China Passport Photo Size (33 x 48 mm, White Background)
Chinese citizens applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or updating a child's passport need a biometric photo at a precise 33 x 48 mm format. The China passport photo is taken within the last 6 months, on a plain white background, with a neutral expression and the head measuring around 28-33 mm from chin to crown. The 33 x 48 mm specification is unique to Chinese consular documents — it does not match the 35 x 45 mm format used by most European countries or the 2 x 2 inch format used in the United States. Photos at the local exit-entry administration office under the National Immigration Administration of China are commonly rejected for incorrect dimensions, off-white backgrounds, shadows, smiles, or photos older than 6 months. This guide explains the official Chinese passport photo size, lists the requirements, compares it with other countries, and shows you how to generate a compliant 33x48 mm file in under a minute.
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 approximately 28–33 mm from chin to crown, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 33 × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm) |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 390 × 567 px |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 28 – 33 mm |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Age of photo | Within last 6 months |
| Aspect ratio | 11 : 16 |
China Passport Photo Checklist
Run through this Chinese passport photo checklist before submitting your application to reduce the chance of rejection at the exit-entry office or embassy.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| 33 × 48 mm size | ✓ Required |
| Plain white background | ✓ Required |
| Neutral expression, mouth closed | ✓ Required |
| Photo taken within last 6 months | ✓ Required |
| No shadows on face or background | ✓ Required |
| Head height 28 – 33 mm | ✓ Required |
| Both eyes open and visible | ✓ Required |
| No hats or headwear (except religious) | ✓ Required |
| No tinted lenses or glasses with glare | ✓ Required |
| JPEG @ 300 DPI for digital uploads | ✓ Recommended |
Passport appointment soon? Generate a 33x48 mm China-ready photo in 60 seconds.
Create China Passport Photo →China Passport Photo Visual Reference
Portrait orientation, 11:16 ratio
The Chinese passport photo uses the same 11:16 aspect ratio as the China visa photo — taller and narrower than the 35x45 mm European format. The head occupies 70-80% of the vertical frame against a plain white background, with the face centered and both ears visible where possible.
Full China Passport Photo Requirements
The following table consolidates the photo rules typically applied at the exit-entry administration office and Chinese embassies overseas. Submission centers apply these strictly — non-compliant photos must usually 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, patterns, or objects |
| Head size (chin to crown) | Approximately 28 – 33 mm |
| Eye position | Eyes roughly two-thirds up the photo, looking at the camera |
| Face coverage | 70 – 80% of frame height |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum for printed photos |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) for digital submissions |
| Color | 24-bit color, sRGB, natural skin tones, no filters or beautification |
| Glasses | Generally discouraged; may cause rejection if they create glare, obscure the eyes, or interfere with biometric checks |
| Headwear | Not permitted unless worn for religious reasons, with the face fully visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and looking at the camera |
| Ears | Both ears should be visible where possible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Capture location | Many application centers may offer on-site photo capture during the appointment |
China Passport Photo Dimensions & Pixels
The 33 x 48 mm format is unique to Chinese consular documents — no other major country uses this exact size. That is why standard passport photos prepared for other countries are commonly rejected for Chinese passport applications.
Need a 390 × 567 pixel China-ready file with a white background? Use the Passport Photo Maker to generate one automatically.
For a full breakdown of pixel sizes across every country's passport standard, see our passport photo size in pixels reference. To compare with other formats, see 35x45 photo size (used by most European passports) and 2x2 photo size (US standard).
China Passport Photo Size Compared to Other Countries
The Chinese passport photo size is one of the few that does not align with the global 35 x 45 mm biometric standard. The comparison below explains why a photo prepared for another country usually cannot be reused for a Chinese passport application.
| Country | Photo Size | Aspect Ratio | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 33 × 48 mm | 11 : 16 | Plain white |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | Light-colored |
| Germany / EU | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | Light-colored |
| Australia | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | Plain white |
| Japan | 35 × 45 mm | 7 : 9 | White |
| India | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) | 1 : 1 | White |
| United States | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) | 1 : 1 | Plain white |
| Canada | 50 × 70 mm | 5 : 7 | Plain white |
For the complete worldwide reference, see our passport size photo dimensions guide.
When You Need a Chinese Passport Photo
The 33 x 48 mm photo specification applies across every Chinese passport service handled by the National Immigration Administration of China and 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 passport applications after loss, theft, or damage — typically processed at the local exit-entry office or overseas embassy.
Child Passport
Minors applying for their own Chinese passport. The same 33 x 48 mm format and head proportions apply.
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.
Applying for any of the scenarios above?
Create China Passport Photo →China Passport Photo vs China Visa Photo
The Chinese passport photo and the Chinese visa photo share the same physical dimensions, which is why people often confuse them. The differences are about who the photo is for, who issues the document, and where it is submitted.
| Requirement | China Passport Photo | China Visa Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 33 × 48 mm | 33 × 48 mm |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 390 × 567 px | 390 × 567 px |
| Aspect ratio | 11 : 16 | 11 : 16 |
| Background | Plain white | Plain white |
| Head height | 28 – 33 mm | 28 – 33 mm |
| Issuing authority | National Immigration Administration of China | Chinese embassy / CVASC / COVA |
| Used by | Chinese citizens applying for their own passport | Foreign travelers visiting China |
| Submission | Local exit-entry office or overseas embassy | CVASC application center or COVA portal |
If you are a foreign traveler instead of a Chinese citizen, see our dedicated China visa photo requirements guide for the COVA and CVASC details.
