Compliance Guide · Updated May 2026
Taiwan (R.O.C.) Visa Photo Requirements 2026: The Complete Official Guide
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Checked against the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan (R.O.C.), and official visa photo guidelines
Quick answer: The Taiwan (R.O.C.) visa photo size requirement in 2026 is 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm) — a square format, not rectangular. Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the frame height (approximately 32–36 mm). For online applications via the BOCA (Bureau of Consular Affairs) portal, submit a JPEG file under 2 MB. The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white or cream. Glasses are generally not permitted, and no digital retouching is allowed.
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Quick reference: Taiwan visa photo specifications
Before submitting your application via the BOCA online portal or at a Taiwan (R.O.C.) embassy or representative office, ensure your photo meets every parameter in this table.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm) — square format |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm (70–80% of frame height) |
| Digital format (online) | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| Digital file size | Under 2 MB (recommended) |
| Minimum DPI (print) | 300 DPI |
| Background | Plain white (uniform, shadow-free, no patterns) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at lens |
| Glasses | Not generally permitted — removal strongly recommended |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Colour | Full colour — no black & white or sepia |
| Quantity (paper) | 2 photos (attached to application form) |
| Retouching | Not permitted (must be natural, no digital alteration) |
Official Taiwan visa photo dimensions
Taiwan (R.O.C.) visa photo requirements specify photos must be exactly 2 inches wide and 2 inches high (51 mm × 51 mm) — a square format. This is different from the rectangular 35 × 45 mm format required for Schengen visas. 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 32–36 mm. The face must be centred within the frame both horizontally and vertically.
Important Note
Taiwan uses a square 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) photo format, not the rectangular 35 × 45 mm format. Do not use a 35 × 45 mm photo for a Taiwan visa application. Ensure your photo is perfectly square with equal width and height.
For online submissions via the BOCA (Bureau of Consular Affairs) portal, no specific minimum pixel count is published, but a resolution of at least 600 × 600 pixels is recommended. Aim for 800 × 800 pixels or higher for best results, ensuring the JPEG file stays under 2 MB. For print submissions, a minimum of 300 DPI is required.
Taiwan visa photo size in mm, cm, inches, and pixels
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inches (official) | 2 in | 2 in | 1.4–1.6 in |
| Millimetres (mm) | 51 mm | 51 mm | 32–36 mm |
| Centimetres (cm) | 5.1 cm | 5.1 cm | 3.2–3.6 cm |
| Pixels (minimum recommended) | 600 px | 600 px | ~70–80% of height |
| Pixels (ideal) | 800+ px | 800+ px | ~70–80% of height |
Print vs. digital: what changes between paper and online applications?
If you apply online via the BOCA (Bureau of Consular Affairs) portal, you upload a single digital JPEG file as part of your application. If you apply through a Taiwan (R.O.C.) representative office with a paper application, you will typically be required to attach two printed photos to your application form. The face position, expression, and background rules are identical for both — only the output format differs.
| Aspect | Print (representative office) | Digital (BOCA portal) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) — square | Same proportions; JPEG under 2 MB |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| File size | N/A | Under 2 MB (recommended) |
| Quantity | 2 photos attached to application form | 1 file upload via the online portal (BOCA) |
| 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 Taiwan 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. This is strictly enforced.
Do not use a background removal tool to digitally replace a coloured wall with white. Taiwan visa processing can detect composite images. Shoot in front of a genuinely pure white surface.
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 ears must be visible and unobscured. 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.
Glasses policy for Taiwan visa photos
Glasses are generally not permitted in Taiwan visa photos. Most applicants must remove all glasses before taking the photo. Removal is strongly recommended to avoid rejection. Even thin-framed glasses are often rejected.
Contact lenses that do not visibly alter the colour of the iris are acceptable.
Taiwan visa photo checklist: do's and don'ts
Review these requirements carefully before uploading to the BOCA portal.
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 generally not permitted for Taiwan visa photos
- Smile, frown, tilt or turn your head, or allow your eyes to be partially closed
- Use a coloured, patterned, textured, or off-white 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 Taiwan visa photo at home (step-by-step)
Following these six steps will produce a photo that meets Taiwan BOCA requirements.
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.
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 ears should be visible and unobscured. 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 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) at 300 DPI minimum, ensuring the face occupies 70–80% of the height. For online submissions via the BOCA portal, export as a JPEG file under 2 MB. Resize or compress the image if necessary while maintaining good quality. Ensure the photo remains perfectly square.
