AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
๐ What's in this guide
Chinese photos are 33ร48mm โ not standard Australian size
The most common mistake is using Australian-sized prints (35โ40ร45โ50mm) for Chinese passport or visa applications. Chinese consulates strictly enforce the 33ร48mm requirement and will reject any other size.
White background ONLY โ grey is rejected
Unlike Australian photos which accept light grey, Chinese consulates require pure white. Off-white and light grey will be rejected without exception.
Miniml specialises in Chinese passport photos
We deliver exact 33ร48mm, white background, consulate-compliant photos to your Australian door from $8. Expert human review before printing.
Official specifications
The exact numbers โ verified.
These are the official requirements from the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China. Every requirement below must be met for your photo to be accepted.
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo dimensions | 33mm wide ร 48mm high This is smaller than Australian photos | Any other size โ including standard Australian 35โ40ร45โ50mm โ will be rejected. | CHINA SPECIFIC |
Head height (chinโcrown) | 28โ33mm Must fill ~65โ75% of photo height | Head must be centred horizontally. Face must be straight โ no tilt or angle. | REQUIRED |
Background colour | Pure white ONLY Grey, off-white and cream are NOT accepted | This is stricter than Australian requirements. Light grey backgrounds used for Australian passports will be rejected for Chinese applications. | CHINA SPECIFIC |
Photo colour | Colour (RGB 24-bit true colour) Black and white photos are NOT accepted | Natural skin tones required. No heavy colour casts or unusual tinting. | REQUIRED |
Expression | Neutral, mouth closed No smiling, no frowning | Eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. No squinting. | REQUIRED |
Glasses | Thin-rimmed, non-tinted only Frames must not cover eyes | Different from Australian rules which ban glasses entirely. Chinese rules technically permit thin non-reflective glasses, but most consulates prefer no glasses. | CONDITIONAL |
Head coverings | Not permitted Except genuine religious requirements | Full face visible โ forehead, both cheeks, chin. No hair covering any part of face. | NOT ALLOWED |
Photo age | Within 6 months | Must represent current appearance. Cannot match your existing passport photo. | REQUIRED |
Print quality | High-resolution, glossy colour No tears, marks, folds or damage | Professional printing only. No inkjet home printing. No copies or scans. | REQUIRED |
Digital (COVA system) | JPEG, 40โ120KB 354โ420 ร 472โ560 pixels | Required for online visa applications through the COVA system. Same background and expression rules apply. | REQUIRED |
Shadows | None permitted On face or background | Even slight shadows from lighting or hair will cause rejection. Uniform lighting required across entire face. | NOT ALLOWED |
Ears visibility | Both ears must be visible | This is explicitly required for Chinese passport and visa photos. Hair must not cover ears. | CHINA SPECIFIC |
Detailed requirements
Every rule, explained clearly.
The Chinese Consulate checks every one of these. Miss even one and your application will be delayed or rejected.
Photo Size โ 33 ร 48mm
Chinese passport photos are 33mm wide and 48mm high โ a unique size not shared by Australian, UK or US passports. Your face (chin to crown) must measure 28โ33mm, filling about 65โ75% of the photo height. The face must be horizontally centred.
Do not use standard Australian 35ร45mm photos. They will be rejected without exception.
Pure White Background
The background must be pure white โ not cream, not off-white, not light grey. This is stricter than Australian requirements. Chinese consulates use colour-matching tools to verify background purity. Even slightly grey or warm-toned backgrounds will fail.
No shadows on the background. Stand at least 1 metre from the wall behind you.
Neutral Expression
Your expression must be completely neutral โ no smiling, no frowning, no raised eyebrows. Your mouth must be closed. Eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera lens, not the preview screen.
Head tilt must be less than 20ยฐ left/right and less than 25ยฐ downward. Straight forward only.
Both Ears Must Be Visible
This is a specific Chinese requirement not required by Australian passports. Both ears must be clearly visible in the photo. This means hair must be pulled back or pinned away from the ears. Long hair that covers one or both ears will cause rejection.
Check both ears are fully visible before submitting. This is frequently overlooked.
Uniform Lighting
Lighting must be uniform across your entire face with no darker or brighter areas. No shadows on the face or on the background behind your head. Natural skin tones must be accurately represented. Flash photography that creates bright spots is not acceptable.
