CHINA VISA PHOTO REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE
Follow these key biometric rules to ensure your application photo is approved.
DIMENSIONS
Photo size: 33 × 48 mm
Head size: 28 – 33 mm
FACE POSITION & SIZE
Face the camera directly with your head centered, both ears visible, eyes open, and mouth closed with a relaxed neutral expression.
BACKGROUND
Important Note
Photos must be recent (taken within last 6 months) and accurately represent your current appearance. A pure white background (RGB 250–255), both ears visible, head position tilt under 3°, and zero shadows or objects visible are strictly required.
Official Compliance Guarantee
Our AI system validates your photo against official Chinese visa photo requirements. Get 100% compliant photos or we'll help you fix it.
China Official Photo Specifications
GA/T 704 Entry-Exit Document Photo Standards & ICAO Doc 9303 Part 3
Official government rule for application approvalNational Immigration Administration (NIA) of the People's Republic of China
Application context: China Visa Applications
Quick reference: China visa photo specifications
Review all official photo specifications required by China embassies, consulates, and visa application centres worldwide.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size (Paper) | 33 × 48 mm (1.3 × 1.89 in) |
| Digital resolution | 390 × 567 px @ 300 DPI |
| Face height | 28 – 33 mm (58–69% of total height) |
| File format & size | JPEG, 100 KB – 200 KB |
| Background colour | White |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses policy | Permitted with thin, non-reflective frames |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
China visa picture requirements: official 33×48mm dimensions
Official China visa picture requirements specify that images must measure exactly 33 mm wide by 48 mm high (390 × 567 px at 300 DPI). Your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown) must measure from 28mm to 33mm, which corresponds to 58% to 69% of the total frame height. Face the camera squarely with your head centered horizontally and vertically.
When comparing China passport photo size versus visa dimensions, both documents share the standard 33 × 48 mm biometric format with a head height of 28mm to 33mm. For travelers familiar with Chinese passport photos, the biometric rules are identical. While select visa centers outside mainland China occasionally accept 35 × 45 mm prints, using the official 33 × 48 mm size requirements guarantees compliance without delay.
China passport photo size and Chinese passport photos dimensions comparison
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) | 33 mm | 48 mm | 28 – 33 mm |
| Centimetres (cm) | 3.3 cm | 4.8 cm | 2.8–3.3 cm |
| Inches (in) | 1.3 in | 1.89 in | 1.10–1.30 in |
| Pixels (px @ 300 DPI) | 390 px | 567 px | 329–391 px |
Too complicated? Let our AI handle it.
Upload a selfie and our AI will automatically crop, size, and replace the background to validate against official government requirements.
Need a China Passport Photo instead?
View official biometric specs, size rules, and digital upload requirements for China passport applications.
Print vs. digital: photo China visa requirements for paper and COVA
When submitting an online application via the COVA portal, photo China visa requirements call for a single digital JPEG file (100–200 KB). If attending an appointment at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or CVASC application centre, you must bring one or two printed 33 × 48 mm photos developed on quality photo paper. Biometric alignment, ears visible, facial features clarity, and white background rules remain identical for both.
| Aspect | Print (Paper form) | Digital (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 33 × 48 mm | 390 × 567 px |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (100 KB – 200 KB) |
| Background | White | White |
| Resolution | Min 300 DPI | 390 × 567 px (300 DPI) |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open |
Background color and lighting standards
The backdrop must be a pure white background (RGB 250–255), completely uniform without shadows, patterns, or gradients. Off-white, cream, light grey, or beige backdrops will be rejected by automated biometric scanning. The white background must provide clear contrast with your hair, face, and clothing, with no other persons or objects visible in the frame.
Do not use automated cutout tools to digitally paste a white backdrop. Consular review systems detect digital artifacts. Always photograph in front of a genuine, well-illuminated white background with balanced lighting to prevent red eyed glare or dark shadows.
Face position, neutral expression, and ear visibility
Face the camera directly with your head upright (tilt ≤3°, rotation ≤8°). Both ears visible without hair obstruction is mandatory. All key facial features—including forehead and eyebrows—must remain uncovered. Keep your eyes open, level, and looking forward, with your mouth closed in a relaxed, neutral expression.
Lighting must be even and diffused across your face. No shadows should appear under the chin, beside the nose, or behind the head. Balanced natural daylight or two soft artificial light sources produce the best results, preventing harsh highlights or red eyed pupils.
Eyewear and glasses regulations
Glasses are permitted only if frames are thin and unobtrusive, lenses are non-tinted, and there is zero glare or flash reflection covering the eyes. Wearing thick rimmed tinted glasses, dark frames, or heavy rims triggers automatic biometric rejection. If in doubt, remove your glasses.
