CN China Passport online 354x472 pixel Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)

By AI Assistant 1088 words 5 min read

Applying for your Chinese passport online just got simpler—provided your photo meets the official 354 × 472 pixel requirement. Every pixel counts when Chinese immigration authorities assess identity photos, and a single discrepancy can delay your application for weeks. In this guide, you’ll discover precise, no-nonsense photo specifications—everything from head positioning and background color to file format and lighting—to ensure your digital image sails through the automated quality checks. Follow these expert-verified tips to capture a compliant, flattering likeness that reflects your true appearance, speeds up processing, and keeps your travel plans firmly on track.

Requirements

  • Pixel dimensions: exactly 354×472 pixels to match China passport online application requirements
  • File format: JPEG (.jpg) baseline compression only, no PNG, TIFF or other formats
  • File size: between 20 KB and 200 KB to ensure quick upload without distortion
  • Background color: plain white or off-white, uniform tone with no patterns, textures or shadows
  • Head position: centered and upright, subject looking straight at the camera with face fully visible
  • Head size & placement: head (top of hair to chin) occupies 70 %–80 % of image height; eyes positioned approximately 50 %–60 % up from the bottom
  • Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, no smiling or frowning, lips together, natural expression
  • Eye visibility: eyes fully open, clearly visible, no hair, hands or accessories obstructing view
  • Glasses policy: allowed only if lenses are clear (no tinted), frames thin, no glare or reflections covering the eyes
  • Headwear rules: no hats or head coverings except for religious reasons; must not obscure any facial feature or cast shadows
  • Lighting & exposure: even, diffuse lighting with no shadows on face or background and no red-eye
  • Color reproduction: accurate, true-to-life skin tones, correct white balance, no color casts or filters
  • Photo recency: taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance
  • Retouching restrictions: strictly no digital alterations, makeup limited to a natural look, no filters or blemish removal
  • Capture method: original digital photo or high-quality digital camera capture—no scans of printed photos

Step-by-Step Process

  • Prepare the shooting environment: use a plain white or light‐grey background, set two diffused light sources at 45° angles to eliminate shadows, and ensure no backlighting to preserve true skin tone
  • Position and pose the applicant: seat them 50–70 cm from the camera, keep their head and shoulders square to the lens, maintain a neutral expression with closed mouth and eyes looking straight into the lens
  • Capture the image with proper equipment: use a digital camera of at least 2 MP, disable beauty filters or effects, remove glasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons) and ensure no reflections or shadows on the face
  • Crop to 354×472 pixels: import the photo into editing software, select exactly 354 px width and 472 px height, center the face so the distance from chin to crown is 310–375 px (70–80% of frame)
  • Set resolution and file format: ensure image is at 300 dpi, save as JPEG (.jpg) using minimal compression to keep file size under 500 KB without introducing artifacts
  • Check technical specifications: open image properties or use an online validator to confirm pixel dimensions, resolution, color profile (sRGB) and file size meet CN Ministry of Public Security standards
  • Upload to the online portal: log in to the Chinese e-passport application system, select “Upload Photo,” align the preview guide to match the cropped image, then confirm placement to avoid trimming errors
  • Verify and save confirmation: review the system’s photo quality check for compliance indicators (green checkmarks), submit the form, then download or screenshot the receipt page as proof of a compliant photo submission

Tips and Best Practices

  • Perfect White Background: use a plain, even white backdrop with no textures or shadows to ensure clear contrast and compliance, as colored or uneven backgrounds trigger automatic rejections.
  • Correct Head Position & Proportions: center your face so the head occupies about 70–80% of the frame (from chin to crown ≈ 335–378 px) to meet CN specs and avoid cropping issues.
  • Optimal Lighting & No Shadows: illuminate your face evenly from the front and avoid side/back lighting to prevent shadows or glare that obscure features and lead to disqualification.
  • Neutral Expression & Eye Visibility: maintain a natural, relaxed expression with eyes fully open and mouth closed, since smiles or squints can distort facial landmarks essential for biometric verification.
  • Image Quality & Digital Specs: save as a 354 × 472 px JPEG at 300 dpi with no compression artifacts or filters, because low resolution or editing traces often result in rejection by the online upload system.

Conclusion

In summary, adhering to China’s 354×472-pixel passport photo requirements ensures your online application is processed smoothly and without delays.

  • Dimensions and resolution: exactly 354×472 pixels at 300 dpi
  • File format and size: JPEG (24-bit color), 30 KB–60 KB
  • Background: plain white, even lighting, no shadows or patterns
  • Head positioning: head height ~70–80 % of image, centered, eyes 60–70 % from bottom
  • Expression and appearance: neutral expression, closed mouth, no glasses or tinted lenses, no jewelry obscuring face
  • Recent and unaltered: taken within last six months, no filters or digital retouching
  • Upload checklist: verify dimensions, file size, background, head alignment before submitting

By following these guidelines precisely, you minimize the risk of rejection and help ensure a seamless passport application experience.

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