Overcast natural daylight or two balanced light sources โ no single directional flash.
Glasses โ Different from Australian Rules
Unlike Australia which bans all glasses, Chinese rules technically allow thin-rimmed, non-tinted glasses with non-reflective lenses โ provided frames do not cover any part of the eyes. However, in practice most Chinese consulates prefer no glasses and may reject photos with glasses regardless.
Safest approach: remove glasses. Sunglasses, tinted, mirrored or thick-framed glasses are always rejected.
Forehead Must Be Visible
Your entire forehead must be clearly visible โ no fringe or bangs covering any part of the forehead. The Chinese photo specification requires that the forehead hairline be visible as part of proper head height measurement and facial recognition.
Pin back or style hair away from forehead for the photo. Both eyebrows must be visible.
No Photo Manipulation
Photos must be completely unedited. The Chinese government's COVA system uses automated image analysis to detect manipulation including background replacement, skin smoothing, red-eye removal and colour adjustments. Manipulated photos may lead to more serious consequences beyond simple rejection.
Original photo only. No beauty filters, no background removal, no editing tools of any kind.
Cannot Match Existing Passport Photo
This is a unique Chinese requirement โ your new photos must not be identical to, or closely similar to, the photos used in your current or previous passport. If you are renewing your passport, you need genuinely new photos taken recently, not copies of old ones.
Take fresh photos. Do not use the same images from your current passport application.
Critical difference
Chinese vs Australian โ
not the same.
These are the two most commonly confused specifications. Chinese and Australian passport photos are fundamentally different โ using the wrong one will result in rejection at the consulate.
๐จ๐ณ
Chinese Passport / Visa Photo
For Chinese consulate and visa applications
Photo size33 ร 48 mm
Head height28โ33 mm
BackgroundPure white ONLY
Ears visibleBoth ears required
GlassesThin non-reflective permitted
ForeheadMust be fully visible
DigitalJPEG, 40โ120KB
Same as passport photo?โ Cannot match current
๐ฆ๐บ
Australian Passport Photo
For Australian Passport Office
Photo size35โ40 ร 45โ50 mm Different
Head height32โ36 mm Different
BackgroundWhite OR light grey Different
Ears visibleNot explicitly required
GlassesBanned entirely Stricter
ForeheadShould be visible
DigitalJPEG, 600 dpi min
Same as passport photo?โ Not restricted
The single most common mistake Chinese expats make in Australia
Walking into AusPost or Officeworks and asking for "a passport photo" โ they will produce an Australian-sized print (35โ40ร45โ50mm) which is the wrong size for Chinese applications. Always specify "33mm ร 48mm Chinese passport photo" and confirm the size before paying. Better yet โ order from Miniml where the Chinese spec is pre-loaded automatically.
Quick reference
Do's & Don'ts for Chinese photos.
โ
You MUST do this
โPhoto size exactly 33mm wide ร 48mm high
โPure white background โ not grey, not cream
โBoth ears fully visible
โForehead clearly visible โ no fringe
โNeutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
โLook directly at the camera lens
โUniform lighting, no shadows on face or background
โColour photo (RGB 24-bit true colour)
โTaken within the last 6 months
โHigh-resolution professional print, no marks
โYou must NEVER do this
โUse standard Australian-sized prints (35โ40ร45โ50mm)
โUse a grey or off-white background
โLet hair cover your ears
โWear sunglasses, tinted or thick-framed glasses
โSmile or open your mouth
โHave shadows on your face or the background
โEdit, filter or retouch the photo in any way
โSubmit a black and white photo
โUse the same photo as your current passport
โPrint on inkjet paper โ professional print required
Avoid rejection
Why Chinese passport photos
get rejected in Australia.
These are the most common reasons Chinese consulates in Sydney and Melbourne reject photos submitted by Australian-based applicants.
1
Wrong photo size โ using Australian dimensions
The most common mistake. AusPost and Officeworks produce Australian-sized prints (35โ40ร45โ50mm). Chinese photos must be exactly 33ร48mm. Even a few millimetres difference is rejected.