Tinted or cosmetic contact lenses that alter your natural facial features and eye appearance are strictly prohibited.
China visa picture requirements checklist: do's and don'ts
Anyone applying for Chinese visa clearance should review these essential size requirements and photo standards before uploading to COVA or visiting a Chinese visa application centre.
DO
- Use a plain white background (RGB 250–255) that is evenly lit and free of shadows, patterns, or textures
- Ensure your face is centred, face the camera directly, and occupies 58–69% (28mm to 33mm) from chin to crown
- Pull hair back so both ears visible without any obstruction
- Position your eyes 55–65% up from the bottom of the frame with eyes open
- Keep your eyes open and looking directly at the camera lens
- Maintain a neutral, relaxed expression with your mouth completely closed
- Use thin-framed, non-reflective glasses if required; avoid thick rimmed tinted lenses
- Submit a JPEG file between 100 KB and 200 KB for online COVA submissions
- Include an official letter if submitting a photo with a religious head covering
- Have the photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
DON'T
- Wear thick rimmed tinted glasses, dark frames, or lenses with flash reflections
- Allow hair to obscure your ears, eyebrows, forehead, or facial features
- Exceed biometric tilt limits (head position tilt must be ≤3°, yaw/pitch ≤8°)
- Smile, show teeth, frown, tilt or turn your head, or allow your eyes to be partially closed
- Use a coloured, patterned, textured, or grey background — only pure white (RGB 250–255) is accepted
- Retouch, filter, smooth skin, adjust contrast, or digitally alter facial features
- Submit a scanned photo or a picture with foreign objects visible in the frame
- Upload a JPEG file outside the 100 KB – 200 KB size requirements range to the COVA portal
- Wear non-religious headwear, caps, or fashion accessories
- Use a black-and-white, sepia, or heavily compressed image with red eyed distortion
How to take a compliant Chinese visa photo at home
Follow these six practical steps to ensure success when applying for Chinese visa documents for paper submissions on photo paper and COVA digital uploads.
Set up a pure white background
Stand or sit in front of a plain white background wall with an RGB value between 250 and 255. The white background must be free of shadows, textures, or objects visible. If needed, hang a smooth white sheet without wrinkles.
Set up balanced, diffused lighting
Use natural daylight from a large window or two balanced artificial lights on either side of your face. Soft lighting prevents shadows under the chin or behind the head and avoids red eyed distortion.
Position your head and body correctly
Face the camera directly with an upright head position — keep tilt within 3° and head turn within 8°. Pull hair back so both ears visible and all facial features remain clear. Position your eyes 55–65% up from the bottom.
Take the photo
Keep your eyes open and look directly into the lens. Maintain a neutral expression with mouth closed and teeth hidden. If wearing glasses, avoid thick rimmed tinted frames and ensure zero glare.
Crop and size the image
Crop to exactly 33 × 48 mm (390 × 567 px at 300 DPI), ensuring face height from chin to crown is from 28mm to 33mm. For COVA online submissions, export as a 100 KB – 200 KB JPEG.
Check before submitting
Verify the pure white background (RGB 250–255), both ears visible, face height from 28mm to 33mm, head position tilt under 3°, and JPEG file size between 100 KB and 200 KB before submitting to COVA.
Top causes of Chinese visa photo rejection in 2026
Consular officers and the COVA automated scanning system reject submissions that fail biometric checks. Here are the most frequent causes.
Incorrect background colour or shadows
China requires a pure white background (RGB 250–255) — not light grey, cream, or off-white. Any shadows, patterns, textures, or non-white backgrounds will lead to immediate rejection.
Thick rimmed tinted glasses or lens glare
Glasses are permitted only if frames are thin and lenses are clear. Thick rimmed tinted glasses, dark rims, sunglasses, or reflections covering the eyes trigger instant biometric rejection.
Covered ears or hair blocking facial features
Both ears visible without hair obstruction is required. Hair covering the ears, forehead, or eyebrows is a leading cause of biometric rejection.
Non-neutral expression or improper head position
Smiling, visible teeth, open mouth, or improper head position tilt (>3°) or turn (>8°) are flagged by biometric systems. Face the camera directly with a neutral expression.
Incorrect face height proportions
The chin-to-crown measurement must be from 28mm to 33mm (58–69% of the frame). Crops with face height below 28mm or above 33mm are rejected.
File size or resolution out of range
The online COVA submission portal requires JPEG files strictly between 100 KB and 200 KB. Files outside this range fail automated upload validation.
Digital retouching or filtering
Photos are inspected under magnification for digital retouching, skin smoothing, or altering natural facial features. Altered photos are automatically flagged and rejected.