Create Your China Passport Photo Size Online
The Chinese 33 x 48 mm photo combines three things that are hard to get right manually: an unusual 11:16 crop ratio, a 28-33 mm head height, and a plain white background. Most generic photo editors don't snap to the 11:16 ratio and don't validate biometric distances at all.
Our Passport Photo Maker handles all three. Upload any portrait, the system detects your face, applies the China-specific crop, replaces the background with white, and exports a 390 × 567 pixel JPEG plus a print-ready sheet for your appointment.
Upload your photo and our Passport Photo Maker automatically:
- Crops the photo correctly to the 33 x 48 mm Chinese passport frame
- Centers your face within the 28-33 mm biometric head range
- Applies the required plain white background
- Creates a compliant photo at 390 x 567 pixels for printing
- Generates a print-ready 4 x 6 inch sheet with multiple copies
How to Create a China Passport Photo Size
- 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 jewelry; if you wear glasses, consider removing them to avoid glare and biometric issues.
- Open the Passport Photo Maker — Visit the ClonyPDF Passport Photo Maker and drag your image into the upload area.
- Select the China Passport preset — Choose the 33 x 48 mm Chinese Passport option. The tool locks the 11:16 crop ratio, the 28-33 mm chin-to-crown rule, and the white background.
- Auto-crop and verify — Face detection centers your head within the China passport frame. The tool flags any framing issues before you export.
- Download the result — Export a 390 × 567 pixel JPEG plus a print-ready 4 × 6 inch sheet with multiple copies. Take the printed sheet to your exit-entry office or embassy appointment.
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 — many offices may offer on-site capture |
| National Immigration Administration online services | Online appointment & document tracking | 33 x 48 mm digital JPEG |
| Chinese embassy (overseas) | Chinese citizens living abroad | 33 x 48 mm printed photo |
| Chinese consulate (overseas) | Chinese citizens in consular districts | 33 x 48 mm printed photo |
When applying inside China, the exit-entry office may capture the biometric photo during the appointment, depending on local procedures. When applying overseas, applicants typically bring printed 33 x 48 mm photos to the embassy or consulate.
Why China Passport Photos Get Rejected
Wrong Dimensions
Photo cropped to 35x45 mm or 2x2 inch instead of the 33x48 mm Chinese specification. Generic passport photos from other countries do not match.
Wrong Background
Off-white, light grey, or colored backgrounds are commonly rejected. China requires a plain white background with no shadows.
Glasses With Glare
Reflections or partially hidden eyes commonly trigger rejection. Many applicants remove their glasses to be safe.
Head Outside 28-33 mm
Chin-to-crown measurement is too small or too large, breaking the Chinese biometric framing rules.
Smile or Open Mouth
A neutral expression with closed lips is required. Even small smiles can fail biometric facial-landmark detection.
Shadows on Face or Wall
Side lighting creates shadows under the chin or on the wall behind the head. Lighting must be even.
Old Photo
Photos older than 6 months are rejected, especially if they were used on a previous Chinese passport application.
Low Resolution
JPEG below 390 x 567 pixels prints pixelated at 33 x 48 mm. Minimum acceptable resolution is 300 DPI.
Ears Hidden
Hair covering one or both ears, or styled to obscure the side of the face, can fail Chinese biometric checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the China passport photo size?
The Chinese passport photo size is 33 mm × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm or 1.30 × 1.89 inches). At 300 DPI it equals approximately 390 × 567 pixels with an 11:16 aspect ratio.
What background is required?
A plain white background. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or objects. Off-white, light grey, and colored backgrounds are commonly rejected.
What is the head size in a Chinese passport photo?
The face from chin to crown should measure around 28 to 33 mm and occupy 70-80% of the vertical frame, with the eyes roughly two-thirds up the photo.
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 choose to remove them. Tinted lenses are not accepted.
How recent must the photo be?
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Reusing photos from previous passport applications is generally not permitted.
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.
Is the Chinese passport photo the same as the China visa photo?
They share the same 33 × 48 mm physical size, 11:16 aspect ratio, and white background. The Chinese passport photo is for Chinese citizens applying for their own passport, while the China visa photo is for foreign travelers visiting China. See our China visa photo requirements guide for the visa version.
Can I take a Chinese passport photo at home?
Yes. Use a smartphone or digital camera against a plain white wall in soft daylight, then upload the image to our Passport Photo Maker to apply the 33 x 48 mm crop, head size, and white background. For in-person submissions, some application centers may also offer on-site photo capture.
What is the Chinese passport photo size in pixels?
At 300 DPI the 33 x 48 mm Chinese passport photo equals approximately 390 x 567 pixels. At 600 DPI it equals 780 x 1134 pixels. Both resolutions are typically accepted for digital submissions.
How does the China passport photo size compare to other countries?
China uses 33 × 48 mm, which is unique. The UK, Germany, and most European countries use 35 × 45 mm. The United States uses 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm). Canada uses 50 × 70 mm for its passport. See the comparison table above for the full reference.
Can I use my phone camera?
Yes. Modern smartphone cameras far exceed the resolution required for Chinese passport photos. The challenge is the precise 11:16 crop and the white background — both handled automatically by our tool.
Related Passport Photo Tools
Official Sources & References
- National Immigration Administration of China — en.nia.gov.cn
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China — Consular services guidance
- Local exit-entry administration offices (出入境管理局) — application appointments and photo capture
- Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide — overseas passport application guidance
- ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents biometric photograph standard
Create Your China Passport Photo Size Now
Skip the photo studio queue. Upload one image and download a 33 × 48 mm Chinese passport photo at 390 × 567 pixels — with the plain white background and biometric head proportions applied automatically — in under 60 seconds. Print the 4 × 6 inch sheet and take it to your exit-entry office or embassy appointment.
Create China Passport Photo →