Order specifically 33ร48mm
2
Grey or off-white background
Australian photo studios often use light grey backgrounds which are fine for Australian passports. Chinese consulates require pure white only. Even subtle warm tones or grey casts will fail.
Pure white only
3
Hair covering one or both ears
Chinese passport photo requirements explicitly state both ears must be visible. Long hair covering ears is the second most common rejection cause for female applicants. Hair must be pulled back or pinned to reveal ears.
Pin hair behind ears
4
Photo identical to current passport
Chinese rules specifically prohibit using the same photo as your existing passport. For renewals, you must take genuinely new photos โ not copies, not re-prints of your current passport photo.
Take fresh new photos
5
Shadows on face or background
Single-source lighting, overhead flash or proximity to background walls all create shadows. The Chinese consulate's automated systems flag even subtle shadows that human reviewers might overlook.
Stand 1m from wall
6
Digitally edited photo
The COVA system used for online Chinese visa applications uses automated image analysis to detect manipulation. Background replacement, skin smoothing, red-eye correction and beauty filters all fail detection.
Original photo only
7
Photo too small or incorrect file size (digital)
For online COVA applications, the digital file must be JPEG, 40โ120KB, and 354โ420 ร 472โ560 pixels. Photos outside this range are rejected by the automated system before a human even reviews them.
40โ120KB JPEG
8
Inappropriate glasses
While thin non-reflective glasses are technically permitted, sunglasses, tinted lenses, thick frames, frames covering the eyes, or any glasses causing reflections or glare are rejected. Most consulates now reject all glasses as a practical matter.
Remove glasses
Step by step
How to take your Chinese
passport photo at home.
You can take the photo yourself โ but you still need professional printing at the correct 33ร48mm size. Follow these steps for a consulate-accepted result.
1
Set up a pure white background
Hang a white bedsheet, use a white wall, or tape white poster board behind you. The background must be pure white โ not cream, not grey, not yellow-tinted from warm room lighting. Check it looks pure white in your camera's live view before shooting.
Pro tip: A daylight-balanced LED light or shooting near a large north-facing window on a bright day gives the truest white background. Warm incandescent bulbs add a yellow cast that looks fine to the eye but fails colour-matching at the consulate.
2
Stand at least 1 metre from the background
This is the single most important setup step. If you're too close to the wall, your body casts shadows on the background โ an automatic rejection for Chinese photos. Stand or sit at least 100cm from the wall behind you.
Pro tip: Use two light sources โ one on each side of your face at 45ยฐ angles and equal distance. This eliminates facial shadows and keeps the background evenly lit. If outdoors, face diffused cloud-filtered daylight.
3
Pin your hair back โ reveal both ears
This step is unique to Chinese passport photos. Both ears must be fully visible. If you have long hair, pull it behind both ears or tie it back in a bun or ponytail. Your forehead hairline must also be visible โ no fringe across the forehead.
Important: This is the second most common rejection reason for Chinese passport photos in Australia. Check in a mirror that both ears are fully visible before shooting.
4
Position camera at eye level
Camera or phone must be exactly at eye level โ not above (causes you to look down) or below (causes upward tilt). Your face should be centred and fill the frame so that the 33ร48mm crop will give a head height of 28โ33mm. Have someone else take the photo if possible.
Pro tip: Disable all beauty/enhancement modes on your phone. Turn off Portrait Mode, Smart HDR, Beauty Mode and Skin Smoothing. These all constitute digital manipulation and will be detected and rejected.
5
Take the photo โ check ears, expression, shadows
Look at the camera lens (not the screen). Neutral expression, mouth gently closed, eyes fully open. Head straight forward โ no tilt in any direction. Take 10+ shots. Review on a large screen and check: both ears visible, no shadows, pure white background, straight head position.
Checklist before submitting: Both ears visible โ | Forehead visible โ | Pure white background โ | No shadows โ | Neutral expression โ | Not the same as current passport โ
6
Upload to Miniml โ we handle the rest
Upload your home photo to Miniml. Our expert team resizes it to the exact 33ร48mm Chinese specification, checks every consulate requirement, and delivers professionally printed photos to your Australian door. Digital file sent same day.
Why Miniml: Most Australian photo studios don't know the 33ร48mm Chinese spec. Miniml pre-loads it automatically โ You select China, we apply the exact right dimensions โ no measuring, no guessing.
