Quick answer
- A China visa photo requires a plain white or near-white background with no shadows.
- Paper photo: 33mm wide × 48mm high. Digital photo for COVA: 354 × 472 pixels, JPEG, 40KB–120KB.
- The applicant's face should be clearly visible, centered, and evenly lit.
- Printed and digital photo requirements may differ depending on the application route and center.
- Do not rely only on old screenshots or unofficial examples; check the latest official requirements before submission.
- This app is an independent photo formatting tool. It does not submit visa applications or guarantee acceptance.
What is a China Visa Photo?
A China visa photo is a specific passport-style photograph that must accompany all Chinese visa applications. It has strict alignment rules regarding head width (15–22mm), head height (28–33mm), top margin (3–5mm), and background color (plain white or near-white).
Official Source Note
Requirements are based on instructions from the China Online Visa Application (COVA) portal, Chinese embassy and consulate pages, and Visa Application Service Center guidance. Specifications may vary slightly by country, center, or application route. For final and authoritative regulations, please refer directly to official governmental resources.
Official Requirements Summary
The Chinese embassy and visa centers have strict requirements for photos. Here is a summary of the official specifications.
| Photo Size | Paper: 33mm wide × 48mm high | Digital: 354 × 472px (some centers mention up to 420 × 560px) |
|---|---|
| Background Color | Plain white or near-white, no shadows |
| Head Position & Size | Head width: 15–22mm, Head height: 28–33mm, Top margin: 3–5mm |
| Facial Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open & looking at camera, no teeth showing |
| Glasses | Not prohibited, but removing is safest. If worn: thin frames, no dark lenses, no glare, frames must not cover eyes |
| Digital Format | JPEG, 24-bit RGB true color |
| Digital File Size | 40KB to 120KB |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Printed vs Digital & Passport Photos
Understanding the difference between different photo requirements can prevent unnecessary rejections.
Printed photo vs digital photo
For China visa applications, printed photo specifications focus on millimeter measurements (33mm wide × 48mm high), whereas digital online submissions via COVA focus on pixel counts (354 × 472 pixels standard; some centers mention up to 420 × 560px), specific file sizes (40KB–120KB), and JPEG 24-bit RGB format.
China visa photo vs passport photo
A standard China visa photo is 33mm wide × 48mm high, which differs from standard US passport photos (2 × 2 inches) and Schengen/Japanese passport photos (35mm × 45mm). You cannot assume your standard passport photo is accepted.
Embassy requirements may vary by location
Embassies, consulates, and Visa Application Service Centers in different countries or regions may use slightly different wording or specific validation rules. Always check the official website of the specific center where you will apply.
How to Prepare a China Visa Photo on Your Phone
- 1
Take a photo in front of a plain white wall with even, natural lighting.
- 2
Adjust your face position using the template overlay guide.
- 3
Check that the background is plain white or near-white, with no shadows on your face or behind you.
- 4
Export the prepared photo as a print layout (33mm × 48mm) and/or a JPEG (354×472px, 40–120KB).
- 5
Double-check all official embassy or visa center requirements before uploading or printing.
Common Mistakes (Reasons for Rejection)
Many visa photo submissions are rejected due to simple errors. Avoid these common mistakes:
Shadows on Face or Background
Uneven lighting or standing too close to the wall can create shadows. Ensure soft, even lighting with no shadows on the face or behind the head.
Glasses & Reflections
Glasses are not prohibited, but removing them is strongly recommended. Thick frames, dark lenses, glare, and frames that cover the eyes often lead to rejection.
Incorrect Head Size
Your head must take up between 60% and 75% of the photo height. Tilted heads are also not allowed.
Hair Covering Ears or Eyebrows
It is safest to keep your forehead, eyebrows, and ears clearly visible. Official guidance from some embassies states that ears should be visible. Avoid letting hair cover your eyes, eyebrows, or face contour.
White Clothes on White Background
Avoid white or very light clothing because it can blend into the white background. Darker clothing provides clearer separation.
Wrong File Size or Dimensions
The COVA digital upload requires a JPEG between 40KB and 120KB at 354 × 472 pixels. The wrong file size or resolution will fail the upload validation.
How the App Helps You Prepare Your Photo
✓ On-Screen Template Guide
Align your face with the official guide lines to easily meet the strict height and width specifications.
