China uses 33×48 mm photos — not the US 2×2 inch square. The online portal rejects files outside a tight pixel/KB window. Here's exactly what you need.
| Print size | 33 × 48 mm (≈1.30 × 1.89 in) |
| Head width | 15–22 mm |
| Head height | 28–33 mm (chin to crown) |
| Top space | 3–5 mm from head to top edge |
| Background | White, no shadows |
| Digital pixels | 354×472 min, 420×560 max |
| File format | JPEG, 40–120 KB |
| Glasses | Allowed (no tint, no glare) |
33 × 48 mm — taller than wide. Strict head measurements.
51 × 51 mm — square. A US passport photo will NOT work for China.
| Requirement | China (Visa & Passport) | US Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Print size | 33 × 48 mm (portrait) | 51 × 51 mm (2×2 in, square) |
| Head width | 15–22 mm | Not separately specified |
| Head height | 28–33 mm | 25–35 mm (1–1⅜ in) |
| Top space | 3–5 mm | Not separately specified |
| Background | White | White or off-white |
| Glasses | Allowed (no tint/glare) | Generally not allowed |
| Digital upload | JPEG, 40–120 KB, 354×472 – 420×560 px | JPG/HEIF, 54 KB–10 MB, 600×600–1200×1200 px |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, ears visible | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
PRC consulates publish visual examples of rejected photos. These are the most frequent failures:
Head too big or too small for the 28–33 mm window. Off-center framing.
Outside the tight 40–120 KB and 354×472 to 420×560 px window.
Non-white background, shadows on face, or cluttered background.
Stamps or patterns on the photo — explicitly shown as unacceptable in PRC templates.
Glasses with tinted lenses or thick frames obscuring eyes.
Clothing too close to background color — explicitly flagged in official examples.
Not facing camera, head tilted, or motion blur — common with children.
CVASC guidance: centers reject if the uploaded photo is not the applicant.
| Visa | Purpose | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| L (Tourist) | Tourism, family visit | Since Jan 2024: no need for tickets/hotel/itinerary |
| M (Business) | Commercial/trade activity | Invitation letter from Chinese company |
| X (Student) | Study in China | JW201/JW202 form + admission notice |
| Z (Work) | Employment in China | Work permit notification letter |
| G (Transit) | Transiting through China | Onward ticket + visa for next destination |
US citizen visa fee
(through Dec 31, 2026)
Express service
(2–3 business days)
Regular processing
(1 day rush if emergency)
Apply through the Chinese Embassy/consulate serving your jurisdiction. You must be physically in the US.
PRC photo specs are a single biometric standard for all ages — the same 33×48mm dimensions and head measurements apply to babies, children, and adults.
A 4×6 inch print (102×152 mm) fits 6 copies of 33×48mm photos in a 2×3 grid. Print at Walmart for $0.16 and cut to size.
Retail passport photo services charge $16.99–$17.99 and only produce US 2×2" photos — wrong size for China.
Total cost: $6.99 + $0.16 = $7.15 for 6 correctly-sized China photos.
Includes digital + 4×6 print template
33×48mm format, correct head measurements, portal-ready digital file within the pixel/KB window. Plus a 4×6 print template with 6 copies — print at any store for $0.16.
Get Started — $6.99Works for China visa, Chinese passport, and travel documents.