Consulate information
Chinese Consulates in Australia.
Chinese passport renewals and visa applications must be submitted directly to the consulate or through the China Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). All require 33ร48mm photos with white background.
๐ Sydney
Consulate-General + CVASC
Consulate (passport renewal)
39 Dunblane Street, Camperdown NSW 2050
CVASC (visa applications)
Level 16, 59 Goulburn Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
CVASC hours
MonโFri ยท Application: 9:00โ14:00 ยท Collection: 9:00โ15:00
CVASC contact
+61 2 9475 8800 ยท sydcenter@visaforchina.org
Serves
NSW, QLD, ACT, NT
๐๏ธ Melbourne
Consulate-General + CVASC
Consulate (passport renewal)
77 Irving Road, Toorak VIC 3142
CVASC (visa applications)
Ground Floor, 570 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
CVASC hours
MonโFri ยท Application: 9:00โ14:00 ยท Collection: 9:00โ15:30
CVASC contact
+61 3 9937 2308 ยท melcenter@visaforchina.org
Serves
VIC, TAS, SA, WA
๐ Brisbane
Consulate-General
Consulate
Level 9, 160 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Important note
Ordinary passport visa applications from QLD are now processed through the Sydney CVASC (59 Goulburn Street, Haymarket)
Photo requirement
Same 33ร48mm, white background for all applications
Miniml tip
Order online, receive 33ร48mm prints at your Brisbane address in 1โ2 days โ no trip to Sydney required for the photo
Serves
QLD (visa via Sydney CVASC)
Chinese consulates do NOT take passport photos on-site
Unlike Australian post offices, Chinese consulates and the CVASC do not provide photo-taking services. You must arrive with your compliant 33ร48mm white-background photos already printed. Miniml delivers them to your door before your appointment so you arrive prepared.
๐จ๐ณ
33ร48mm โ Exact Chinese Spec
Pre-loaded Chinese dimensions โ no measuring, no guessing, no wrong size.
๐ค
Human Expert Review
Every photo checked by a trained expert against Chinese consulate requirements.
โ
Consulate Acceptance Guarantee
Free reprint if your photos are rejected by the Chinese consulate or CVASC.
๐ฆ
Delivered Australia-Wide
Free tracked delivery to any Australian address. Digital emailed same day.
Frequently asked questions
Chinese passport photo questions answered.
What is the exact size of a Chinese passport photo in Australia?
+
A Chinese passport photo must be exactly 33mm wide ร 48mm high. This is unique to Chinese applications and is different from Australian passport photos (35โ40ร45โ50mm). Head height must be 28โ33mm from chin to crown. For digital COVA applications, the file must be JPEG between 40โ120KB, approximately 354โ420 ร 472โ560 pixels.
Can I use my Australian passport photo for my Chinese passport?
+
No. Australian passport photos are the wrong size (35โ40ร45โ50mm vs the required 33ร48mm) and often use a light grey background which Chinese consulates reject. You need specifically sized 33ร48mm photos with a pure white background for any Chinese passport or visa application.
Does the background need to be pure white โ will light grey be accepted?
+
Pure white only. Light grey backgrounds are explicitly rejected by Chinese consulates. This is one of the most critical differences from Australian requirements. Chinese consulates use colour-matching to verify background purity, and even subtle grey or warm-toned backgrounds will fail. The background must be RGB pure white.
Do both ears need to be visible in a Chinese passport photo?
+
Yes โ this is a specific Chinese requirement. Both ears must be clearly visible, which means hair must not cover either ear. This rule is explicitly stated in Chinese passport and visa photo requirements and is one of the most common rejection causes for female applicants in Australia. Always ensure both ears are fully revealed before submitting photos.
Can I wear glasses in my Chinese passport photo?
+
Technically, thin-rimmed, non-tinted glasses with non-reflective lenses are permitted for Chinese passport photos, provided frames do not cover the eyes. This is different from Australian rules which ban all glasses. However, in practice most Chinese consulates strongly prefer no glasses, and many will reject photos with glasses regardless of the rules. The safest approach is to remove glasses entirely. Sunglasses, tinted lenses and thick frames are always rejected.
