Compliance Guide · Updated May 2026
China Visa Photo Requirements 2026: The Complete Official Guide
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Checked against the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC), and COVA portal guidance
Quick answer: The official China visa photo size requirement in 2026 is 33 mm wide × 48 mm high, with your face occupying 70–80% of the frame height (approximately 33–38 mm from chin to crown). Some Chinese visa application centres may also accept 35 × 45 mm photos. For online applications via the COVA portal, submit a JPEG file under 2 MB. The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white, cream, or grey. Glasses are not permitted, and no digital retouching is allowed.
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Quick reference: China visa photo specifications
Before submitting your application via the COVA online portal or at a Chinese visa application centre, ensure your photo meets every parameter in this table.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 33 mm wide × 48 mm high (official) |
| Alternative size | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (accepted by some visa centres — confirm with your local centre) |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 70–80% of frame height (approx. 33–38 mm for 48 mm height) |
| Digital format | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| Digital file size | Under 2 MB (recommended) |
| Minimum DPI (print) | 300 DPI |
| Background | Plain white (uniform, shadow-free, no patterns or textures) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at lens |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Colour | Full colour — no black & white or sepia |
| Quantity (paper) | 1 or 2 photos (check with your local Chinese embassy/VFS) |
| Retouching | Not permitted in any form |
Official China visa photo dimensions
Chinese visa photo requirements specify photos must be exactly 33 mm wide and 48 mm high. Your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown) must occupy between 70% and 80% of the total photo height, which corresponds to approximately 33–38 mm. The face must be centred within the frame both horizontally and vertically.
Important Note
While the official Chinese visa photo size is 33 × 48 mm, some Chinese visa application centres (particularly outside mainland China) may accept 35 × 45 mm photos. Always confirm the acceptable dimensions with your local Chinese embassy or visa centre before taking your photo. When in doubt, use the official 33 × 48 mm standard.
For online submissions via the COVA (China Online Visa Application) portal, a resolution of at least 600 × 800 pixels is recommended to pass automated quality checks. The file must be a JPEG under 2 MB. For print submissions, a minimum of 300 DPI is required.
China visa photo size in mm, cm, and inches
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) — Official | 33 mm | 48 mm | 33–38 mm |
| Millimetres (mm) — Alternative | 35 mm | 45 mm | 31–36 mm |
| Centimetres (cm) | 3.3 cm | 4.8 cm | 3.3–3.8 cm |
| Inches (in) | 1.30 in | 1.89 in | 1.30–1.50 in |
| Pixels (recommended) | 600+ px | 800+ px | ~70–80% of height |
Print vs. digital: what changes between paper and online applications?
If you apply online via the COVA portal (China Online Visa Application), you upload a single digital JPEG file as part of your application. If you attend an appointment at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre, you will typically be required to bring one or two identical printed photos. The face position, expression, and background rules are identical for both — only the output format differs.
| Aspect | Print (embassy / visa centre) | Digital (COVA portal) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 33 mm wide × 48 mm high (official standard) | Same proportions; JPEG under 2 MB |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| File size | N/A | Under 2 MB (recommended) |
| Quantity | 1 or 2 photos (varies by application type and visa centre) | 1 file upload via COVA or other portal |
| Paper type | Glossy or matte photo paper | N/A |
| Background | Plain white, shadow-free, no patterns | Plain white, shadow-free, no patterns |
Background requirements for China visa photos
The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. It must be uniform in colour with no shadows, patterns, textures, gradients, or objects visible. The background must clearly contrast with your hair, face, and clothing. This is one of the most common reasons for rejection — even a slightly off-white background will be rejected.
Do not use a background removal tool to digitally replace a coloured wall with white. Chinese visa processing can detect composite images. Shoot in front of a genuinely pure white surface. If in doubt, test by holding a sheet of pure white printer paper next to your background — it should match exactly.
Face position, expression, and lighting requirements
Your face must be centred in the frame, looking directly at the camera lens with your head level and upright — not tilted, not turned, chin neither raised nor lowered. Both sides of your face must be equally visible. Hair must not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the edges of your face. Your eyes must be fully open and directed at the lens. Your mouth must be closed with a neutral, relaxed expression — no smile, no frown, no raised eyebrows.
Lighting must be even and diffused across the entire face. No harsh shadows should appear on your face — including under the chin, beside the nose, or in the eye sockets — or on the white background behind you. Avoid direct flash, which creates harsh highlights, red-eye, and background shadows. Natural window light or two balanced artificial sources on either side of your face produce the most consistent results.
Glasses policy for China visa photos
Glasses are not permitted in Chinese visa photos. This applies to all types of eyewear — prescription glasses, clear frames, lightly tinted lenses, and rimless frames. No standard exemption is provided for medical or corrective vision reasons for visa photo purposes. Remove all glasses before taking the photo.
Contact lenses that do not visibly alter the colour of the iris are acceptable, provided they do not create reflections or otherwise change the natural appearance of the eyes in the photo.
China visa photo checklist: do's and don'ts
Review these requirements carefully before uploading to the COVA portal or attending a Chinese visa centre appointment to avoid delays or rejection.
