Photo requirements
China Passport 33x48 mm
A guide to Chinese passport photographs: distinguish mainland service counters, eligible online applications and overseas missions. Confirm the receiving channel before choosing a file or print.
- Printed size
- 33 × 48 mm (printed)
- Background
- Check the receiving channel; white or light blue for mainland online photos
- Official reference
- 国家移民管理局
Glasses: Chinese passport and U.S. visa rules differ
The cited consulate permits glasses subject to visibility conditions; it does not impose a blanket ban. Teaching scenario: the frame crosses an eye or a window reflection hides a pupil. Adjust the capture or remove the glasses and retake, even if the lenses are clear.
Make this photo now
Use the selected format in the passport photo tool.
Photo requirements
Photo specification
Use these values as a preparation guide and confirm current official instructions.
| Printed size | 33 × 48 mm (printed) |
|---|---|
| Digital dimensions | Check the application channel below |
| Background | Check the receiving channel; white or light blue for mainland online photos |
| Head height | Check the application channel below |
| File and resolution | Check the application channel below |
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More photo requirements for China
- China driving license 22x32 mm
- China 354x472 pixel with eyes on crosslines
- China Medicare card 26x32 mm
- China Resident ID card 26x32 mm
- China Social Security Card 32x26 mm
- China APEC Business Travel Card 300x400 pixels
- National Computer Rank Examination 144x192 pixels
- China one-cun photo 25x35 mm - blue background
- China one-cun photo 25x35 mm - white background
- Licensed Pharmacist 215x300 pixels
- Putonghua Proficiency Test 390x567 pixels blue background
- China two-cun photo 35x49 mm - blue background
- China two-cun photo 35x49 mm - white background
- China Passport 33x48 mm light grey background
- China Passport online 354x472 pixel old format
- China Passport online 354x472 pixel
- China Green Card 33x48 mm
- China Visa online 354x472 - 420x560 pixels
- China Visa 33x48 mm
Identify the Chinese passport application channel
The specific examples here use the Chinese Consulate in Chicago notice dated May 1, 2026. Mainland offices, other consulates and app upload screens may give additional instructions. Identify your receiving office before choosing a file.
That notice specifies a recent color photograph with a white background and a 33×48 mm print. Cropping to that ratio is only the first check: head framing, margins and image clarity still matter. Do not borrow pixel or KB limits from an unrelated document.
Glasses: Chinese passport and U.S. visa rules differ
The cited consulate permits glasses subject to visibility conditions; it does not impose a blanket ban. Teaching scenario: the frame crosses an eye or a window reflection hides a pupil. Adjust the capture or remove the glasses and retake, even if the lenses are clear.
Do not erase reflections or generate the hidden eye. For a U.S. visa, check the separate U.S. rule instead of reusing a glasses photograph simply because one Chinese passport channel permits it.
Hair, expression and lighting: when to retake
Teaching scenario: the background is white, but a fringe covers the eyes and the head is turned. Move the hair, face the camera and retake with facial features visible. Stretching the image cannot correct a turned face.
Use even light rather than a ceiling lamp that darkens the eye sockets. Keep a natural expression and open eyes. Do not transfer a smile exception from another country or document; ask the receiving office about any uncertain expression or accessory.
Separate print size, pixels and file weight
Millimeters describe the print, pixels describe image width and height, and KB describes file size. Changing a DPI tag does not create detail or establish that a file is suitable for an app upload.
Read the current upload screen before exporting. Print at actual size and measure the result. If compression creates blocks around the eyes or eyebrows, return to the clear original rather than repeatedly enlarging the compressed copy.
What remains after the size check
Compare the original and output for changes to facial appearance. A white-background requirement is not permission to replace the background digitally: the cited consulate notice rejects modified or composite photographs. Rebuild the capture setup when necessary.
These are teaching scenarios, not customer histories or acceptance-rate evidence. IDPIC does not issue passports or decide acceptance. Your receiving office governs the submission.
How to make this photo online
A clear three-step workflow from portrait to application-ready file.
- 1
Choose the format
Confirm the country and application document before uploading.
- 2
Upload a clear portrait
Use even lighting, face the camera and keep the full head visible.
- 3
Review and download
Check the crop and current issuing-authority rules before submission.
Capture checklist
Start with a strong source photo to reduce avoidable application issues.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression
- Use soft, even light and avoid shadows
- Keep eyes open and facial features unobstructed
- Use a recent color photo without filters
- Check glasses and head-covering rules for your application
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about creating and submitting this document photo.
Is a light-blue background allowed for mainland online applications?
The linked NIA online-submission guide allows white or light blue. Check the receiving channel rather than applying this permission to every consulate or identity document.
Why does the mainland online guide use a 3:4 crop instead of 33 × 48 mm?
The 33 × 48 mm measurement describes the general paper photograph. The dedicated online guide specifies a digital workflow, with a 400–1000 pixel width and a 3:4 crop. These are different submission formats.
Does a successful tool check guarantee acceptance?
No. A tool check or successful upload is not an official acceptance decision. Keep the original portrait, avoid changing your appearance and retake unsuitable lighting or blur. The receiving authority decides whether the photograph is acceptable.