China Passport Photo Size (33 x 48 mm, White Background)
A China passport photo must be 33 mm wide by 48 mm high on a plain white background, with the head 28–33 mm from chin to crown and 15–22 mm wide, taken within the last 6 months.
This 33 x 48 mm format is unique to Chinese travel documents. It does not match the 35 x 45 mm size used across Europe or the 2 x 2 inch size used in the United States, which is why photos prepared for another country are routinely refused. The guidance below covers the printed specification, the separate digital pixel range used for online submission, child and infant rules, printing, and the reasons photos are rejected at the exit-entry administration office.
China Passport Photo Size (Quick Answer)
The China passport photo size is 33 mm × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm or 1.30 × 1.89 inches), on a plain white background, with the head measuring 28–33 mm chin to crown and 15–22 mm across, taken within the last 6 months with a neutral expression.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size (printed) | 33 × 48 mm — also written 48 × 33 mm on official notices |
| Pixels for printing @ 300 DPI | 390 × 567 px |
| Pixels for digital upload | 354 × 472 px to 420 × 560 px |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 28 – 33 mm |
| Head width (across face) | 15 – 22 mm |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Age of photo | Within last 6 months |
| Copies required | 2 printed + 1 digital from the same session |
| Aspect ratio | 11 : 16 |
China Passport Photo Visual Reference
The diagram below marks every measured dimension the exit-entry administration office checks: the 33 x 48 mm frame, the 28–33 mm head height, and the 15–22 mm head width.
China Passport Photo Checklist
Run through this Chinese passport photo checklist before your appointment at the exit-entry office or embassy.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| 33 × 48 mm size | ✓ Required |
| Plain white background | ✓ Required |
| Head height 28 – 33 mm | ✓ Required |
| Head width 15 – 22 mm | ✓ Required |
| Neutral expression, mouth closed | ✓ Required |
| Photo taken within last 6 months | ✓ Required |
| No shadows on face or background | ✓ Required |
| Both eyes open and visible | ✓ Required |
| Both ears visible where hair allows | ✓ Required |
| No hats or headwear (except religious) | ✓ Required |
| No tinted lenses or glasses with glare | ✓ Required |
| Two printed copies plus one digital file | ✓ Required |
| JPEG @ 300 DPI for printing | ✓ Recommended |
Passport appointment soon? Generate a 33x48 mm China-ready photo in 60 seconds.
Create China Passport Photo →Full China Passport Photo Requirements
This table consolidates the photo rules applied at the exit-entry administration office and at Chinese embassies overseas. Submission centres apply them strictly, and a non-compliant photo must normally be replaced before the application proceeds.
| Photo size | 33 mm × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm / 1.30 × 1.89 in) |
|---|---|
| Width | 33 mm (390 px @ 300 DPI) |
| Height | 48 mm (567 px @ 300 DPI) |
| Background | Plain white — uniform, no shadows, gradients, patterns or objects. See passport photo background colour rules |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 28 – 33 mm. See head size rules |
| Head width (across the face) | 15 – 22 mm — a separate published parameter, checked alongside head height |
| Face coverage | 70 – 80% of frame height. See face size requirements |
| Eye position | Eyes roughly two-thirds up the photo, open and looking at the camera. See eyes requirements |
| Printed resolution | 300 DPI minimum |
| Digital pixel range | 354 × 472 px minimum to 420 × 560 px maximum |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) for digital submission |
| Colour | 24-bit colour, sRGB, natural skin tones, no filters or beautification |
| Copies required | Two identical printed photos plus one digital file from the same session |
| Glasses | Generally discouraged; may cause rejection through glare or obscured eyes. See glasses rules |
| Headwear | Not permitted unless worn for religious reasons with the face fully visible. See head covering rules |
| Hair | Must not cover the eyes or cast shadow across the face. See hair rules |
| Ears | Both ears should be visible where hair allows. See ears visibility rules |
| Lighting | Even and diffuse, with no shadow on the face or the wall. See shadow rules |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and looking at the camera |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Capture location | Many application centres offer on-site capture during the appointment |
Every rule above is explained in depth across the passport photo rules and standards library.