Do
- Use a plain white background that is evenly lit and free of shadows, patterns, or textures
- Ensure your face is centred, forward-facing, and fully visible from chin to crown
- Keep your eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera lens
- Maintain a neutral, relaxed expression with your mouth closed
- Use even, diffused lighting with no shadows on your face or background
- Include the tops of both shoulders and the base of the neck in the frame
- Ensure hair does not obscure your eyes, eyebrows, or the edges of your face
- Submit a JPEG file under 2 MB for online submissions
- Have the photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Wear everyday clothing that contrasts well with the white background
Don't
- Wear glasses — they are not permitted under Chinese visa photo requirements
- Smile, frown, tilt or turn your head, or allow your eyes to be partially closed
- Use a coloured, patterned, textured, or grey background — only plain white is accepted
- Retouch, filter, adjust brightness/contrast, or digitally alter the photo in any way
- Submit a scanned photo or a picture of a printed photo
- Upload a JPEG file above 2 MB to the online portal
- Wear hats, caps, or fashion headwear (religious head coverings permitted with conditions)
- Allow hair, large jewellery, or accessories to cover your eyes or face
- Use a photo older than 6 months
- Use a black-and-white, sepia, or heavily compressed image
How to take a correct China visa photo at home (step-by-step)
Following these six steps will produce a photo that meets Chinese visa requirements for both paper and COVA digital submissions without visiting a professional studio.
Set up a plain white background
Stand or sit in front of a plain white wall or surface. The background must be pure white with no shadows, patterns, textures, or objects. If you do not have a suitable wall, hang a plain white sheet without wrinkles. Avoid off-white, cream, or grey backgrounds — only pure white is accepted for Chinese visas.
Set up balanced, diffused lighting
Use natural daylight from a large window, or two balanced artificial lights at equal height and distance on either side of your face. Avoid direct flash, which creates harsh highlights, red-eye, and shadows. Soft, even lighting is crucial for a pure white background and a well-lit face without shadows under the chin or in the eye sockets.
Position your head and body correctly
Face the camera directly with your head level and upright — not tilted, not turned. Your chin should be neither raised nor lowered. Both sides of your face should be equally visible. Your shoulders and the base of your neck should appear at the bottom of the frame. Position yourself approximately 45–60 cm from the camera.
Take the photo
Open your eyes fully and look directly into the lens. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed — no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Remove all glasses before the shot. Ask someone else to take the photo for better framing and sharpness.
Crop and size the image
For paper submissions, crop to exactly 33 × 48 mm at 300 DPI minimum, ensuring the face occupies 70–80% of the height. If your local visa centre accepts 35 × 45 mm, use those dimensions instead. For online submissions, export as a JPEG file under 2 MB.
Check before submitting
Verify the background is pure white and shadow-free, no glasses are in the photo, eyes are fully open with a neutral expression, the face occupies 70–80% of the frame height, hair does not obscure the face, and the JPEG file is under 2 MB before submitting to COVA or your visa application centre.
Common China visa photo rejection reasons in 2026
The COVA portal and Chinese visa processing check biometric compliance, image quality, and file specifications. These are the most frequent causes of rejection or requests for new photos.
Incorrect background colour
China requires a plain white background — not light grey, cream, or off-white. Any shadows, patterns, textures, or non-white backgrounds will lead to immediate rejection. The background must be pure white and completely uniform.
Glasses in the photo
Glasses are not permitted in Chinese visa photos. This applies to all types of eyewear including prescription glasses, clear frames, tinted lenses, and rimless frames. Remove all glasses before taking the photo — no exceptions are provided for standard applicants.
Non-neutral expression or head position
Smiling, open mouth, tilted head, head turned to the side, raised eyebrows, or partially closed eyes are detected by biometric checks. Your head must be level and upright, facing the camera directly with a neutral expression and mouth closed.
Incorrect photo dimensions
The official Chinese visa photo size is 33 mm wide × 48 mm high, though some visa centres may accept 35 × 45 mm. Always confirm with your local Chinese embassy or visa application centre. Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the photo height.
File too large or incorrect format
The online submission portal recommends JPEG files under 2 MB. Files larger than this may cause upload issues or be rejected. Compress the image while maintaining sufficient quality.
Scan of a printed photo
Uploading a scanned version of a printed photo, or a mobile phone photo taken of another photo, will fail quality checks. The digital file must be the original camera capture, not a reproduction.
Photo older than 6 months
The photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and reflect your current appearance. Older photos will be rejected during processing.
Hair or accessories obscuring the face
Hair covering the forehead, eyebrows, or eyes, and large earrings or accessories casting shadows on the face, are common causes of rejection. Pull hair back fully so the entire face is clearly visible.
China visa photo requirements for babies and children
Children of all ages — including newborns — must have their own separate visa photo and cannot share a photo with a parent or guardian. The child must be photographed alone, with no other person, hand, toy, pacifier, chair back, or any other object visible in the frame.