How do I renew my Chinese passport from Australia?
+
Chinese passport renewals in Australia must be submitted directly to the Chinese Consulate General (not the CVASC, which handles visas only). You'll need: your current passport, valid residency proof (Australian visa, PR or citizenship), completed application form, and 2โ4 passport-sized photos (33ร48mm, white background). Processing typically takes 4โ6 weeks. Contact the consulate in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane for current requirements and appointment availability.
Can I get Chinese passport photos taken at AusPost or Officeworks?
+
You can ask, but there's a significant risk of getting the wrong size. AusPost and Officeworks staff are trained for Australian passport specs (35โ40ร45โ50mm) and may produce Australian-sized prints even if you ask for Chinese photos. You must explicitly request 33ร48mm prints and verify the size before paying. Miniml pre-loads the Chinese specification automatically when you select China โ there is no size confusion possible.
How many photos do I need for a Chinese passport or visa application?
+
For Chinese visa applications: typically 1 photo required, but bring 2 identical copies in case the online upload fails. For passport renewal: the consulate will advise, but typically 2โ4 photos are required. All photos must be identical, taken in the same session, with the same clothing and appearance. Miniml's print orders include 4 prints which covers most application requirements.
What is the COVA system and what photo does it need?
+
COVA (Chinese Visa Application) is China's online visa application system. The digital photo required for COVA must be JPEG format, 40โ120KB in size, and 354โ420 ร 472โ560 pixels. The same rules apply: white background, neutral expression, both ears visible, no editing. Miniml's digital photo plan ($8) delivers a COVA-compliant digital file emailed same day.
My Chinese passport photo was rejected โ what do I do?
+
First, get the specific rejection reason from the consulate โ they should provide this in writing. The most common causes are wrong size, grey background, hair covering ears, or photos matching the existing passport. If you ordered through Miniml and our photo was rejected for a compliance reason, we will reprint and redeliver at no charge โ that's our 100% acceptance guarantee. Email us the rejection notice and we'll take care of everything.
Understanding Chinese Passport Photo Requirements in Australia
For the estimated 1.2 million Chinese-born residents living in Australia, renewing a Chinese passport or applying for a Chinese visa requires navigating a set of photo requirements that are fundamentally different from those of the Australian Passport Office. The most critical difference is size: Chinese passport photos must be exactly 33mm wide by 48mm high โ a specification shared by almost no other country.
The background requirement is equally strict. While Australian passport photos accept light grey backgrounds, Chinese consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane require pure white โ and they verify this electronically. Off-white, cream or light grey backgrounds that pass at AusPost will be rejected at the Chinese consulate. This has led to significant frustration for Chinese-Australian residents who walk into AusPost, pay $21.95, and then have their photos rejected at the consulate.
The ear visibility requirement is another Chinese-specific rule that catches many applicants by surprise. Unlike Australian, UK and US passport photos which do not explicitly require ear visibility, Chinese consulate regulations state that both ears must be fully visible in the photo. For applicants with long hair โ particularly common among female applicants โ this means hair must be pinned back or tied away from the ears before the photo is taken.
The COVA (China Online Visa Application) system adds a digital photo requirement for online visa applications. The digital file must be JPEG format, between 40 and 120 kilobytes, at a resolution of 354โ420 by 472โ560 pixels. The same white background and expression rules apply to digital files as to printed photos. Photos that pass manual inspection at the consulate window may still fail the automated COVA system if file size or pixel dimensions are outside specification.
Miniml was built specifically to solve these problems for expats living in Australia. When you select China as your country, the 33ร48mm specification and pure white background requirement are automatically applied before printing. Every photo is reviewed by a trained human expert against the Chinese consulate's actual requirements โ not Australian standards โ before dispatch. Professional dye-sublimation prints are delivered to any Australian address in 1โ2 business days from $10, or a COVA-ready digital file is emailed the same day from $8.
๐จ๐ณ Ready to order your Chinese passport photo?
Exact 33ร48mm spec.
Exact 33ร48mm spec.
Delivered tomorrow.
Upload your photo from home. Our experts apply the Chinese consulate's exact requirements, review every detail, and deliver professional prints to your Australian door from $10.