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India vs China visa photo: 51 × 51 mm vs 33 × 48 mm
India: 51 × 51 mm. China: 33 × 48 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the visa photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
No — the print sizes differ. India requires 51 × 51 mm, while China requires 33 × 48 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: India expects 600 × 600 px, China expects 420 × 560 px.
In short
India requires 51 × 51 mm while China requires 33 × 48 mm. The two specifications are NOT interchangeable — a photo accepted for one will be rejected by the other.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | India | China |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size≠ differs | 51 × 51 mm | 33 × 48 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 600 px | 420 × 560 px |
| File size limit | 10–300 KB | 40–120 KB |
| File format | JPEG | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Head height≠ differs | 49–69% (25–35 mm) | 58–69% (28–33 mm) |
| Background | White or off-white background. | Plain white background. |
| Glasses | Glasses prohibited. | Ordinary prescription glasses are allowed: untinted lenses, a thin frame that does not cover the eyes, no reflections; sunglasses are prohibited. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, looking directly into the camera, head and shoulders fully visible. |
| Lighting / shadows | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. | Shadows, overexposure, and reflections not permitted. |
| Authority | Government of India / Bureau of Immigration | Chinese Visa Application Service Center / Consular Department of MFA China |
| Last verified | 17 May 2026 | 17 May 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for India and China?
No — the print sizes differ. India requires 51 × 51 mm, while China requires 33 × 48 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: India expects 600 × 600 px, China expects 420 × 560 px.
Which photo is larger — India or China?
India uses the larger photo: 51 × 51 mm versus 33 × 48 mm for China.
What background colour do India and China require?
India requires: White or off-white. China requires: Plain white. A plain white background satisfies both.