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USA vs China visa photo: 51 × 51 mm vs 33 × 48 mm
USA: 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. USA 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: USA expects 600 × 600 px, China expects 420 × 560 px.
In short
USA 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 | USA | China |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size≠ differs | 51 × 51 mm | 33 × 48 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 600 px | 420 × 560 px |
| File size limit | ≤ 240 KB | 40–120 KB |
| Head height≠ differs | 50–69% | 58–69% (28–33 mm) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background without shadows or foreign objects. | Plain white background. |
| Glasses | Glasses prohibited, except for rare medical exceptions. | 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, both 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 | Strictly full face, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, looking directly into the camera, head and shoulders fully visible. |
| Lighting / shadows | Even light, no shadows, reflections, or digital alterations to appearance. | Shadows, overexposure, and reflections not permitted. |
| Attire | Ordinary everyday clothing; uniforms not permitted, except daily religious dress. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | Chinese Visa Application Service Center / Consular Department of MFA China |
| Last verified | 21 May 2026 | 17 May 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for USA and China?
No — the print sizes differ. USA 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: USA expects 600 × 600 px, China expects 420 × 560 px.
Which photo is larger — USA or China?
USA uses the larger photo: 51 × 51 mm versus 33 × 48 mm for China.
What background colour do USA and China require?
USA requires: White or off-white. China requires: Plain white. A plain white background satisfies both.