The Chinese visa and passport photo is the narrowest format in this series: 33 mm wide by 48 mm high, with the head 28 to 33 mm tall and 21 to 24 mm wide, a gap of just 3–5 mm above the head, and at least 7 mm below the chin. No other common size substitutes for it — a 35×45 or 2×2 photo will be refused. This maker crops to the exact 33×48 frame, draws the head band and crown margin as guide lines, and downloads 390×567 pixels at 300 DPI plus a printable 4×6 sheet.
The tool sizes and crops only; Chinese rules state the photo must not be processed or retouched, so nothing about your face or background is altered. Photograph yourself against a plain white wall (the visa requirement — light blue is accepted for Chinese passports, not for visas), and confirm the current specification with the Chinese embassy or visa centre you are applying through, because rules change.
The official China visa photo requirements
| Photo size | 33 mm wide × 48 mm high |
|---|---|
| This download | 390 × 567 px at 300 DPI |
| Head height | 28–33 mm, chin to top of head |
| Head width | 21–24 mm |
| Space above head | 3–5 mm to the top edge |
| Space below chin | At least 7 mm to the bottom edge |
| Background | White for visa photos (passport also accepts light blue) |
| Recency | Within the last 6 months |
| Digital upload | JPEG, typically 40–120 KB for the online visa form |
The portrait must be horizontally centred with the head upright at shoulder level. If your online form asks for a file between 40 and 120 KB, save the download and check its size — the JPEG from this maker at 0.92 quality is usually close; a photo app can re-save it at lower quality if your form is strict, without changing the dimensions.
Pose, background and glasses
Natural expression, both eyes open, lips naturally closed, full face clearly visible, looking straight at the camera. Glasses may be worn, but lenses must not be tinted and must not reflect light or blur the outline of your eyes — removing them is simpler. No hats, headwear or scarves except for religious or medical reasons, and never anything covering the face. Do not wear a uniform, and avoid white or light-coloured tops that blend into the background. The background must be uniform with no gradient, shadow, people or objects.
How to take the photo at home
- Stand squarely in front of a plain white wall in even light, shoulders level.
- Have another person take the photo at head height from about a metre away, with space around your head.
- Keep a natural expression with lips closed; remove glasses if they reflect; take several shots.
- Upload the sharpest photo and drag it so the top of your head sits on the red line (the 3–5 mm margin).
- Zoom until your chin falls between the green lines — the 28–33 mm head band.
- Download the 390×567 photo for the online form, or the sheet for prints.
Why China visa photos get rejected
- Wrong size — submitting a 35×45 mm or 2×2 inch photo instead of 33×48 mm.
- Head height outside 28–33 mm, or head width outside 21–24 mm.
- More than 5 mm of space above the head, or less than 7 mm below the chin.
- A gradient, shadowed or light-blue background on a visa application.
- Tinted glasses, reflections hiding the eyes, or a hat or scarf.
- A processed, filtered or composite photo.
Printing your photos
The print sheet download places 4 copies on a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) print at exactly 300 DPI. Print it at 100% scale — never “fit to page” — on glossy or matte photo paper, then cut along the light outlines. Measure one photo with a ruler before you submit: it must be exactly 33×48 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Is the China visa photo the same as the China passport photo?
The dimensions are identical (33×48 mm and the same head measurements). The difference is the background: visa photos must be white, while Chinese passport photos also accept light blue.
How many photos do I need?
Typically two identical paper photos plus the same digital file for the online form. Check your visa centre — some routes are now digital-only.
Can I wear glasses in a China visa photo?
Yes, plain glasses are allowed, unlike most countries here — but the lenses must not be tinted, must not reflect the flash, and your eyes must stay clearly outlined. Removing them avoids all three risks.
Is acceptance guaranteed?
No. The download matches the official dimensions exactly; the embassy or visa centre judges the photograph itself. Confirm the current specification on your consulate or visa centre website before applying.
Related tools
Versión en español: Foto para Visa de China — Creador 33×48 mm, Gratis y Online. You may also like: Pakistan Passport Photo Maker — 2×2 Inch Photo, Free & Online · US Passport Photo Maker — 2×2 Inch Photo, Free & Online.
Embed this tool on your website — free
Copy the code below to add this working tool to your own page. A small credit link stays with it — that’s all we ask.