Digital vs Print Specification (Read This Before You Export)
Chinese exit-entry documents use two different photo specifications for the same application, and mixing them is one of the most common avoidable failures. The printed photo is defined in millimetres. The digital file is defined in pixels, with a hard ceiling.
| Specification | Printed photo | Digital upload |
|---|---|---|
| Defined in | Millimetres | Pixels |
| Required size | 33 × 48 mm | 354 × 472 px to 420 × 560 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum | Not specified — pixel count governs |
| Format | Photo-quality paper, matte or gloss | JPEG, 24-bit colour, sRGB |
| Quantity | Two identical copies | One file from the same session |
Our maker exports both files from a single upload. For a wider walkthrough of pixel and file rules, see the digital passport photo requirements guide.
China Passport Photo Dimensions & Pixels
The 33 x 48 mm format is unique to Chinese travel documents, which is why passport photos prepared for another country are commonly refused for a Chinese passport application.
Need a China-ready file with a plain white background? Use the Passport Photo Maker to generate one automatically.
For pixel sizes across every country's standard, see the passport photo size in pixels reference. To compare formats, see 35x45 photo size used by most European passports and 2x2 photo size used in the United States. If your source image needs reframing first, the passport photo crop guide explains how the 11:16 ratio is applied.
China Passport Photo Size Compared to Other Countries
The Chinese passport photo size is one of the few that does not align with the 35 x 45 mm biometric standard used across most of the world. The comparison below shows why a photo prepared elsewhere usually cannot be reused, and includes the head height band for each country so you can see how differently the face is framed.
| Country | Photo Size | Aspect Ratio | Head Height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 33 × 48 mm | 11 : 16 | 28 – 33 mm | Plain white |
| Japan | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | 32 – 36 mm | Plain white |
| South Korea | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | 32 – 36 mm | Plain white |
| Taiwan | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | 32 – 36 mm | Plain white |
| Hong Kong | 40 × 50 mm | 4 : 5 | 32 – 36 mm | Plain white |
| Mongolia | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | 32 – 36 mm | Plain white |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | 29 – 34 mm | Light-coloured |
| Germany / EU | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | 32 – 36 mm | Light-coloured |
| Australia | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | 32 – 36 mm | Plain white |
| India | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) | 1 : 1 | 25 – 35 mm | Plain white |
| United States | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) | 1 : 1 | 25 – 35 mm | Plain white |
| Canada | 50 × 70 mm | 5 : 7 | 31 – 36 mm | Plain white |
For the complete worldwide reference, see the passport size photo dimensions guide, or browse every country in the passport photo requirements by country hub.
China Passport Photo for a Child or Infant
China applies the same 33 x 48 mm specification to minors, including newborns. There is no reduced head height for babies and no relaxed background rule. The practical difficulty is meeting an adult framing standard with a subject who cannot sit up or hold still, so the requirements below are the ones that most often cause a child photo to be refused.
Same size, same head height
33 x 48 mm frame with 28–33 mm chin-to-crown head height and 15–22 mm head width. No age exemption applies.
Child alone in the frame
No supporting hands, arms, car seat, toy or dummy may be visible. Support the child from behind a plain white sheet so nothing enters the frame.
Eyes open, mouth closed
Both eyes should be open and looking towards the camera. For newborns a closed-mouth, relaxed expression with eyes open is expected wherever it can be achieved.
No shadow behind the head
Lay the child on a white sheet in soft, indirect daylight and photograph from directly above. Overhead lighting from one side creates the shadow that fails the background check.
Hair off the face
Hair must not fall across the eyes or obscure the outline of the face. Both ears should be visible where the child's hair allows.
Recent photo
The 6-month rule matters more for children than adults, because appearance changes quickly. A photo that no longer resembles the child will be refused even inside the 6-month window.
For step-by-step technique with a baby or toddler, including positioning and lighting at home, see our baby passport photo at home guide. The eyes requirements and shadow rules pages cover the two checks that fail most often on child photos.
Photographing a child? Upload the shot and let the tool apply the 33x48 mm crop for you.
Create Child Passport Photo →When You Need a Chinese Passport Photo
The 33 x 48 mm specification applies across every Chinese passport service handled by the National Immigration Administration of China and its overseas missions.
First-Time Passport Application
Adult or minor Chinese citizens applying for their first ordinary passport (普通护照) at the exit-entry administration office.
