Chinese Visa Photo Requirements

Applying for a Chinese visa requires photos that meet very specific requirements set by the Chinese Embassy and Consulates. Our tool helps you create perfectly compliant photos for your China visa application.

Key Requirements

• Size: 48mm x 33mm (1.89 x 1.3 inches)
• Head Width: 15mm to 22mm
• Head Height: 28mm to 33mm from top of head to bottom of chin
• Head Position: ≤20° left/right tilt, ≤25° up/down tilt
• Background: Plain white or close to white
• Print Quality: Glossy finish photo paper, stainless and scratchless
• Expression: Neutral expression with both eyes open, lips closed

Technical Specifications

Chinese visa photos must meet specific requirements:

• Color: Full color photographs only
• Quality: High resolution, clear and sharp, no damages or impurities
• Recent: Taken within the last 6 months
• Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows, permeation or distortion
• Format: Glossy finish only (not matte or plain paper)
• Quantity: Usually 1-2 photos required per application
• Tone: Natural tone, not over or under exposed, no red-eye

Background Requirements

• Color: Plain white or close to white background only
• Texture: Smooth, no patterns, designs, or everyday life scenes
• Lighting: Evenly lit without shadows
• Frame: No edge frames allowed
• Contrast: Good contrast between subject and background

Facial Requirements

• Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes open and clearly visible
• Face: Complete facial features visible, head centered
• Head Position: Full head and face clearly visible, ears visible
• Gaze: Looking directly at camera
• Movement: No extra movement or objects in photo

Clothing and Accessories

• Clothing: Any attire is acceptable as long as facial features are visible
• Glasses: Allowed except thick-rimmed, tinted or glare glasses
• Head Coverings: Only permitted for religious reasons, facial features not obscured
• Jewelry: Any jewelry is acceptable if it doesn’t obscure facial features
• Makeup: Natural appearance preferred

Application Types

This photo format is required for all Chinese visa types:

• Tourist Visa (L): Leisure and sightseeing
• Business Visa (M): Commercial and trade activities
• Work Visa (Z): Employment in China
• Student Visa (X): Study and educational programs
• Transit Visa (G): Airport transit
• Family Visit Visa (Q/S): Visiting family or friends

Common Rejection Reasons

Chinese visa photos are often rejected for:

1. Incorrect Dimensions: Not exactly 48mm x 33mm
2. Wrong Background: Not plain white, patterned, or with everyday scenes
3. Poor Quality: Blurry, damaged, scratched, or with impurities
4. Shadows/Permeation: Visible shadows, permeation, or distortion on face
5. Incorrect Head Size: Head width not 15-22mm or height not 28-33mm
6. Outdated Photos: Photos older than 6 months
7. Wrong Paper Type: Matte finish or plain paper instead of glossy
8. Incomplete Face: Facial features obscured or not fully visible
9. Head Tilt: Excessive head tilt beyond 20° left/right or 25° up/down
10. Expression Issues: Eyes closed, mouth open, or unnatural expression

Digital vs. Print Requirements

• Digital Submission: JPEG format, minimum 300 DPI
• Print Submission: Professional photo paper, exact dimensions
• Online Applications: Follow specific upload requirements
• Consulate Submission: Physical photos attached to application

Professional Tips

• Use professional photography lighting setup
• Ensure exact measurements for printing
• Keep digital copies for future applications
• Take multiple shots to ensure the best result
• Verify current requirements before application

Ready to get started? Upload your photo and let our AI create the perfect Chinese visa photo that meets all embassy requirements.