China Passport Photo Requirements 2026: The Complete 33ร48mm Guide
A Chinese passport photo follows one of the strictest formats in the world. The Exit and Entry Administration requires an exact 33mm ร 48mm print size โ narrower and taller than the 35ร45mm standard used across Europe, and unrelated to the 51ร51mm (2ร2 inch) size used in the United States. Officers at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) reject any photo that falls outside this format, so applicants cannot reuse a photo taken for another country.
This tool crops every photo to precisely 33ร48mm, outputs it at 826ร1200 pixels and 300 DPI, and positions the head so it fills 58% to 69% of the frame height. That range corresponds to the official chin-to-crown measurement of 28mm to 33mm on the printed photo.
Official Technical Specifications
| Requirement | Official Value |
|---|---|
| Print size | 33mm ร 48mm |
| Digital output | 826 ร 1200 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 28mmโ33mm (58%โ69%) |
| Head width | 15mmโ22mm |
| Top-of-head to upper edge | 3mmโ5mm |
| Chin to lower edge | 7mm or more |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | Pure white, no shadow |
| Colour mode | 24-bit RGB, full colour |
| File format | JPEG |
| Issuing authority | Exit and Entry Administration / PSB |
Why the Chinese Size Cannot Be Approximated
China adopted 33ร48mm before ICAO's international biometric standard existed, and it has kept the format for consistency with its domestic identity systems. Trimming a European or American photo down to these dimensions changes the head-to-frame ratio and pushes it outside the 58โ69% window, so a repurposed photo almost always fails the PSB's dimensional scan even if it looks correct on screen. Our facial-landmark detection measures the chin, eye line, and crown directly, then builds the crop around them so the ratio lands inside the compliant zone every time.
Full Compliance Checklist
Background
The background must stay pure white, with no gradient, texture, or shadow. Light or white clothing often blends into this background and breaks the PSB's automated edge-detection, so dark clothing is strongly recommended.
Expression and Head Position
- Neutral expression with the mouth fully closed
- Both eyes open, looking straight into the lens
- Head facing the camera directly, without tilt
- Both ears visible; long hair pinned back if needed
- Forehead clear of hair
Lighting
Lighting must fall evenly across the face and background. A single overhead light source frequently creates a shadow under the chin or along one cheek, which the PSB's high-contrast scan detects and flags. This tool corrects uneven lighting automatically before export.
Clothing
Dark, plain clothing works best. Formal wear is not required, but white or pale tops must be avoided since they merge with the background. Uniforms resembling military or government dress are not permitted.
Eyeglasses
Chinese passport photos prohibit eyeglasses entirely, including prescription lenses, tinted lenses, and sunglasses. The only accepted exception applies to documented medical necessity, supported by a doctor's note filed with the application. Contact lenses that do not alter natural eye colour remain permitted.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and even then they must not cast a shadow on the face or hide the forehead, cheeks, chin, or ears.
Recency
The photo must be no older than six months and must match the applicant's current appearance. Noticeable changes โ new facial hair, a different hair colour, or significant weight change โ can lead the PSB to request a fresh photo on the spot.
Digital File vs Printed Photo
Most in-person PSB applications require a physical photo pasted directly onto the paper form. That print must use glossy photo paper; matte, inkjet, and plain paper are all rejected, and the surface must stay free of creases or pen marks. This download includes both a ready-to-print 33ร48mm file and a print-ready A4 sheet with multiple copies, so a single visit to any photo lab or pharmacy print counter covers the requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 35ร45mm European photo for a Chinese passport?
No. The required size is 33ร48mm. A 35ร45mm photo is 2mm too wide and 3mm too short, and the PSB rejects it on sight.
Does the background need to be pure white, or is light grey acceptable?
Only pure white passes. Light grey, which some European countries accept, does not meet the Exit and Entry Administration's standard, so this tool always outputs a verified #FFFFFF background.
Can I get a compliant photo without visiting a studio near my PSB office?
Yes. Upload a smartphone photo here and download a print-ready A4 template that any local photo lab or pharmacy can print before your appointment.