✓ Background Check & Guidance
Check whether the background is plain white or near-white, with no shadows. It is safest to take the photo in front of a white wall from the start. If your photo includes a background cleanup feature, use it carefully and verify the final image looks natural.
✓ COVA-Style JPEG Export
Export a 354×472px JPEG between 40KB and 120KB, formatted for COVA-style digital upload requirements. Final acceptance depends on the COVA upload check, visa center, embassy or consulate.
✓ Privacy First Processing
All image adjustments are processed entirely on your device. Your photos are never sent to a server.
Note: This app is an independent photo formatting tool to assist in preparation. It is not affiliated with COVA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, any Chinese embassy or consulate, or any visa application center. It does not submit visa applications or guarantee acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the China visa photo requirements?
A China visa photo must be 33mm wide × 48mm high for paper submissions, taken within the last 6 months, with the applicant facing forward, no hat, white or near-white plain background, and a clear image with no shadows. Head height should be 28–33mm, head width 15–22mm.
What size is a China visa photo?
For paper submissions: 33mm wide × 48mm high. Official pages may list this as '48mm × 33mm' (height × width). For COVA digital uploads: 354 × 472 pixels (standard), with some centers mentioning up to 420 × 560px. Always follow the upload screen or local visa center instructions.
Is China visa photo 33mm × 48mm or 48mm × 33mm?
Both refer to the same photo: 33mm wide and 48mm high. Official Chinese embassy and COVA pages sometimes write '48mm × 33mm', meaning height × width.
What are the COVA digital photo requirements?
JPEG, 24-bit RGB true color, 354 × 472 pixels, file size 40KB–120KB. Some visa center pages mention ranges up to 420 × 560px. 354 × 472px is the safest standard COVA output.
Does a China visa photo need to be 354 × 472 pixels?
For COVA online uploads, 354 × 472px is the standard requirement and the safest choice. Some centers mention up to 420 × 560px. Always follow the specific upload screen or local visa center instructions.
What file size is required?
40KB–120KB in JPEG format. Files outside this range will fail the COVA upload validation.
What background is required?
Plain white or near-white with no shadows, patterns, or objects. Take the photo in front of a white wall with even lighting.
Can I use background replacement?
The safest approach is to photograph in front of a white or near-white wall from the start. If your photo includes a background cleanup feature, use it carefully and verify the final image looks natural with no edge artifacts. Background replacement does not guarantee acceptance.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are not prohibited, but removing them is strongly recommended. If worn: thin frames only, no dark lenses, no glare, frames must not cover or overlap the eyes. Eyes must be clearly visible.
Should my ears and eyebrows be visible?
Yes, it is safest to keep your forehead, eyebrows, and ears clearly visible. Some official guidance states ears should be visible, so tuck long hair behind your ears. Avoid hair covering the eyes, eyebrows, or face contour.
Can I wear white clothes?
Avoid white or very light clothing because it can blend into the white background. Darker clothing provides clearer separation.
Do I need a printed photo or digital upload?
It depends on your application route. COVA online requires a digital upload (JPEG, 354×472px, 40–120KB). Some procedures may also require printed photos. Check the specific embassy, consulate, or visa center instructions.
Do I need to write my name on the back of the printed photo?
Some procedures or centers may require information such as your name on the back of printed photos. Check the specific embassy, consulate, or visa center instructions.
Does this app submit my visa application?
No. The app formats and exports a photo file. You must complete and submit your application through the official COVA portal or your local embassy or consulate.
Is this an official China visa app?
No. This is an independent photo formatting tool, not affiliated with COVA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, any Chinese embassy or consulate, or any visa application center.
Does this app guarantee acceptance?
No. The app helps you prepare a photo file, but final acceptance depends on the COVA upload check, visa center, embassy or consulate.
Are photos uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens on your iPhone. Photos are never sent to a server.
What are common reasons a China visa photo may be rejected?
Background shadows, hair covering the eyebrows or eyes, glasses with thick frames or glare, white clothing blending into the background, incorrect head dimensions, file size outside 40–120KB, or a photo older than 6 months.
Ready to Prepare Your Visa Photo?
Get a formatted photo file matching official sizes using your iPhone in minutes.
Download on the App Store