Photo older than 6 months
The passport photo or visa image must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and reflect your current appearance.
Guidelines for babies and children
Minors of all ages, including newborns, must have their own separate photo. The child must appear alone in the frame with no hands, toys, pacifiers, or chair backs or other objects visible.
For infants who cannot sit unsupported, lay them on a smooth, wrinkle-free white background sheet and photograph from directly above. For children aged 3 and older, standard rules apply: mouth closed, eyes open, neutral expression, and pure white background.
Religious head coverings policy
Religious head coverings are permitted if worn daily for religious reasons and accompanied by an explanatory letter. The covering must be plain without patterns, must not cast shadows on the face, and full facial features from chin to forehead plus both ears visible must be maintained.
Fashion hats, caps, and decorative headwear are not allowed.
Official sources
These pages are the authoritative references.
Frequently asked questions: Chinese visa photo requirements
What are the official China visa picture requirements in 2026?
The official China visa picture requirements specify dimensions of 33 mm wide by 48 mm high (390 × 567 pixels at 300 DPI). Face height from chin to crown must measure from 28mm to 33mm (58–69% of the frame). The background must be pure white (RGB 250–255) with no shadows, both ears visible, and digital files for COVA uploads must be 100–200 KB in JPEG format.
What is the official China passport photo size compared to Chinese passport photos?
The standard China passport photo size is 33 mm wide by 48 mm high (3.3 × 4.8 cm, or 1.30 × 1.89 inches). Chinese passport photos and Chinese visa pictures share the exact same 33×48 mm biometric dimensions, head height from 28mm to 33mm, and pure white background.
What are the China visa picture specifications for pixels and resolution?
At the standard print resolution of 300 DPI, the China visa picture specifications call for 390 × 567 pixels. For digital uploads to the COVA portal when applying for Chinese visa authorization, the file must be in JPEG format with a file size between 100 KB and 200 KB.
What are the key photo China visa requirements for background and lighting?
The primary photo China visa requirements mandate a pure white background with an RGB color value between 250 and 255. The backdrop must be completely flat, shadow-free, and evenly lit without patterns, textures, or objects visible.
What is the chin-to-crown measurement for a Chinese visa photo?
The chin-to-crown measurement is the vertical distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head in the photo. For the official 33 × 48 mm Chinese visa photo format, this measurement must measure from 28mm to 33mm (58% to 69% of total photo height). Photos cropped outside this 28mm to 33mm range are rejected.
Are China visa picture requirements the same for Indian and US applicants?
Yes. When applying for Chinese visa documents, requirements are universally standardized across all embassies and consular offices worldwide. Indian, US, European, and Australian applicants must all submit 33 × 48 mm images with pure white backgrounds, neutral expressions, and face height from 28mm to 33mm.
Can I wear glasses in a Chinese visa photo?
Glasses are permitted only if frames are thin and unobtrusive with clear lenses and zero reflection. Thick rimmed tinted glasses, sunglasses, heavy rims, or lenses causing flash glare are strictly prohibited. If in doubt, take the picture without glasses.
Can I smile in the application photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth completely closed and teeth hidden. Face the camera directly with eyes open. Smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, or improper head position tilt (>3°) triggers biometric rejection.
Does China accept 35 × 45 mm photos?
The official national standard is 33 × 48 mm. While some overseas CVASC centers may accept 35 × 45 mm photos as a local exception, it is strongly recommended to use the official 33 × 48 mm size requirements to guarantee acceptance without delays.
Can I submit a smartphone photo when applying for Chinese visa online?
Yes, provided the smartphone photo satisfies all biometric rules: pure white background (RGB 250–255), head height from 28mm to 33mm, both ears visible, head position tilt under 3°, and JPEG file size between 100 KB and 200 KB.
What should I wear for a Chinese visa application photo?
Wear dark or everyday clothing that contrasts clearly with the pure white background. Avoid white or light-coloured tops. Do not wear uniforms or clothing that obscures facial features or the neck.
Are religious head coverings permitted?
Yes, provided the head covering is worn daily for religious reasons and accompanied by an official letter. The covering must be plain with no patterns, must not cast shadows on the face, and full facial features from chin to forehead plus both ears visible must be maintained.
Should the paper photograph be matte or glossy?
For paper submissions, photos developed on photo paper can be either matte or glossy, with semi-matte photo paper recommended to prevent fingerprint smudges and glare during consular inspection.
Ready to prepare your China visa photo?
Upload your portrait and our AI tool will crop to 33×48 mm, set the pure white background (RGB 250–255), verify biometric face height from 28mm to 33mm, and generate a compliant 100–200 KB JPEG for COVA.
China Visa Photo Maker