China Visa Photo Requirements (33 x 48 mm, White Background)
Travelers applying for a Chinese visa — whether through a Chinese embassy, a CVASC (China Visa Application Service Center), or the online COVA portal — need a photo that follows a very specific format. The China visa photo is 33 mm × 48 mm, on a white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and the head measuring around 28-33 mm from chin to crown. The Chinese consular system uses one of the more rigorous biometric checks in the world: photos with off-white backgrounds, shadows, smiles, or visible glare on eyewear are commonly rejected at the counter or by the automated COVA quality checker. This guide explains the Chinese visa photo requirements, outlines the COVA digital upload framework, and shows you how to generate a compliant 33x48 mm photo in under a minute with the free online tool below.
China Visa Photo Requirements (Quick Answer)
A China visa photo is generally 33 mm × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm), on a plain white background, with the head measuring approximately 28–33 mm from chin to crown, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 33 × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm) |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 390 × 567 px |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 28 – 33 mm |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Age of photo | Within last 6 months |
| Typical submission | 1 printed photo + 1 digital JPEG |
CVASC appointment soon? Generate a 33x48 mm China-ready photo in 60 seconds.
Create China Visa Photo →China Visa Photo Visual Reference
Portrait orientation, 11:16 ratio
The China visa photo uses an unusual 11:16 aspect ratio — taller and narrower than the 35x45 mm format used by most other countries. The head occupies 70-80% of the vertical frame against a plain white background, with the face centered and both ears visible where possible.
Chinese Visa Photo Requirements
The same 33 x 48 mm specification is referred to by several different names depending on the source — Chinese visa photo, China visa picture, China visa photograph, Chinese embassy visa photo, or simply "the COVA photo". All refer to the identical biometric format.
| Term | Same Specification? | Where You'll See It |
|---|---|---|
| China visa photo | ✅ Yes | CVASC application forms |
| Chinese visa photo | ✅ Yes | Embassy websites & guides |
| China visa picture | ✅ Yes | Travel agencies & visa services |
| China visa photograph | ✅ Yes | Formal application checklists |
| Chinese embassy visa photo | ✅ Yes | Direct embassy submissions |
| COVA photo | ✅ Yes | Online visa upload portal |
| China visa dimensions | ✅ Yes | Photo size queries |
Full China Visa Photo Requirements
The following table consolidates the photo rules used by the Chinese embassy, the CVASC application centers, and the COVA online visa system. Submission centers apply these strictly — non-compliant photos must usually be replaced before the application proceeds.
| Photo size | 33 mm × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm / 1.30 × 1.89 in) |
|---|---|
| Width | 33 mm (390 px @ 300 DPI) |
| Height | 48 mm (567 px @ 300 DPI) |
| Background | Plain white — uniform, no shadows, patterns, or objects |
| Head size (chin to crown) | Approximately 28 – 33 mm |
| Eye position | Eyes roughly two-thirds up the photo, looking at the camera |
| Face coverage | 70 – 80% of frame height |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum for printed photos |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) for COVA digital uploads |
| Digital file specs (COVA) | Performed by the official automated quality checker — verify current values on the COVA portal |
| Color | 24-bit color, sRGB, natural skin tones, no filters or beautification |
| Glasses | Generally discouraged; may cause rejection if they create glare, obscure the eyes, or interfere with biometric checks |
| Headwear | Not permitted unless worn for religious reasons, with the face fully visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and looking at the camera |
| Ears | Both ears should be visible where possible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity | Typically 1 printed photo affixed to the application form + 1 digital JPEG for COVA |
China Visa Photo Dimensions & Pixels
The 33 x 48 mm format is unique to Chinese consular documents — no other major country uses this exact size, which is why generic passport photos from other applications are commonly rejected for Chinese visas.
Need a 390 × 567 pixel China-ready file with a white background? Use the Passport Photo Maker to generate one automatically.
For a full breakdown of pixel sizes across every country's passport and visa standard, see our passport photo size in pixels reference. To compare with other formats, see 35x45 photo size (used by most non-US visas) and 2x2 photo size (US standard).
COVA Online Upload
The Chinese visa application can be initiated through the COVA (China Online Visa Application) portal. The portal accepts a JPEG upload and performs an automated photo quality check before allowing submission. Upload requirements are set by the portal itself and can be revised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| COVA Requirement | General Guidance |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Color mode | 24-bit color (sRGB) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head position | Face centered, eyes facing the camera |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Pixel dimensions & file size | Verify the latest values on the official COVA portal — limits may change |
| Quality check | Automated review before submission |
COVA photo specifications can change over time. Always confirm the current digital upload rules on the official Chinese visa application portal before you submit.
China Visa Photo vs China Passport Photo
People frequently confuse the Chinese visa photo and the Chinese passport photo because they share the same physical size. The differences come down to who the photo is for, who issues the document, and where the photo is submitted.
| Requirement | China Visa Photo | China Passport Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 33 × 48 mm | 33 × 48 mm |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 390 × 567 px | 390 × 567 px |
| Aspect ratio | 11 : 16 | 11 : 16 |
| Background | Plain white | Plain white |
| Head height | 28 – 33 mm | 28 – 33 mm |
| Issuing authority | Chinese embassy / CVASC / COVA | National Immigration Administration of China |
| Used by | Foreign travelers visiting China | Chinese citizens applying for their own passport |
| Submission | CVASC / embassy / COVA upload | Local exit-entry administration office in China |
| Photographer rules | Self-taken or photo studio | Often captured at the official appointment in China |
If you are a Chinese citizen looking for the passport version of this photo, see our upcoming China passport photo guide.
