Everything you need to know about China visa photo requirements (中国签证照片), including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | China (中国) |
| Document Type | Visa |
| Photo Size | 33 × 48 mm |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Pixel Size (at 600 DPI) | 354 × 472 pixels |
| Head Width | 15–22 mm |
| Head Height | 28–33 mm (chin to crown) |
| Background Color | White |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Quantity Required | 2 identical photographs |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital File Size | 40–120 KB JPEG |
China visa photos follow the standards set by the Chinese immigration authorities. The 33×48mm format is the standard size used for all types of Chinese visa applications, including tourist visa (L), business visa (M), work visa (Z), student visa (X), transit visa (G), and crew visa (C). Below is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your photo.
If you are applying through the COVA (China Online Visa Application) system, the digital photo must meet these additional requirements:
Glasses are NOT allowed in Chinese visa photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, before taking the photo.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant China visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.
Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile — a straight, serious expression is required.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
A China visa photo must be 33×48mm. The digital version at 600 DPI should be 354×472 pixels. The head height should be 28–33mm from chin to crown, and head width should be 15–22mm.
No. Glasses are strictly not permitted in Chinese visa photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official China visa photo requirements.
For the COVA (China Online Visa Application) system, the digital photo should be 354×472 to 420×560 pixels. The width must not be less than 256 pixels. The file size should be 40–120 KB in JPEG format.
Typically 2 identical photographs are required for a China visa application. Check with the specific embassy or consulate for their exact requirements.
The 33×48mm format is used for all standard China visa types, including tourist visa (L), business visa (M), work visa (Z), student visa (X), transit visa (G), and crew visa (C).
If your visa photo doesn't meet the requirements, your visa application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit.
