China is a land of ancient traditions and modern marvels. According to the Chinese Embassy in India, more than 85,000 visas were issued to Indian nationals between January 1 and April 9 this year.
Before embarking on your trip to the Great Wall, ensure your visa photos meet China’s strict specifications. This comprehensive guide covers all the critical China visa photo requirements for Indian applicants.
Here’s a quick overview of China visa photo size requirements and specifications that all tourists must adhere to:
| Width x Height | 33 mm x 48 mm |
| Face Size | Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo area. |
| Face Orientation | Clear front & forward facing |
| Background | White background |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Accessories | No hats, sunglasses, or scarves |
| Tips | – The picture should be easily identifiable.
– Taken within 6 months before the application. – Photos with dark or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted. |
Photo Size
Here are the specific China visa passport photo sizes you need for a successful visa approval:
| Photo Size in MM | 33 mm width x 48 mm height |
| Photo Size in CM | 3.3 cm width x 4.8 cm height |
| Photo Size in Inches | 1.3 inches width x 1.9 inches height |
| Photo Size in Pixels | 354 x 472 pixels to 420 x 560 pixels |
Photo Color & Recentness
To understand the requirements better, here are the rules regarding the China visa photo color, age, and quality:
- Color of the Photo: Colored photos are mandatory. Black-and-white images will not be accepted. (The ideal specifications are RGB 24-bit or 48-bit actual color)
- Age of the Photo: Photographs taken within the last six months are acceptable.
- Photo Matte or Glossy: Use high-quality glossy paper that is free of creases or damage. Do not use visible pixels, filters, airbrushing, or alterations.
Suggested Read: China Visa Rejection for Indian
Photo Background & Lighting
Ensure your photo meets the required specifications for background and lighting to avoid delays in your China visa application.
Background
For Chinese visa photos, the background must be plain white or off-white. Ensure no patterns, shadows, or objects are visible and that it’s evenly lit to provide a clear contrast with your face.
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial. The photo should have even lighting across your face and the background. Uniform illumination is essential, with no shadows on the face or background.
Face Visibility & Expressions
Here are the China visa photo guidelines related to face visibility and expressions:
Facial Visibility
Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo area for biometric identification: The face height from chin to top of head should be 28 mm to 33 mm, and the face width should be between 15 mm and 22 mm.
Facial Expression
A neutral expression is required. This means:
- No smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows.
- The mouth should be closed, and your eyes should be open.
- There should be no hair, glasses, or other obstructions on the face.
- Your head must be centered and straight, facing the camera directly.
- Both ears should be visible.
Suggested Read: How To Check China Visa Status In India
Accessories & Attire
There are specific protocols that you must follow when it comes to attire and accessories:
Accessories
- Glasses: Avoid sunglasses. Medically necessary glasses that do not cover the eyes or cast a shadow are permitted.
- Medical Devices: Remove a hearing aid or any medical device that may cover your face.
- Jewelry: Do not wear jewelry that may obscure your facial features from the camera.
- Headgear: Hats or any headgear should be removed for the photo. Religious headwear is permitted so long as it doesn’t cover any facial features.
- Hair & Makeup: Do not wear wigs, fake eyelashes, or appearance-altering makeup.
- Electronics: Do not wear headphones or wireless earphones during your photo session.
Attire
There is no specific dress code for the photo. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid wearing white, as it may blend in with the white background.
- Wear solid colors and avoid clothes with graphic designs, logos, or patterns.
- Don’t wear a uniform or camouflage attire.
- Avoid ties, bow ties, or other formal accessories that may divert attention from your face.
China Visa Photo Requirements for Children & Infants
For children and infants, the China visa photo requirements are relaxed:
- Baby’s eyes should preferably be open, but it’s not mandatory for infants.
- You can photograph the baby sitting in a chair or lying down on a white sheet.
- The background should be completely white without patterns, objects, or shadows.
- Parents can hold the child, but any support must not be visible in the frame.
- Slight smiles are permitted for children under 5 years old.
Common Reasons for China Visa Photo Rejection
Here are some of the common reasons for China visa photo rejection:
Incorrect Size or Dimensions: Photos that do not adhere to the exact 33 mm width x 48 mm height will be rejected.
Improper Background: Photos with a background color other than white, or those with patterns or shadows, are often rejected.
Visible Objects or People: Any images with objects or people in the background will be rejected immediately.
Facial Expressions and Position: A neutral expression is required. Smiling, frowning, or other facial expressions are not acceptable. The applicant must be facing the camera in an upright position.
Head and Eye Position: You need to look straight at the camera lens, which must be positioned at eye level. Your application will be rejected if your head is tilted or your eyes are closed.
Shadow or Glare: If you wear glasses, any glare, reflections, or frames covering part of your eyes will result in rejection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are also not allowed.
Clothing and Accessories: Don’t wear a scarf, hat, or headgear for your photo session. Dress professionally and modestly for the photo session.
Quality of the Photo: The photo should be of excellent quality, and the paper texture should be ideally matte, glossy, or semi-matte.
Unapproved Photo Editing: Photos should not be edited or tampered with in any way or by anyone. If your photo is edited, it may be rejected.
Suggested Read: China Visa Extension for Indian
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FAQs
What are the China visa photo size requirements?
The required size for a Chinese visa photo is 33 mm width x 48 mm height. The image should be in color, with a neutral expression, open eyes, and a closed mouth.
Can you provide details about the visa for China photo requirements?
The China photo requirements typically include a color, 33 mm width x 48 mm height, photo with a plain white background.
What are the China visa picture requirements for children?
Children’s photos need to be clear for China visa applications, taken from the front within the last six months, with a white background.
How should the China visa photo size be measured?
The China photo requirements typically include a color, 33 mm width x 48 mm height photo with a plain white background.
What are the common mistakes with China visa photo size requirements?
Common mistakes with China visa photo size requirements include incorrect dimensions, poor image quality, improper lighting, and facial issues like incorrect expressions or obstructed views.
What lighting conditions should be avoided for the China visa photo specification?
For a China visa photo, you should avoid shadows on the face or background, overexposure, and underexposure. The photo must be taken in a well-lit area with a plain white background.
Can accessories be worn in the China visa photo requirements?
Accessories should be minimized or avoided in China visa photos to ensure clarity. Hats, headwear, and sunglasses are typically not permitted, except for religious or medical reasons.
What are the key China visa photo requirements?
The standard size for a Chinese visa photo is 33 mm width x 48 mm height.
