China Passport & Visa Photo Guide for Foreigners
Chinese document photos use a unique 33×48mm size — different from the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm), the European 35×45mm, and every other common format. If you need a photo for a Chinese visa, residence permit, or work permit, this guide covers everything you need to know.
China Photo Specs
| Size | 33 × 48mm (1.3 × 1.9 inches) |
| Background | White |
| Head height | 28–33mm |
| Digital size | 354×472 to 420×560 px |
| File format | JPEG, 40–120 KB |
What’s Different About Chinese Photos
If you’re from the US, UK, Australia, or most European countries, everything about the Chinese photo format is different:
- Size: 33×48mm — narrower and taller than both the US 2×2 inch square and the European 35×45mm rectangle
- Head proportions: Head height 28-33mm, head width 15-22mm, with 3-5mm space above the head
- Digital specs: 354×472 to 420×560 pixels, JPEG, 40-120KB (unusually strict file size limits)
- Ears must be visible — this catches many foreigners off guard
You cannot crop a US or European photo to fit. The aspect ratio is different, and the head-to-frame proportions won’t match. You need a new photo.
| Photo size | 33 × 48mm (1.3 × 1.9 in) |
| Head height | 28–33mm |
| Head width | 15–22mm |
| Top of head to edge | 3–5mm |
| Background | White |
| Digital resolution | 354×472 to 420×560 px |
| File format | JPEG, 40–120 KB |
| Recency | Taken within 6 months |
Size Comparison
| Country | Photo Size | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| China | 33 × 48mm | Tall rectangle |
| US / India | 51 × 51mm (2×2 in) | Square |
| EU / Japan / Korea | 35 × 45mm | Rectangle |
| UK | 35 × 45mm | Rectangle |
The Chinese format is the narrowest of all major formats. This means your face needs to be more tightly framed than in US or European photos.
What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Not Allowed
- ✕ Tinted or dark glasses
- ✕ Thick-frame glasses (blocking eyes)
- ✕ Hats or headbands
- ✕ Digital retouching or beauty filters
- ✕ White or light-colored shirt
- ✕ Uniform (military, police, etc.)
Allowed
- ✓ Light/natural makeup
- ✓ Religious headwear (if it doesn't cover the face)
- ✓ Clear contact lenses
- ✓ Small earrings
- ✓ Natural expression
- ✓ Dark-colored collared shirt
Ears Must Be Visible
This is the rule that catches most foreigners. Both ears must be clearly visible — no hair covering them. If you have long hair, tuck it behind your ears before taking the photo. This is strictly enforced for Chinese documents.
Where to Get Your Photo in China
Option 1: Photo Studio (照相馆)
Photo studios are common in most neighborhoods. Look for signs saying 照相馆 (zhàoxiàng guǎn) or 证件照 (zhèngjiàn zhào). Prices range from ¥20-80 ($3-12 USD) depending on the city and studio quality.
How it works: Walk in, tell them you need a 证件照 (ID photo) for 护照 (passport) or 签证 (visa). They’ll know the specs. You sit down, they take the photo, and you get prints in 10-30 minutes. Most studios can also provide a digital file on request.
Tip: In major cities, staff at chain studios may speak basic English. In smaller cities, showing the Chinese characters on your phone will work.
Option 2: Self-Service Photo Booth (自助证件照机)
Found in metro stations, shopping malls, and government service centers. Price: ¥20-30 ($3-4 USD). Look for machines labeled 证件照 or 自助拍照.
How it works: Touch screen interface (usually Chinese only). Select the photo type, sit down, and follow the on-screen instructions. Photos print immediately.
Tip: Some newer machines in major cities have an English interface option. But if you don’t read Chinese, a photo studio is safer.
Option 3: DIY + Online Tool (Cheapest)
Take a photo with your phone, upload to our tool, and print at any print shop. Total cost: ¥8 ($1.15 USD).
