China visa photo requirements
The Chinese Visa Application Service Centers publish the photo rules for visa applications: a recent colour photo, taken within the last six months, on a white background. The photo is 48 mm high and 33 mm wide. Within it, the head must measure 28 to 33 mm from chin to crown and 15 to 22 mm across.
You must face the camera with your entire head and face clearly visible, a neutral expression, eyes open, lips closed and ears visible. The head should be centred, with very little tilt. Glasses are allowed unless they have thick rims or tinted lenses or reflect light. Hats and head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons, and must not hide any part of the face. The photo must be in natural tones, not over- or under-exposed, with no shadows, red eyes or distortion, and not damaged or stained.
Why this size is different
Most countries use a 35 × 45 mm photo, but China’s 33 × 48 mm format is narrower and taller. Simply resizing a standard passport photo either distorts the face or leaves the head the wrong size, so the photo should be framed for this format from the start. Choose the China visa size in the tool, put the top of the head on the blue line and the chin inside the green band, and keep the face on the dotted centre line.
Printing and uploading
Visa applications in most countries are filled in online and require you to upload a digital photo during the application; use the digital photo from this tool, then bring a printed copy if the visa centre asks for one. For prints, download the 4 × 6 inch sheet and order it as a standard photo print without scaling, then cut along the thin grey lines.
Tips for a good photo
Use a white wall and daylight from a window in front of you. Tuck hair behind the ears and keep your face free of hair. Avoid white clothing, which blends into the background, and have someone take the photo from about 1.5 metres away at eye level rather than taking a selfie.