have specific operating hours, and you might need to wait in line.
Online Services (Modern Approach)
Pros:
- Convenience: Online services allow you to take passport photos from the comfort of your home using a smartphone or digital camera.
- Time-Saving: No need to commute or wait in line; the process is quick and efficient.
- Cost-Effective: Online services often offer competitive prices.
- Independence: You have control over the photo-taking process and can retake as needed.
- Acceptance Guarantee: Reputable online platforms verify compliance with official requirements.
Cons:
- Self-Responsibility: You must follow guidelines carefully to ensure your photo meets all requirements.
- Lack of Immediate Feedback: Unlike physical locations, you won’t receive instant feedback from a photographer.
- Technical Challenges: Some users may need more professional assistance to adjust lighting, background, and positioning.
Tips for ensuring their photo meets all the necessary specifications
Preparation:
- Gather info: Double-check the official photo requirements for your application method (online or in-person) from the relevant embassy or consulate website.
- Please choose your method: Decide whether to use a professional studio, photo booth, or online service or take it yourself.
- Gather materials: Prepare appropriate clothing with a plain white or light grey background, and ensure your hair is styled so as not to obscure your face.
Taking the Photo:
- Lighting: Use natural or diffused artificial light to avoid shadows on your face or background.
- Pose: Stand straight with relaxed shoulders and look directly at the camera.
- Expression: Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open.
- Framing: Ensure your head and shoulders are centered and fill the frame appropriately (refer to official size requirements).
- Attire: Wear professional clothing that covers your shoulders and avoid busy patterns or excessive jewelry.
- Headwear: Remove any headwear (except for religious reasons) and glasses.
- Technical aspects: If using a camera, ensure high resolution and correct settings.
Checking the Photo:
- Size and format: Verify the photo dimensions and file format (digital) or print size (physical) match the requirements.
- Clarity: Ensure the photo is clear, sharp, and free of blurriness or pixelation.
- Focus: Check if your entire face, especially your eyes, is in focus.
- Background: Confirm the background is plain white or light grey and free of shadows or distractions.
- Compliance: Compare the photo to the official requirements checklist to ensure it meets all specifications.
Additional Tips:
- Take multiple photos: Allow for slight variations in expression and framing to choose the best one.
- Use editing tools cautiously: If using online services, ensure edits maintain a natural appearance and adhere to regulations.
- Seek help: Consult clarification, consult a professional photographer or the embassy/c if you need guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a picture for my Chinese passport?
To capture a proper Chinese passport photo, follow these guidelines:
1. Use a plain white or light blue background.
2. Ensure a neutral facial expression and look directly at the camera.
3. Your ears should be visible, and maintain a neutral expression without smiling.
4. The photo must be 33mm wide by 48mm in length.
5. Your head should measure between 15mm and 22mm in width and 28mm to 33mm in length.
6. Ensure clear, non-blurry images with even lighting and no shadows.
7. Maintain open eyes and choose thin-rimmed, non-tinted glasses with no reflections.
8. Avoid headgear unless it is for religious purposes, and it must not cover your face.
How do I get the right passport photo?
To get the right passport photo:
1. Understand specific requirements outlined by the issuing authority.
2. Choose a method based on preferences: professional studios, photobooths, online services, or DIY with smartphone apps.
3. Follow guidelines on background color, head position, and facial expression.
4. Use even and natural lighting, avoiding shadows or glare.
5. Select a plain, neutral-colored background as specified.
6. Maintain a neutral expression with open eyes and a closed mouth.
7. Ensure the centered head position meets the specified dimensions.
8. Verify clarity and high quality by reviewing the photo.
9. Adhere to guidelines on attire, avoiding disguises.
10. Pay attention to extra instructions on eyeglasses, headgear, or facial features.
11. Use a high-resolution camera or smartphone for digital photos.
12. Capture multiple shots for options and choose the best one.
13. Check for recency; ensure the photo is taken within the last six months.
14. Double-check specific requirements provided by authorities.
Can I wear earrings in my passport photo?
Yes, you can wear earrings in your passport photo as long as they do not obscure your facial features.
- 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)> [↩]
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Written by
James Abel Diego 
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.
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.
Published by Visas for Future
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Diego, James Abel. "Where to take a Chinese passport photo?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/where-to-take-chinese-passport-photo/. Accessed on 13 September 2023.
Chicago Style
Diego, James Abel. "Where to take a Chinese passport photo?." Visas For Future. September 13, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/where-to-take-chinese-passport-photo/.