People's Republic of China Passport Photo (2026)
The Exit and Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) mandates specific photo dimensions for the Chinese passport: 33mm wide by 48mm high. This is a unique size that differs from the international 35x45mm standard. Additionally, the background must be pure white without any patterns or gradients. The most critical factor, however, is the head height, which must occupy between 58% and 69% of the total image height. This is a tighter and lower range than most Western countries, reflecting the specific requirements of Chinese biometric scanning equipment.
China Technical Specifications
Understanding the 33x48mm Aspect Ratio
The 33x48mm photo is slightly narrower and taller than the common 35x45mm. Cropping a 35x45mm photo to fit these dimensions often results in cutting off the shoulders or the top of the hair. The Chinese Exit and Entry Administration requires that the ears be visible if possible, and the forehead and eyebrows must be completely unobstructed by hair. Our AI is specifically trained to detect the 33x48mm bounding box and position the face correctly within the 58-69% head height zone.
Chinese Passport Photo Compliance Checklist
- Facial Expression: Neutral expression. The mouth must be closed. Any hint of a smile that shows teeth will result in rejection.
- Lighting: Even, shadow-free lighting is paramount. The MPS uses high-contrast imaging to detect even subtle shadows on the neck or face.
- Clothing: Dark-coloured clothing is required. White or light-coloured tops will blend into the required white background, causing the photo to fail the automated border detection software.
- No Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are strictly forbidden in Chinese passport photos unless for urgent medical reasons with a supporting doctor's note. Thick frames obscure facial biometrics.
Avoid Rejection at the PSB
Appointments at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) can be hard to secure. Having your photo rejected at the counter means starting the process over. Our tool ensures your photo meets the precise 33x48mm size and 58-69% head ratio, guaranteeing a smooth application process.
Digital vs Physical Submission
While the application form requires a physical photo to be pasted, many online pre-application systems now require a digital upload. Our service provides both: a high-resolution digital JPEG (826x1200 pixels) for online portals, and a printable A4 template for physical submission.