Passport Renewal
Standard renewal of an expired or near-expiry Chinese passport. A new compliant photo is generally required even if the previous one looks similar.
Damaged or Lost Passport
Replacement applications after loss, theft or damage, typically processed at the local exit-entry office or an overseas embassy.
Child Passport
Minors applying for their own Chinese passport. The same 33 x 48 mm format and head proportions apply — see the child and infant requirements above.
Overseas Applications
Chinese citizens living abroad applying through the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
Passport Reissue After Name Change
Updated passports following a legal name change, marriage or other identity update.
China Passport Photo vs China Visa Photo
The Chinese passport photo and the Chinese visa photo share the same physical dimensions, which is why they are often confused. What differs is who the photo is for, which authority receives it, and where it is submitted.
| Requirement | China Passport Photo | China Visa Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 33 × 48 mm | 33 × 48 mm |
| Aspect ratio | 11 : 16 | 11 : 16 |
| Background | Plain white | Plain white |
| Head height | 28 – 33 mm | 28 – 33 mm |
| Who it is for | Chinese citizens applying for their own passport | Foreign travellers visiting China |
| Issuing authority | National Immigration Administration of China | Chinese embassy, CVASC or the COVA portal |
| Submission | Local exit-entry office or overseas embassy | CVASC application centre or COVA upload |
| Copies | Two printed plus one digital | Affixed to the application form, plus COVA upload |
If you are a foreign traveller rather than a Chinese citizen, the specification is the same but the process is not. See the dedicated China visa photo requirements guide for the COVA and CVASC submission detail.
Create Your China Passport Photo Online
The Chinese 33 x 48 mm photo combines four things that are difficult to get right by hand: an unusual 11:16 crop ratio, a 28–33 mm head height, a 15–22 mm head width, and a plain white background. Generic photo editors do not snap to 11:16 and do not measure biometric distances at all.
Upload any portrait and the tool detects your face, applies the China crop, sets the white background, and exports both files you need: 390 × 567 pixels for printing and a within-range file for digital upload.
Upload your photo and the Passport Photo Maker automatically:
- Crops to the 33 x 48 mm Chinese passport frame at an exact 11:16 ratio
- Centres your face within the 28–33 mm biometric head range
- Applies the required plain white background
- Exports 390 × 567 pixels for printing and a digital file inside the 420 × 560 ceiling
- Generates a print-ready 4 x 6 inch sheet with multiple copies
How to Create a China Passport Photo
- Take a high-resolution photo — Stand 4–5 feet from a plain white wall in soft, even daylight. Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression and closed mouth. Remove hats and large jewellery, and tie hair back so both ears and the full face outline stay visible.
- Open the Passport Photo Maker — Visit the ClonyPDF Passport Photo Maker and drag your image into the upload area.
- Set the 33 x 48 mm China format — Choose the 33 x 48 mm Chinese passport format so the tool locks the 11:16 crop ratio, the 28–33 mm chin-to-crown rule and the plain white background.
- Auto-crop and verify — Face detection centres your head inside the China frame and flags framing problems before export. Check that both eyes are open and level and that no shadow falls on the wall behind you.
- Export both files — Download the 390 × 567 pixel file for printing plus a digital file inside the 420 × 560 pixel ceiling, and the print-ready 4 × 6 inch sheet for your appointment.
Printing a 33 x 48 mm China Passport Photo
You need two identical printed photos, so printing is part of the specification rather than an afterthought. A 33 x 48 mm photo is smaller than most standard passport formats, which means more copies fit on a sheet and cutting accuracy matters more.
| Print resolution | 300 DPI minimum — export at 390 × 567 pixels |
|---|---|
| Paper | Photo-quality paper, matte or gloss. Plain copier paper is not accepted |
| Copies per 4 × 6 inch sheet | Eight 33 × 48 mm photos with cutting margins |
| Copies per A4 sheet | Around thirty, though most applicants only need two |
| Cutting | Use a guillotine or steel rule for square edges. Do not cut inside the printed border |
| Colour | sRGB colour profile. Disable printer auto-enhance, skin smoothing and colour correction |
| Handling | Let ink dry fully. Do not staple, fold or use glue on the photo face |
The print passport photo at home guide covers printer settings, paper choice and cutting technique in full. For sheet layout, the 4 x 6 print sheet guide explains how multi-copy sheets are arranged and trimmed.
