China photo requirements
China photo requirements are set by National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局). We publish 6 documents: 2 passports, 2 visas, 1 residence permit and 1 other photo ID. The most common print size is 33 x 48 mm (1.3 in x 1.89 in); 2 documents accept a digital upload. Each page quotes the official rule for size, head height, background and file, links the source we read, and shows the date we last checked it (most recently 2026-10-07).
Passports
- Chinese Passport Photo (普通护照, 33 x 48 mm)For the printed photo handed in with a PRC ordinary passport application at an exit-entry administration office in mainland China. Not for a Chinese visa (different head measurements) and not for the 全程网办 online renewal upload, which has its own pixel rules.33 x 48 mm相片背景色为均匀白色，浅灰色或淡蓝色verified 2026-10-07
- Chinese Passport Online Renewal Photo (出入境证件全程网办 upload)For the digital photo uploaded to the NIA government-services platform when renewing or replacing a passport or exit-entry permit fully online (全程网办) in the pilot cities. Not for a first passport, which is applied for in person, and not for a Chinese visa upload.480 x 640 px选一个 白色 或 浅蓝色 的背景verified 2026-10-07
Visas
- Chinese Visa Photo (paper, 33 x 48 mm)For the printed photo glued to the Chinese visa application form at an embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Not for the COVA online upload, which has its own pixel rules, and not for a Chinese passport (different head measurements).33 x 48 mmwhite or close to white with no borders around the edge of the imageverified 2026-10-07
- Chinese Visa Photo for COVA Online Application (digital upload)For the JPEG uploaded to the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form before an embassy, consulate or visa centre appointment. Not for the printed photo glued to the form, and not for a Chinese passport renewal upload, which uses a different frame.420 x 560 pxwhite or close to white with no borders around the edge of the imageverified 2026-10-07
Residence permits
Other photo IDs
Authorities and portals
- Passport authority
- National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局)
- Sources we read
- National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局) / Ministry of Public Security Exit-Entry Administration; National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局) government-services platform; Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (via the Chinese Embassy in the United States); National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局)
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.