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China

China passport photo size

33 × 48 mm · Plain white · Taken within the last 6 months

Requirements

Photo size33 × 48 mm  (1.3 × 1.89 in)
Head height58–69% of the photo height
BackgroundPlain white
File formatjpg/png
How recentTaken within the last 6 months
RetouchingNot allowed. The photo must not be digitally altered beyond cropping.
Background replacementNot allowed. Shoot against a wall of the required colour.
Where to take itChina's online renewal/replacement pilot: do not use a front-camera selfie; the rear camera is recommended.
  • Glasses are allowed, but there must be no glare on the lenses.
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed.

Last checked: Sep 1, 2026 · Source: mumbai.china-consulate.gov.cn. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

You can take this photo yourself

A plain, empty wall. Nothing behind you.
Good example. A plain, empty wall. Nothing behind you.
Frames, shelves and curtains behind you.
Avoid this. Frames, shelves and curtains behind you.
Light on your face from the front, and no shadow on the wall.
Good example. Light on your face from the front, and no shadow on the wall.
Light behind you, so half the face falls into shadow.
Avoid this. Light behind you, so half the face falls into shadow.
Neutral: mouth closed, eyes open. This is what most passports and visas ask for.
Good example. Neutral: mouth closed, eyes open. This is what most passports and visas ask for.
A wide grin with teeth showing, and a tilted head.
Avoid this. A wide grin with teeth showing, and a tilted head.

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Checklist & printable sheet for this document

Check the photo requirements, and print or share a sheet with the official source and a QR code.

How the passport photo is submitted

Submission

  • Online application: upload a digital photo.
    上传证件照片 cs.mfa.gov.cn

Who can take the photo

  • The authority allows a photo taken without a studio — its own wording is below.
    可以请他人协助拍摄 或者 使用手机支架定时拍摄 s.nia.gov.cn

Rules the authority states for this photo

  • No filters, retouching or digital changes.
    关闭美颜 关闭滤镜 关闭瘦脸 s.nia.gov.cn
  • China's online renewal/replacement pilot: do not use a front-camera selfie; the rear camera is recommended.
    请不要使用前置摄像头自拍 s.nia.gov.cn

Questions

What size is a China passport photo?
33 × 48 mm (1.3 × 1.89 in).
Can I take a China passport photo with my phone?
China's online renewal/replacement pilot: do not use a front-camera selfie; the rear camera is recommended.

How it differs from other China documents

  • ID card — size 33×48 mm here, 26×32 mm there; head height 58–69% here, 63–70% there; can be taken yourself here, usually taken at a studio or counter there
  • Visa — same published size, background, digital file and capture rules as this document

Related tools and guides

How the passport photo is submitted

China's online renewal/replacement pilot: do not use a front-camera selfie; the rear camera is recommended.

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