China Passport photo requirements

China passport photo requirements, in plain English

China's e-passport photo standard is set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and the National Immigration Administration. The rules below come from the Ministry's official Electronic Passport Photo Specification Requirements (电子护照人像照片规格要求) and the National Immigration Administration's photo guidance.

Size, head height, and position

The photo is 33×48 mm and must show your entire face and head. Within that frame:

• Head height (bottom of chin to top of head): 28–33 mm
• Head width: 15–22 mm
• Gap above the head (crown to upper edge): 3–5 mm
• Gap below the chin (chin to lower edge): at least 7 mm

Face the camera straight on. A side profile, a head turned away, or a head tilted off-axis is rejected. A head that is too large or too small for the frame is a common reason photos are sent back.

Expression and eyes

Use a natural expression with both eyes open and your lips naturally closed. All of your facial features must be clearly visible. Closed eyes, showing teeth, or an exaggerated expression are not accepted.

Glasses — allowed, but clear and glare-free

Unlike the US passport (which bans glasses), China permits clear prescription glasses. The catch: the lenses must not be tinted, and there must be no glare, no reflection, no shadow, and no frame obscuring the outline of your eyes. Sunglasses, tinted lenses, reflective lenses, and thick frames are rejected. Hearing aids and similar devices are explicitly allowed.

Head coverings and hats

No hats. Head coverings are not allowed except where required for religious, medical, or cultural reasons — and even then the covering must not obscure any part of the face or cast a shadow on it. Non-permanent accessories must not block the face.

Ears, hair, and obstructions

Both ears must be visible and your complete face clear and centered. Hair, jewelry, a glasses frame, or any object covering your eyebrows, eyes, or face will cause a rejection.

Lighting, shadows, and red-eye

Lighting must be even, with moderate brightness, natural skin tone, and no glare or light leakage. There must be no shadows on your face or in the background — including shadows introduced when a hardcopy is printed. Red-eye is explicitly listed among the non-compliant examples, so use diffused light or position your flash to avoid it.

Background

A plain white background with no objects or scenery and no shadows — everyday/casual photos with a visible setting are not accepted, and dark colors such as red, brown, or black are prohibited. (Some consular passport notices also accept light blue, but the Ministry's electronic-passport specification states white, which is the safe choice.) Snapassport standardizes your background to the exact compliant white automatically.

Recency, format, and authenticity

Submit a color photo taken within the last 6 months. Digital photos must be JPEG. The image must be the original — no composite or synthesized photos, and no retouching or modification. If a hardcopy is requested, it must be developed at a photo studio or printed on professional photo paper.