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 2×2 inch square frame, hair does not obscure the face, and the JPEG file is under 2 MB before submitting.
Common Taiwan visa photo rejection reasons in 2026
The BOCA portal and Taiwan representative office processing check biometric compliance, image quality, and file specifications.
Incorrect photo dimensions (not square)
Taiwan requires a square 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) photo — not the 35 × 45 mm rectangular format used for Schengen visas. Using the wrong dimensions is a common reason for rejection. Ensure your photo is perfectly square with equal width and height.
Incorrect background colour or shadows
Taiwan requires a plain white background — not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. Any shadows, patterns, textures, or non-white backgrounds will lead to immediate rejection.
Glasses in the photo
Glasses are generally not permitted in Taiwan visa photos. Most applicants must remove glasses before taking the photo. Even thin-framed glasses are often rejected. Removal is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
Non-neutral expression or head position
Smiling, open mouth, tilted head, head turned to the side, raised eyebrows, or partially closed eyes will cause rejection. Your head must be level and upright with a neutral expression and mouth closed.
Face proportion out of range
Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the 2 × 2 inch photo height (approximately 32–36 mm). A face that is too small or too large will be rejected.
File size or format incorrect
The BOCA (Bureau of Consular Affairs) online portal requires a JPEG file. While no strict maximum is specified, files under 2 MB are recommended. Large files may cause upload issues.
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.
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.
Taiwan visa photo requirements for babies and children
Children of all ages, including newborns, must have their own separate visa photo.
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.
Religious head coverings in Taiwan visa photos
Religious head coverings are permitted provided they are worn daily for religious reasons and your full face remains clearly visible.
Fashion hats, caps, and decorative headwear are not permitted.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions: Taiwan visa photo 2026
What is the Taiwan visa photo size requirement in 2026?
Taiwan visa photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm) — a square format. This is different from the rectangular 35×45 mm format used for Schengen visas. Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the photo height (approximately 32–36 mm). The background must be plain white — not off-white, cream, or grey. For online applications, submit a JPEG file under 2 MB.
What is the Taiwan visa photo size in pixels?
The BOCA (Bureau of Consular Affairs) portal does not specify a fixed minimum pixel count, but a resolution of at least 600 × 600 pixels is recommended. Aim for 800 × 800 pixels or higher for best results, ensuring the JPEG file stays under 2 MB. The photo must remain square.
What is the Taiwan visa photo size in cm and inches?
The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches. In centimetres, that is approximately 5.1 cm wide by 5.1 cm high — a perfect square. The face from chin to crown must occupy approximately 3.2–3.6 cm (70–80% of the height).
What colour must the background be for a Taiwan 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 or textures. This is strictly enforced.
Can I wear glasses in a Taiwan visa photo?
Generally, no. Glasses are generally not permitted for Taiwan visa photos. Even thin-framed glasses are typically rejected. Removal is strongly recommended. If you must wear them for medical reasons, a signed doctor's note may be required, but removal is the safest approach.
Can I smile in a Taiwan 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 cause your photo to be rejected.
How recent must a Taiwan 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 will be rejected.
What is the file size limit for Taiwan visa online photo upload?
The BOCA online portal recommends JPEG files under 2 MB. Files larger than this may cause upload issues. Most smartphone photos are several megabytes and should be compressed before uploading. Aim for a file between 100 KB and 2 MB.
Is the Taiwan visa photo size different from other countries?
Yes. Taiwan requires a square 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) photo. This is the same format as the US and Japan, but different from Schengen (35×45 mm rectangular) and China (33×48 mm). Always use Taiwan-specific specifications.
Can I retouch or edit my Taiwan 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 photo must be natural and unaltered.
What should I wear for a Taiwan 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 Taiwan 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, and both side edges of the face must be visible.
What are the Taiwan 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 Taiwan visa photo be matte or glossy?
For paper submissions, either matte or glossy photo paper is acceptable. For digital submissions via the BOCA portal, paper finish is irrelevant. Ensure printed photos are on high-quality photo paper.
Can I use a photo taken on my phone for a Taiwan visa?
Yes, provided the photo meets all requirements: plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses, face occupying 70–80% of the 2×2 inch square frame, JPEG format under 2 MB. Have a second person take the photo for better framing. Ensure the photo is square after cropping.
What is the BOCA portal?
The BOCA (Bureau of Consular Affairs) online portal is Taiwan's system for visa applications. You will upload your digital photo there. Ensure your file is a JPEG and you have cropped the photo to a perfect 2×2 inch square before uploading.
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