- Take a photo against a white wall with your phone
- Upload to our tool — works in English
- We remove the background, crop to 33×48mm, verify compliance
- Download the print file (¥7 / $1)
- Print at any 打印店 (print shop) for ¥1-3
| Method | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| DIY + online tool + print shop | ¥8 ($1.15) | 5 min + printing |
| Self-service photo booth | ¥20-30 ($3-4) | 5-10 min |
| Photo studio | ¥20-80 ($3-12) | 10-30 min |
Essential Chinese Vocabulary
These are the terms you’ll encounter when getting document photos in China:
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 证件照 | zhèngjiàn zhào | ID / document photo |
| 护照 | hùzhào | passport |
| 签证 | qiānzhèng | visa |
| 照相馆 | zhàoxiàng guǎn | photo studio |
| 打印店 | dǎyìn diàn | print shop |
| 出入境管理局 | chūrùjìng guǎnlǐ jú | entry-exit administration bureau |
| 白色背景 | báisè bèijǐng | white background |
| 一寸 / 二寸 | yī cùn / èr cùn | 1-inch / 2-inch (common photo size terms) |
| 居留许可 | jūliú xǔkě | residence permit |
| 工作签证 | gōngzuò qiānzhèng | work visa |
Useful Phrase at the Photo Studio
Show this on your phone: 我需要护照证件照，33×48毫米，白色背景 (I need a passport photo, 33×48mm, white background). Any photo studio will understand immediately.
Common Foreigner Mistakes
Using a US/European photo. The most common mistake. Your 2×2 inch or 35×45mm photo will be rejected. Chinese documents require 33×48mm — a completely different size and aspect ratio.
Not showing ears. Many foreigners don’t realize both ears must be fully visible. This is strictly enforced in China. Tuck long hair behind your ears.
Wearing a white shirt. The background is white, so a white shirt blends in and causes rejection. Wear a dark-colored top.
Beauty filters left on. Even if your phone camera’s beauty mode is subtle, the photo will be rejected if any digital enhancement is detected. Turn off all beauty/filter settings before shooting.
Government Source
Official Requirements
Source: National Immigration Administration — Photo Guidelines (Chinese language). For visa photo requirements, also check the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Chinese photo size different from other countries?
China uses its own 33×48mm standard instead of the ICAO 35×45mm standard used by most countries. This has been the standard for decades and applies to passports, visas, residence permits, and work permits. There's no sign of it changing.
Can I use a US or European passport photo for a Chinese visa?
No. A US passport photo (51×51mm / 2×2 inches) or European photo (35×45mm) will be rejected. Chinese visas specifically require 33×48mm. You need a new photo in the correct size.
Where can I get a passport photo in China?
Photo studios (照相馆) are everywhere and cost ¥20-80. Self-service photo booths in metro stations cost ¥20-30. Or use our online tool for ¥7 ($1) and print at any print shop for ¥1-3.
Do I need a white or blue background?
White background is the standard for passports and most documents. Some older visa applications accepted light blue, but white is always safe. Our tool uses white by default.
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
Technically yes for thin-frame glasses without glare, but it's safest to remove them. Thick frames, tinted lenses, and any glare on the lenses will get your photo rejected.
What if I don't speak Chinese — can I still get a photo at a local shop?
Yes, but it helps to know the key terms (see vocabulary table below). Photo studios understand "证件照" (zhèngjiàn zhào = ID photo) and "护照" (hùzhào = passport). Alternatively, use our online tool — it works entirely in English.
Is the China visa photo the same size as the passport photo?
Yes, both use 33×48mm. The same photo works for Chinese passports, visas, residence permits, and work permits.
Get Your China Photo in 2 Minutes
Upload a photo from your phone. We remove the background, crop to 33×48mm, and verify it meets Chinese government specs. Works in English — no Chinese required.
Create China Photo~¥7 ($1 USD) + ~¥1 to print • Photos never leave your device