A Chinese visa photo has an unusual size: 33 mm wide and 48 mm high, with the head 28 to 33 mm tall and 15 to 22 mm wide on a white or near-white background. Ordinary passport photos are the wrong shape, which is a common reason applications are delayed. This page opens the photo maker with the Chinese visa rules loaded.
You get a print sheet and a copy for the online application form, and the photo is processed only in your browser.
How to make a Chinese visa photo
- Country and Document are already set to China and Visa.
- Drop a recent colour photo with your ears visible and your mouth closed.
- Let Auto-fit size the head, or drag and zoom until the guides turn green at 28 to 33 mm.
- Keep Background on "As required" for white, then select "Make photo".
- Upload the online copy to the visa form and print the sheet on glossy photo paper.
The rules in brief
- Size: 33 mm wide × 48 mm high.
- Head: 28 to 33 mm tall and 15 to 22 mm wide, ears visible.
- Background: white or close to white.
- No thick-rimmed or tinted glasses, and no glare.
- Colour photo taken within the last 6 months, on glossy paper.
- Online form: 354 × 472 to 420 × 560 px, JPEG of 40 to 120 KB.
The online upload
China's online visa form checks the photo's pixel size and file size, and rejects files outside 40 to 120 KB. The online copy made here is sized in that range. Requirements are set by the Chinese embassy and consulates; see the consulate's photo requirements and your local visa centre's page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chinese visa photo 2 × 2 inches?
No. It is 33 × 48 mm, taller and narrower than a 2 × 2 inch photo. Use this page so the shape is right.
Why are my ears supposed to be visible?
The rules ask for the full face and ears to be clear, so tuck long hair behind your ears if you can.
My online upload is rejected as too small. What can I do?
The form wants at least 40 KB. The online copy made here is kept between 40 and 120 KB; if you edited it elsewhere afterwards, make it again here.