May 28, 2026 · Country Guides
China Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – 33×48mm Format & NIA Rules
China requires a 33×48mm passport photo format — different from both the European ICAO standard (35×45mm) and the Chinese driving licence format (26×32mm). The National Immigration Administration (NIA) and local Public Security Bureaus (PSB) enforce strict biometric photo rules for all Chinese passport applications.
Important: 33×48mm — not the ICAO standard
Chinese passport photos must be 33mm wide × 48mm tall. This is different from the 35×45mm ICAO format used in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Australia, and most other countries. Do not confuse the two: submitting a European 35×45mm photo for a Chinese passport application will be rejected. Chinese citizens applying for a Schengen visa must use the separate 35×45mm ICAO format.
Chinese Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 33×48mm (portrait rectangle) |
| Authority | National Immigration Administration (NIA) / Public Security Bureau (PSB) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head height | Approximately 28–33mm (chin to crown) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Eyes | Fully open, looking directly at lens |
| Photo capture | PSB offices or NIA-certified studios |
NIA and PSB: How the Photo Capture Process Works
For Chinese passport renewals and new applications, the biometric photo is typically captured on-site at a Public Security Bureau (PSB) exit-and-entry administration office. Private photography studios are permitted to supply the printed photo, but must use certified equipment that produces the correct 33×48mm biometric format with a white background.
Citizens can book appointments online via the National Immigration Administration app (国家移民管理局) or the official NIA portal. The appointment system specifies whether photo capture is done at the counter or whether an external photo must be brought.
For Chinese citizens residing abroad, passport applications are handled through Chinese consulates and embassies. Consulates will specify local photo requirements, but the 33×48mm format standard applies.
Format Comparison: Chinese Documents vs ICAO
| Document | Size | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese passport | 33×48mm | White |
| EU passport / ICAO standard | 35×45mm | White or off-white |
| Chinese driving licence | 26×32mm | White |
| Schengen visa (for Chinese citizens) | 35×45mm | White or off-white |
| US passport / visa | 51×51mm (2×2 inch) | White |
Chinese Citizens Applying for a Schengen Visa
Chinese citizens travelling to Schengen countries on a short-stay visa must bring a photo that conforms to the EU/ICAO standard: 35×45mm. Key requirements for the Schengen visa photo:
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall
- Background: white or off-white, plain and uniform
- Face: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully open
- No glasses
- Taken within 6 months of the application date
- Physical print required at the visa application centre
This is a different format from the 33×48mm used for the Chinese passport. An ICAO-compliant service such as ID Wizard produces the correct 35×45mm format for Schengen visa applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Chinese passport photo?
Chinese passport photos must be 33×48mm — 33mm wide and 48mm tall. This is a unique format distinct from the ICAO standard of 35×45mm used in Europe and many other countries. The head height (chin to crown) should occupy approximately 28–33mm of the photo height.
Can I use a European passport photo for a Chinese passport application?
No. A European 35×45mm photo cannot be used for a Chinese passport application. The Chinese format is 33×48mm, which is a different width and height. Submitting the wrong format will result in rejection at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) or National Immigration Administration (NIA) office.
What passport photo format do Chinese citizens need for a Schengen visa?
For a Schengen visa application, Chinese citizens must submit a standard ICAO photo measuring 35×45mm — not the 33×48mm Chinese passport format. The photo must have a white or off-white background, neutral expression, no glasses, and be taken within 6 months of the application.
What background colour is required for a Chinese passport photo?
The background must be plain white. Coloured, patterned, or grey backgrounds are not accepted for Chinese passport photos. The face must contrast clearly against the white background.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. NIA and PSB photo requirements may be updated. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official NIA, PSB, or consular guidance.
Need a Schengen Visa Photo? (35×45mm ICAO)
ID Wizard creates compliant 35×45mm ICAO passport photos for Schengen visa applications — free preview before you pay. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
Get started for free →