Get a print-ready 4 x 6 sheet with eight 33x48 mm copies, ready to cut.
Generate Print Sheet →Where to Apply for a Chinese Passport
Chinese passports are issued by the National Immigration Administration of China through local exit-entry administration offices inside China, and by Chinese embassies and consulates for citizens overseas.
| Submission Path | Used By | Photo Format |
|---|---|---|
| Exit-Entry Administration Office (出入境管理局) | Chinese citizens inside China | 33 x 48 mm printed — many offices offer on-site capture |
| National Immigration Administration online services | Online appointment and document tracking | Digital JPEG, 354 × 472 to 420 × 560 px |
| Chinese embassy (overseas) | Chinese citizens living abroad | 33 x 48 mm printed photo × 2 |
| Chinese consulate (overseas) | Chinese citizens in consular districts | 33 x 48 mm printed photo × 2 |
When applying inside China the exit-entry office may capture the biometric photo during the appointment, depending on local procedure. When applying overseas, applicants normally bring their own printed 33 x 48 mm photos to the embassy or consulate.
Why China Passport Photos Get Rejected
These are the failures that recur most often at the counter and in automated biometric checks. Each links to the detailed rule so you can confirm the exact tolerance before you submit.
Wrong Dimensions
Cropped to 35x45 mm or 2x2 inch instead of 33x48 mm. Photos prepared for another country do not match. See the crop guide.
Digital File Too Large
Uploading a 390 x 567 pixel file to the online system, which exceeds the 560 pixel height ceiling. Print and digital sizes are not interchangeable.
Wrong Background
Off-white, cream, light grey or coloured backgrounds are commonly rejected. See background colour rules.
Head Height Outside 28–33 mm
Chin-to-crown measurement too small or too large. See head size rules.
Head Width Outside 15–22 mm
The face is correctly tall but too narrow or too wide in frame, usually from cropping to height alone. See face size requirements.
Shadows on Face or Wall
Side lighting creates shadow under the chin or behind the head. See shadow rules.
Glasses With Glare
Reflections or partly hidden eyes trigger rejection. Tinted lenses are never accepted. See glasses rules.
Eyes Closed or Looking Away
Both eyes must be open, level and directed at the lens. See eyes requirements.
Hair Across the Face
Fringe over the eyes or hair obscuring the face outline fails landmark detection. See hair rules.
Ears Hidden
Hair covering one or both ears can fail the biometric check. See ears visibility rules.
Headwear
Hats and decorative headwear are refused. Religious head coverings must leave the full face visible. See head covering rules.
Smile or Open Mouth
A neutral expression with closed lips is required. Even a slight smile can fail facial-landmark detection.
Old Photo
Photos older than 6 months are refused, especially if used on a previous Chinese passport application.
Beautification or Filters
Skin smoothing, slimming and colour filters from phone camera modes alter facial geometry and are detected. Shoot in a plain, unfiltered mode.
Low Resolution
Files below 354 x 472 pixels print pixelated at 33 x 48 mm. Minimum print resolution is 300 DPI.
Mismatched Copies
Two printed photos must be identical and from the same session, and the digital file must match them. Mixing sessions is refused.
For the full cross-country breakdown of what causes refusal and how to correct it, see passport photo rejection reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size & Dimensions
What is the China passport photo size?
The Chinese passport photo size is 33 mm wide by 48 mm high (3.3 × 4.8 cm or 1.30 × 1.89 inches). Official Chinese notices often write it as 48 mm × 33 mm, height first. At 300 DPI the printed photo equals 390 × 567 pixels with an 11:16 aspect ratio.
What are the head height and head width requirements?
The head must measure 28 to 33 mm from chin to crown and 15 to 22 mm in width across the face. Head height alone fills roughly 70–80% of the 48 mm frame. Head width is a separate published parameter checked alongside head height, and cropping to height only is a common cause of refusal.
What pixel size does a digital Chinese passport photo need?
Digital photos for Chinese exit-entry documents are accepted between 354 × 472 pixels and 420 × 560 pixels. A printed 33 x 48 mm photo at 300 DPI equals 390 × 567 pixels, which is correct for printing but exceeds the 560 pixel digital ceiling. Use 420 × 560 or smaller for upload and 390 × 567 for print.
