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The Challenge
Macao visa and entry permit photos use Chinese 33×48mm format — completely different from the 35×45mm Macao passport format. Glossy paper required (matte rejected). Ears must be visible. Using passport-sized photos for visa applications = automatic rejection.
Macao visa photo is NOT the same as Macao passport photo
- Visa: 33×48mm (Chinese standard) — Passport: 35×45mm (1.5-inch)
- Visa: head 28-33mm — Passport: head 32-36mm
- Visa: glossy paper ONLY — Passport: glossy or matte
- Visa: ears must be visible — Passport: no ear visibility requirement
- Cannot interchange these photos — different dimensions entirely
Macao visa photo requirements
Macao visa and entry permit photos follow the Chinese visa photo standard (33×48mm), not the Macao SAR passport standard (35×45mm). This is because Macao visas are processed through PRC consular channels. One color photo is required, affixed to the application form. Head height must be 28-33mm with head width 15-22mm. Background must be white or close to white. Photos must be printed on glossy finish paper — matte and plain paper are explicitly rejected. Ears must be visible. These requirements apply to visas obtained through PRC embassies/consulates and visa-on-arrival at Macao immigration checkpoints.
Macao visa photo checklist
- 33×48mm dimensions (NOT 35×45mm passport size)
- Head height 28-33mm from chin to crown
- Head width 15-22mm
- 3-5mm space from top of head to photo edge
- White or close-to-white background, no patterns or shadows
- Color photo, taken within last 6 months
- Front-facing, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Ears visible on both sides
- No head coverings except for religious reasons
- Head tilt ≤20° left/right, ≤25° up/down
- No colored contact lenses or effect lenses
- No shadows, red-eye, or reflections on face
- Printed on GLOSSY photo paper only — matte and plain paper rejected
- No stains, scratches, creases, or visible borders
Common rejection reasons
- Using 35×45mm passport photo instead of required 33×48mm
- Printed on matte or plain paper — glossy required
- Ears not visible (covered by hair)
- Head size outside 28-33mm height or 15-22mm width range
- Colored contact lenses or effect lenses
- Shadow on face or background
- Photo folded, scratched, or with visible creases
- Head tilted beyond acceptable range
- Background not white or has patterns/objects
Glossy paper requirement — matte is rejected
Unlike most countries that accept both matte and glossy paper, Macao visa photos specifically require glossy finish photo paper. Matte finish paper and plain paper are explicitly rejected per the regulations effective since December 2016. Photos must be stainless, scratchless, and without creases. When printing at home, ensure you use glossy photo paper and handle printed photos carefully to avoid fingerprints or damage.
Ears must be visible — unique requirement
Macao visa photos follow Chinese visa standards that require both ears to be visible in the photo. Hair must be tucked behind the ears or styled so that ears are clearly shown. This is an additional requirement not present in Macao passport photos. If your hairstyle normally covers your ears, pull your hair back or tuck it behind your ears before taking the photo.
Macao visa photo vs Chinese visa photo
How to print Macao visa photos
- Paper: GLOSSY photo paper required — matte will be rejected.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale, color mode.
- Paper size: 4R (102×152mm) for multiple photos.
- Cutting: Cut precisely to 33×48mm. Verify dimensions with ruler.
- Handle with care: No fingerprints, scratches, or creases on glossy surface.
- Alternative: Print at professional photo shop — specify '33×48mm on glossy paper'.
Official Resources
- Macao Visa Information — PRC Consulate Visa types, photo requirements, and application process for Macao SAR
- Chinese Visa Photo Requirements — CVASC Detailed photo specifications for Chinese/Macao visa applications
- Macao Entry Requirements — Tourism Office Visa exemptions and entry permit information for visitors
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (28-33mm Height)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print on Glossy Paper
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 33×48 mm (Chinese standard)
- Resolution
- 780×1134 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 28-33 mm (chin to crown)
- Head Width
- 15-22 mm
- Top Margin
- 3-5 mm from top of head to photo edge
- Background
- White or close to white
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Paper Type
- Glossy photo paper only (matte rejected)
- Valid For
- Macao entry permit, visa-on-arrival, visa via PRC consulate
Best Practices
- 33×48mm Chinese format — completely different from 35×45mm Macao passport photos
- GLOSSY paper required — matte and plain paper will be rejected
- Ears must be visible — tuck hair behind ears before taking photo
- Head height 28-33mm with 3-5mm top margin — use crop guidelines
- Same photo works for Chinese visa applications — identical format
- No colored contact lenses or effect lenses
- Handle glossy prints carefully — fingerprints and scratches cause rejection
- Avoid white and very light clothing against white background
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Macao visa photos?
33×48mm (Chinese standard). This is completely different from Macao passport photos which are 35×45mm. Using passport-sized photos for visa applications will be rejected.
Can I use my Macao passport photo for a visa application?
No. Passport photos are 35×45mm. Visa photos are 33×48mm. Different dimensions, different head size requirements, different paper requirements. Create separate photos.
Why does Macao visa use Chinese format?
Macao visas are processed through PRC consular channels. The photo format follows Chinese visa standards (33×48mm) rather than Macao's domestic identity document format (35×45mm).
What paper type for Macao visa photos?
Glossy finish photo paper only. Matte finish paper and plain paper are explicitly rejected per regulations effective since December 2016.
Do my ears need to be visible?
Yes. Macao visa photos follow Chinese standards requiring both ears to be visible. Tuck hair behind ears or style hair so ears are clearly shown.
Can I use this photo for a Chinese visa?
Yes. Macao visa and Chinese visa photos use identical 33×48mm specifications. A compliant photo works for both applications.
How many photos do I need?
One color photo affixed to the visa application form.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are discouraged. If worn for medical reasons, frames must not cover eyes, lenses must not be tinted, and there must be no glare. Colored contact lenses are prohibited.