For very young infants who cannot support their own head, lay them on a plain white sheet on a flat surface and photograph from directly above. Ensure the sheet fills the entire background without creases or shadows. For children aged 3 and over, all standard requirements apply: mouth closed, eyes open, neutral expression, plain white background. Some flexibility on expression is extended to very young infants.
Religious head coverings in China visa photos
Religious head coverings are permitted for Chinese visa photo submissions provided they are worn daily for religious reasons and all of the following conditions are met: the covering must be plain material with no patterns or decorations; your full face must remain clearly visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead; both side edges of the face — including the outer eye corners — must be visible; and the covering must cast no shadows on your face or the white background.
Fashion hats, caps, beanies, and decorative headwear worn for non-religious or non-medical reasons are not permitted. Medical head coverings may be accepted with an accompanying signed medical certificate.
Official sources
These pages are the authoritative references for Chinese visa photo requirements. Always cross-check against the specific documentation checklist for your visa category on the website of the Chinese embassy or visa centre where you are applying.
Frequently asked questions: China visa photo 2026
What is the China visa photo size requirement in 2026?
The official Chinese visa photo size is 33 mm wide by 48 mm high. Some Chinese visa application centres may also accept 35 × 45 mm photos, but the official standard is 33 × 48 mm. Always confirm with your local Chinese embassy or visa centre before submitting. Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the photo height. The background must be plain white — not off-white, cream, or grey.
What is the China visa photo size in pixels?
The COVA (China Online Visa Application) portal recommends a minimum resolution of 600 × 800 pixels. A resolution of 900 × 1200 pixels or higher is recommended for best results, ensuring the JPEG file stays under 2 MB.
What is the China visa photo size in cm and inches?
The official photo size is 3.3 cm wide by 4.8 cm high. In inches, that is approximately 1.30 inches wide by 1.89 inches high. Some visa centres may accept 3.5 × 4.5 cm (1.38 × 1.77 inches). Always confirm with your local visa centre.
What colour must the background be for a China visa photo?
The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. It must be shadow-free with no patterns, textures, or gradients. This is one of the most common reasons for rejection, so ensure your background is genuinely pure white.
Can I wear glasses in a China visa photo?
No. Glasses are not permitted in Chinese visa photos. This applies to all types of eyewear — prescription glasses, clear frames, tinted lenses, and rimless frames. Remove all glasses before taking the photo. No standard medical exemption is provided for visa photo purposes.
Can I smile in a China visa photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open. Smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, head tilt, and any non-neutral expression will be detected by biometric processing and will cause your photo to be rejected.
How recent must a China visa photo be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. Photos that are older or that do not match your current look will be rejected.
What is the file size limit for China visa online photo upload?
The COVA (China Online Visa Application) portal recommends keeping JPEG files under 2 MB. Files larger than this may cause upload issues or be rejected. Aim for a file between 100 KB and 2 MB for best results.
Does China accept 35 × 45 mm photos?
The official Chinese visa photo size is 33 × 48 mm. However, some Chinese visa application centres may accept 35 × 45 mm photos. Always check the specific requirements of the visa centre where you are applying. When in doubt, use the official 33 × 48 mm dimensions.
Can I retouch or edit my China visa photo?
No. Any form of digital retouching or editing is prohibited. This includes skin smoothing, blemish removal, background replacement, and brightness or contrast adjustments. The submitted file must be the original, unaltered digital capture.
What should I wear for a China visa photo?
Wear everyday clothing that clearly contrasts with the white background. Avoid white or very pale tops that blend with the background. Do not wear uniforms, costumes, or anything that obscures the face or neck. Religious dress is permitted if the full face remains visible.
Are religious head coverings allowed in a China visa photo?
Yes, provided the covering is worn daily for religious reasons and your full face from chin to crown remains clearly visible. The covering must be plain material with no patterns, must not cast shadows on your face or background, and both side edges of the face including the outer eye corners must be visible.
What are the China visa photo requirements for babies and children?
Children of all ages, including newborns, must have their own separate visa photo. For infants who cannot support their head, lay them on a plain white sheet on a flat surface and photograph from directly above. All standard requirements apply, with some flexibility on expression for very young infants.
Should a China visa photo be matte or glossy?
For paper submissions, either matte or glossy photo paper is acceptable. For digital submissions via COVA, paper finish is irrelevant. Ensure printed photos are on high-quality photo paper.
Can I use a photo taken on my phone for a China visa?
Yes, provided the photo meets all requirements: plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses, face occupying 70–80% of the frame, JPEG format under 2 MB. Have a second person take the photo rather than using a selfie. Reduce the file size before uploading if necessary.
What is COVA and how do I upload my photo?
COVA (China Online Visa Application) is the online system for submitting Chinese visa applications. After filling out the application form, you will be prompted to upload a digital photo that meets the requirements. The file must be a JPEG under 2 MB. If your upload fails, check file size and dimensions.
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Upload your original image and our tool will automatically crop to 33×48 mm, verify the pure white background, check biometric face proportions, and compress the JPEG under 2 MB — ready to upload to the COVA portal or bring to your Chinese visa centre appointment.
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