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Last update: 10/16/2025

Written byJustine

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Important Details When Taking a China Visa Photo

Planning to apply for a China visa? It's crucial to understand the China visa photo requirements set by the Chinese authorities to ensure your application is successful. A compliant China visa photo is an essential part of the visa application process. By adhering to the official guidelines, you can avoid delays or rejections.

China Visa Photo Requirements We Comply With:

Printed Photo Specifications:

• Size and Dimensions: The photo must measure 33mm x 48mm (approximately 1.3 × 1.9 inches)
• Head Dimensions: Head width must be 15–22mm, and head height 28–33mm from chin to crown
• Head Position: Your head should occupy 70-80% of the photo, centered and facing forward
• Background: Solid white or near-white background without any patterns, shadows, or borders
• Photo Quality: High-resolution and in focus, with natural skin tones (not over or under-exposed)
• Printing: Must be printed on glossy photo paper (not matte or plain paper), with no creases, stains, or damage

Digital Photo Requirements (for Online Application):

• Format: JPEG format only
• Dimensions: Between 354×472 pixels and ~420×560 pixels
• File Size: 40–120 KB
• Upload Method: Digital photo is uploaded via the new China Online Visa Application (COVA) system launched September 30, 2025
• Important: Even after successful digital upload, you must bring a printed 33×48mm photo to the consulate for in-person submission and attach it to your printed COVA form

Need help uploading your photo to the new COVA system? See our detailed step-by-step COVA photo upload guide with screenshots.

Facial and Expression Requirements:

• Pose: Face the camera directly with both eyes open
• Expression: Neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed (no smiling or frowning)
• Head Position: No tilt beyond 20° to left/right or 25° up/down
• Visibility: Entire face and ears must be visible and clearly identifiable

Attire and Accessories:

• Eyewear: Glasses are allowed only if they are not thick-framed, tinted, and cause no glare; eyes must be clearly visible
• Prohibited: Sunglasses, tinted lenses, or any obscuring accessories
• Headgear: No headgear or hats unless worn for religious reasons (facial features must remain fully visible)
• Clothing: Normal, everyday clothing; uniforms (especially military attire) are not allowed
• Avoid: White clothing that blends with the background, heavy makeup, or unnatural appearance

Timing Requirements:

• Recentness: Photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance

Ear Visibility Requirements:

According to the official guidelines from the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R. China, ears must be explicitly visible in Chinese visa photos:

• Ears Must Be Visible: The official requirements specifically state that "ears visible" is a mandatory requirement for Chinese visa photos.

• Complete Facial Features: All facial features should be complete and clearly visible, with the head centered in the photo.

• Head Position Requirements: The head position should be ≤20° left or right tilt, and ≤25° up or down tilt to ensure proper visibility of all facial features including ears.

• No Face Obstruction: The guidelines emphasize that any facial features should not be obscured, which includes ears.

Best Practices for Ear Visibility:

• Style long hair to ensure ears are completely visible
• Avoid hairstyles that cover or partially cover the ears
• Ensure proper head positioning within the specified tilt limits
• Maintain neutral expression with eyes open and lips closed while keeping ears visible

Important Notes:

• The photo must clearly identify the applicant and meet all specifications
• Any photo that fails to meet these standards may result in visa application rejection
• Always bring a compliant photo to avoid delays, even if digital upload was successful
• Processing times and requirements may vary by consulate location

For the complete set of China visa photo requirements, please visit the official website or consult the China Visa Application Service Center.

Known Issue with New COVA System (September 2025)

Important: The new COVA system (launched September 30, 2025) sometimes displays a "The photo check failed." error message even when photos meet all official requirements.

This is a common platform bug that Chinese authorities are aware of and working to fix. If you encounter this error:

• ✅ Continue with your application - Don't stop because of this error
• ✅ Your photo is still valid - If it meets the specifications above, it will be accepted
• ✅ Manual review applies - Consular officers manually review all photos and accept compliant ones regardless of the automated system error
• ✅ Snap2Pass photos work - Our photos meet all official requirements and are accepted during the final review

Bottom line: If you see "The photo check failed." with a compliant photo from Snap2Pass, proceed with confidence. The error is in the system, not your photo.

Get Your China Visa Photo Online

At Snap2Pass, we make it easy to get your China visa photo online. Our service ensures your photo meets all the China passport photo requirements, saving you time and hassle. You can even get your China passport photo online free with our special offers.

Conclusion

Following the official China visa photo requirements—size 33 × 48 mm, white background, ears visible—is non-negotiable if you want your visa approved on the first try. Snap2Pass converts any smartphone picture into a flawless, COVA-ready image in under five seconds and backs it with AI expert review.

Helpful Resources

• How to Upload Your Photo to COVA - Step-by-step guide with screenshots for the new system
• Chinese Visa Photo Requirements Guide - Deep dive into every measurement and rule
• Complete Chinese Visa Application Guide - Full walkthrough of the entire visa process
• Print Your Photos at Walgreens - How to print your 33×48mm photos
• Print Same Day at CVS - Quick printing option for urgent applications
• Amazon Photo vs Walgreens - Compare printing options

Need more answers? Check the related guides and news just below this article—or jump straight in and upload your photo now to create your China visa picture instantly.

Sources

All information compiled from official and authoritative sources. Last updated October 16, 2025.

Official Government Sources

• Chinese Visa Application Service Center - Photo Requirements
• Chinese Embassy in the United States - Visa Information
• Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R. China - Visa Guidelines

Application Process Resources

• China Online Visa Application (COVA) System - New system launched September 30, 2025
• China Visa Application Service Center
• Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the United States

Regulatory Updates

• New COVA System Launch & Tourist Visa Simplification - September 2025: New online system and elimination of flight/hotel requirements
• 2024 Tourist Visa Simplification Notice - Published January 2024
• Visa Fee Adjustment Notice - Updated 2024-2025