China Visa Photo – Free Online Maker
Chinese visa photos use 33×48 mm with a white or light blue background — both ears must be visible, and glasses have been banned since 2016. The face must occupy 60–70% of the photo, with a neutral expression and both eyes open. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
The 33×48 mm format is specific to Chinese visa and travel documents. It is narrower and taller than the Schengen/UK 35×45 mm format and cannot be substituted. Head height from chin to crown must fall within a range that ensures the face covers 60–70% of the frame. The background colour is unique among major nations: China accepts either plain white or plain light blue, whereas most other countries require only white or only grey.
Both ears must be fully visible — this is a specific requirement of the China National Immigration Administration and is used as a secondary biometric identifier. Hair or head coverings that obscure either ear will result in rejection. For digital submissions, the file must be a JPEG with minimum dimensions of 354×512 pixels. The China Visa Application Service Centre provides the official photo specifications for each country of application.
Glasses are prohibited since 2016, regardless of lens type. This rule was introduced to eliminate reflections and shadows that degrade biometric face recognition accuracy. The photo must be in full colour with natural skin tones. Black-and-white or filtered photos are not accepted. The photo must not be retouched to alter facial features.
China Visa Photo Requirements
- Size:33×48 mm
- Face coverage:60–70% of the photo (chin to crown)
- Background: Plain white or plain light blue — no patterns or shadows
- Ears: Both ears must be fully visible
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Glasses: Not permitted (ban in effect since 2016)
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed
- Colour: Full colour, natural skin tones — no black-and-white
- Digital format:JPEG, minimum 354×512 px
How to Make Your China Visa Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain white or light blue wall in good, even lighting. Pull your hair back so both ears are fully visible. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Remove glasses before taking the photo.
- Adjust the crop.The tool automatically sets the crop to the 33×48 mm ratio. Drag the frame so your face covers 60–70% of the frame and both ears remain visible.
- Download and submit.Click Download to save your 33×48 mm photo. Submit it at the China Visa Application Service Centre or upload it digitally with your online application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ears not fully visible. Both ears must be visible. This is the most common reason for Chinese visa photo rejection. Tuck your hair behind your ears or pull it back before taking the photo.
- Using 35×45 mm instead of 33×48 mm.These sizes look similar but are not interchangeable. Always verify you are using the 33×48 mm format for Chinese applications.
- Wearing glasses. Glasses have been banned in Chinese visa photos since 2016. Remove them before taking the photo.
- Shadows on the face or background. Use diffuse, even lighting and stand a few feet from the wall to prevent shadow casting.
Official Source
Requirements sourced from the China Visa Application Service Centre, the official visa processing body for Chinese visa applications worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must ears be visible in Chinese visa photos?
The China National Immigration Administration requires both ears to be fully visible in visa photos for biometric identification purposes. Facial recognition systems used by Chinese border control rely on ear position and contour as secondary identifiers. Hair or head coverings that obscure either ear will result in the photo being rejected at the application centre. Pull your hair back or tuck it behind your ears before taking the photo.
Is the background white or light blue for a China visa photo?
Chinese visa photos accept either a plain white or a plain light blue background. This is unique among major countries — most other nations require strictly white (US, Australia, India) or light grey (UK, Schengen). The light blue option is commonly used in China for official ID photos. Both colours are equally valid for visa applications. The background must be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or objects.
Are religious head coverings allowed in China visa photos?
Religious head coverings may be permitted for genuine religious reasons, but the full face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must remain clearly and completely visible. Both ears must still be visible even when wearing a head covering. Decorative or non-religious head coverings are not permitted. If in doubt, check with the specific Chinese consulate or visa application centre handling your application.
Are glasses allowed in China visa photos?
No. China banned glasses in visa and passport photos in 2016. This rule applies to all types of glasses including prescription lenses, tinted lenses, and sunglasses. The ban was introduced to prevent reflections and shadows from interfering with biometric face recognition. Wearing glasses in your photo will cause your application to be rejected. Remove glasses before taking your photo.
How does the 33×48 mm size differ from the EU 35×45 mm?
The Chinese visa photo (33×48 mm) is 2 mm narrower and 3 mm taller than the Schengen/UK/Australian 35×45 mm format. Both are portrait orientation but the aspect ratios differ. A 35×45 mm Schengen photo cannot be directly substituted for a Chinese visa application. Additionally, China requires both ears to be visible, which is not specified in the Schengen standard. Always crop your photo to the exact 33×48 mm dimensions using a dedicated tool.
See general passport photo FAQ →