Two Chinese passport photo formats
A Chinese passport photo comes in two formats. A printed 33×48 mm photo on glossy paper is used for in-person applications. A digital JPEG is used when you apply online through a portal or app. This page makes the digital old format: a 354×472 pixel JPEG used by early versions of the Chinese passport portal. It is for screen upload only, so do not print this China passport photo.
China passport photo size in pixels
The online application system asks for a JPEG of at least 354×472 pixels. The portal checks the photo size before face recognition starts, so a smaller image is rejected at upload. In our template the head size is about 356 px from chin to crown, and the eyes sit about 262 px above the bottom edge. The file size must stay under 80 KB; if the portal reports another file size limit, compress the photo and submit it again. The official digital passport photo specification is published by the MFA as an image.
China passport renewal abroad
Citizens abroad renew a Chinese passport in the 中国领事 (Consular) mobile app. You upload a passport photo and a scan of the photo page of your current Chinese passport, and the system runs face recognition to confirm you are the passport holder. The photo upload is where most applications succeed or fail, so check your China passport photo before you send it. Applicants under 16 also need parental consent; the passport photo rules are the same as for adults.
Chinese passport photo requirements
All Chinese travel document photos follow the national photo guidelines for border control documents. The Chinese Embassy in the US asks for a colour photo taken within 6 months, with no shadows on the face or background. The MFA asks for open eyes and closed lips, and prohibits light clothing: white, cream or beige clothes blend into the white background.
Background colour
At a mainland Public Security Bureau office, the standard allows white or light blue. A passport photo for an overseas renewal needs a plain white background without exception.
Taking the photo at home
Tape a large sheet of white paper or a white bedsheet flat to a wall and stand a little away from it, so your head casts no shadow on the background. Ask someone to hold the phone at eye level to avoid distortion. Leave clear space above the crown and below the chin: a head that fills the whole photo or sits too small in it fails the check. For a very young child who cannot sit up, take the photo with the child lying on a plain white sheet.
China passport photo checklist
- JPEG photo of 354×472 pixels, file size under 80 KB.
- Plain white background, no shadows.
- Neutral expression, eyes open, lips closed.
- Head straight and centred.
- Clothing that contrasts with white; no reflective glasses.
- A recent colour photo, taken within 6 months.