How does the China passport photo size compare to other countries?
China uses 33 × 48 mm, which no other major country uses. The UK, Germany and most of Europe use 35 × 45 mm. The United States and India use 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Canada uses 50 × 70 mm. See the comparison table above.
Appearance & Compliance
What background is required?
A plain white background, uniform with no shadows, gradients, patterns or objects behind the head. Off-white, cream, light grey and coloured backgrounds are commonly rejected. See the background colour rules.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are generally discouraged and may cause rejection if they create glare, obscure the eyes or interfere with biometric checks. Many applicants remove them. Tinted lenses are not accepted.
Are head coverings allowed?
Hats and decorative headwear are not permitted. Head coverings worn for religious reasons may be accepted provided the full face from chin to forehead remains visible with no shadow across the features. See the head covering rules.
How recent must the photo be?
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Reusing a photo from a previous passport application is generally not permitted.
Children & Special Cases
What are the photo rules for a child or infant Chinese passport?
The same 33 x 48 mm size, plain white background and 28–33 mm head height apply to minors, including newborns. The child must be alone in the frame with no supporting hands, toys or dummy visible. Eyes should be open where possible and the mouth closed. No age exemption reduces the head height requirement. See the child and infant requirements section and our baby passport photo guide.
Is the Chinese passport photo the same as the China visa photo?
They share the same 33 × 48 mm size, 11:16 aspect ratio and white background. The passport photo is for Chinese citizens applying for their own passport; the visa photo is for foreign travellers visiting China. Different authorities receive them through different channels. See our China visa photo requirements guide.
Taking, Printing & Submitting
How many photos do I need for a Chinese passport application?
Generally two identical printed 33 x 48 mm photos taken within the last six months, plus one digital file from the same session. Confirm the exact count with your exit-entry administration office or embassy before the appointment, as local practice varies.
Can I take a Chinese passport photo at home?
Yes. Photograph against a plain white wall in soft, even daylight, then apply the 33 x 48 mm crop, head height and white background with the Passport Photo Maker. Some application centres also offer on-site capture during the appointment.
Can I use my phone camera?
Yes. Modern smartphone cameras far exceed the resolution required. Two things need care: switch off beautification, portrait blur and skin smoothing, which alter facial geometry and are detected; and let the tool handle the 11:16 crop and white background rather than cropping by hand.
How do I print a 33 x 48 mm photo at home?
Print at 300 DPI on photo-quality paper. A standard 4 x 6 inch sheet holds eight 33 x 48 mm photos with cutting margins. Cut with a guillotine or steel rule for square edges and do not trim inside the printed border. See the print at home guide.
Where do I apply for a Chinese passport?
Chinese citizens apply at their local exit-entry administration office under the National Immigration Administration of China. Citizens living overseas apply at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. The 33 x 48 mm photo specification applies in both channels.
Compliance Basis for This Guide
The specifications on this page are compiled from publicly available guidance issued by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China, Chinese embassies and consulates, and the internationally recognised biometric travel document standard ICAO Doc 9303. Where Chinese sources and ICAO differ, the Chinese national requirement takes precedence for a Chinese passport application.
| Issuing Authority | National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China |
|---|---|
| Overseas Authority | Chinese embassies and consulates, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Biometric Standard | ICAO Doc 9303 compliant facial photograph |
| Scope of This Guide | Ordinary passports for Chinese citizens — new applications, renewals, replacements and child passports |
| Not Covered | Chinese visas for foreign nationals — see the China visa photo guide |
| Last Reviewed |
Related China Passport Photo Guides
Official Sources & References
- National Immigration Administration of China (English) — en.nia.gov.cn
- National Immigration Administration of China (Chinese) — nia.gov.cn
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, consular services — cs.mfa.gov.cn
- Local exit-entry administration offices (出入境管理局) — appointments and on-site photo capture
- Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide — overseas passport application guidance
- ICAO Doc 9303, Machine Readable Travel Documents — icao.int
Create Your China Passport Photo Now
Skip the studio queue. Upload one image and download a 33 × 48 mm Chinese passport photo with the plain white background and biometric head proportions applied automatically — 390 × 567 pixels for printing, a within-range file for digital upload, and a 4 × 6 inch sheet holding eight copies for your exit-entry office or embassy appointment.
Create China Passport Photo →