China Visa Photo Requirements (Size & Specifications)

Excited to explore China? Let’s make sure your visa is ready first! Before you start packing your bags and planning your Great Wall selfies, there’s one essential step you need to take care of: getting your visa for China. The Chinese visa process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Even small mistakes in your application can lead to delays or rejections, as Chinese authorities are known for their strict security standards. One of the most common reasons for visa rejections is an incorrect photo. Your visa photo must meet specific guidelines, and submitting one that doesn’t comply can cause unnecessary setbacks. To make things easy for you, Atlys has developed a China visa photo maker tool to help your photograph meet the standards of Chinese immigration.

How do you use the China visa photo maker tool?

Steps to create and adjust your photo to meet China visa photo size requirements:

Take or upload your photo: Choose a clear image in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. You can also take a new selfie directly within the tool.
Click Transform: After confirming the photo, click Transform.
Download the photo: Once processed, save your ready-to-use photo to submit it with your application.

Now that your China visa photo is sorted, let’s move on to your China visa application, and we’ll make it just as easy using Atlys.

China visa photo requirements

Here are the China visa passport size photo specifications:

Size: 33mm x 48mm
File Size: 40 KB – 120 KB
Format: JPEG, RGB 24-bit
Background: Plain white
Face Size: Head should occupy 28–33mm of photo height
Borders: No borders
Recent: Taken within the last 6 months
Face Orientation: Full-frontal, centered, no tilt
Quality: Clear, no shadows, no red-eye, high resolution
Facial Expression: Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed

Note: The Atlys visa photo tool automatically handles all the above specifications to smooth your application process. Atlys ensures your photo is perfect for submission, even for minors.

China Visa Photo Size

The photo for a China visa must be exactly 33 mm wide and 48 mm high. Your full head and the upper part of your shoulders should be visible. The head height should occupy between 28 mm and 33 mm of the image. The photo must be vertically aligned with proper proportions to ensure your facial features are easily identifiable.

China Visa Photo File Size & Format

For digital submissions, the photo must be in JPEG format with RGB 24-bit true color and a file size between 40 KB and 120 KB. High-resolution images are essential, and the photo must not be compressed in a way that affects quality.

China Visa Photo Background

The background must be plain white with no patterns, shadows, or textures. A clean background ensures your facial features stand out clearly and are easily scannable by biometric systems.

Face Size & Positioning

Your head should be centered and occupy 28 mm to 33 mm of the photo's height. The face must be fully visible, with both shoulders in the image. Ensure the face is not distorted or partially hidden.

No Borders Allowed

Photos must be submitted without any borders, frames, or edge lines. The image should focus solely on the applicant’s face with no visual distractions.

Recent Photos

Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance. Submitting an outdated photo may result in visa application delays or rejections.

Orientation & Head Position

You must face the camera directly with a straight, upright head position. Side angles, tilted heads, or non-frontal shots will not be accepted. Your eyes must be visible and look straight into the lens.

Quality

The image must be sharp, clear, and well-lit, without blurring or pixelation. There should be no shadows on the face or background, and the lighting must be evenly distributed across the image.

Facial Expression

You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows is not allowed. Hair must not cover the face or eyes, and the face should be fully visible.

Eyewear & Headgear

Eyeglasses must be clear with no glare or reflections, and the eyes must be fully visible. Headgear is only allowed for religious reasons and must contrast clearly with the white background without obscuring facial features.

China visa photo requirements for minors

Babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open.
A frontal photograph with clarity is required.
The photo must have the child alone (mouth closed with neutral expression).
No toys, other people visible.
The photograph taken shall be of high quality.

Do’s for a China Visa Photo

Take the photo with even lighting; avoid shadows or overexposure.
Ensure the photo was taken within the last 3 months.
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.
Use a clear, sharp, high-quality image, not pixelated or blurry.
The shoulders and hair should be visible in the frame.
Use a plain white background.
It should be dark-colored and contrast with the background if worn for religious reasons.
If you wear glasses, ensure they are clear and your eyes are fully visible.

Don’ts for a China Visa Photo

Do not use damaged photos with holes, creases, or smudges.
Do not let hair cover your eyes or any part of your face.
Do not submit photos with red-eye; avoid colored contact lenses.
Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses.
Do not tilt your head or face to the side; keep it straight and centered.

Free China Visa Photo Maker (No-Login Required)

2-minute process

Done from home

Correct Dimensions