China Visa Photo by Visa Type
The 33 x 48 mm photo specification applies across every category of Chinese visa, from short-term tourism to long-term work. The same biometric photo is reused on the application form, the COVA upload, and the printed visa sticker.
Applying for any China visa category above?
Create China Visa Photo →Create Your China Visa Photo Online
The Chinese 33 x 48 mm photo combines three things that are hard to get right manually: an unusual 11:16 crop ratio, a 28-33 mm head height, and a plain white background that the COVA quality checker reviews automatically.
Our Passport Photo Maker handles all three. Upload any portrait, the system detects your face, applies the China-specific crop, replaces the background with white, and exports a 390 × 567 pixel JPEG ready for printing and COVA upload.
Upload your photo and our Passport Photo Maker automatically:
- Crops the photo correctly to the 33 x 48 mm China visa frame
- Centers your face within the 28-33 mm biometric head range
- Applies the required white background
- Creates a compliant photo at 390 x 567 pixels for printing
- Generates a COVA-ready JPEG for online upload
How to Meet China Visa Photo Requirements
- Take a high-resolution photo — Stand 4-5 feet from a plain white wall in soft, even daylight. Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression and closed mouth. Remove hats and large jewelry; if you wear glasses, consider removing them to avoid glare and biometric issues.
- Open the Passport Photo Maker — Visit the ClonyPDF Passport Photo Maker and drag your image into the upload area.
- Select the China Visa preset — Choose the 33 x 48 mm China Visa option. The tool locks the 11:16 crop ratio, the 28-33 mm chin-to-crown rule, and the white background.
- Auto-crop and verify — Face detection centers your head within the China frame. The tool flags framing issues before you export.
- Download the result — Export a 390 × 567 pixel JPEG plus a print-ready 4 × 6 inch sheet. Use the print for the application form and the digital file for the COVA upload.
CVASC and Chinese Embassy Submission
In most countries Chinese visa applications are handled by the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) rather than directly at the embassy. The photo requirements are the same in both channels.
| Submission Path | Photo Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CVASC application center | 33 x 48 mm printed + digital upload | Photo affixed to application form during appointment |
| Chinese embassy (direct) | 33 x 48 mm printed | Available in some countries — check local embassy |
| COVA online portal | JPEG with automated quality check | Verify current upload rules before submission |
| Group visa / express service | 33 x 48 mm printed | Same standard, faster processing time |
Bring the printed 33 x 48 mm photo to your CVASC appointment with sharp, freshly cut edges. Officers can refuse photos with bent corners or glue residue from previous applications.
Why China Visa Photos Get Rejected
Wrong Dimensions
Photo cropped to 35x45 mm (Schengen) or 2x2 inch (US) instead of the 33x48 mm Chinese specification. Most generic passport photos do not match.
Wrong Background
Off-white, cream, light grey, or colored backgrounds are commonly rejected. China requires a uniform plain white background with no shadows.
Glasses With Glare
If glasses are worn, reflections or partially hidden eyes commonly trigger rejection. Many applicants remove their glasses to be safe.
Head Outside 28-33 mm
Chin-to-crown measurement is too small or too large, breaking the Chinese consular framing rules.
Smile or Open Mouth
The COVA automated check expects a neutral expression with closed lips. Smiles and open mouths commonly fail.
Shadows on Face or Wall
Side lighting creates shadows under the chin or on the wall behind the head. The lighting must be even.
Old Photo
Photos older than 6 months are rejected, especially if they appear on previous Chinese visa applications.
COVA Upload Failure
JPEG outside the COVA portal's current pixel or file-size limits fails the automated upload check.
Ears Hidden
Hair covering one or both ears, or styled to obscure the side of the face, can fail Chinese biometric checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the China visa photo requirements?
The photo is generally 33 x 48 mm, on a white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and the head measuring around 28-33 mm from chin to crown. Both ears should be visible where possible, and the lighting must be even with no shadows.
What is the Chinese visa photo size?
The Chinese visa photo size is 33 mm × 48 mm (3.3 × 4.8 cm or 1.30 × 1.89 inches). At 300 DPI it equals approximately 390 × 567 pixels with an 11:16 aspect ratio.
What background color is required?
A plain white background. The background must be uniform with no shadows or patterns. Off-white, light grey, and any colored background are commonly rejected.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are generally discouraged and may cause rejection if they create glare, obscure the eyes, or interfere with biometric checks. Many applicants remove them. Tinted lenses are not accepted.
How recent must the photo be?
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Reusing photos from previous Chinese visa applications is generally not permitted.
Can I take a Chinese visa photo at home?
Yes. Use a smartphone or digital camera against a plain white wall in soft daylight, then upload the image to our Passport Photo Maker to apply the 33 x 48 mm crop, head size, and background standard.
What is the head size in a China visa photo?
The face from chin to crown should measure around 28 to 33 mm and occupy 70-80% of the vertical frame, with the eyes roughly two-thirds up the photo.
Can I upload a digital photo to the COVA portal?
Yes. The COVA portal accepts a JPEG upload and runs an automated quality check. Specifications may change over time, so always verify the current upload rules on the official COVA portal before submitting.
How many photos do I need?
Most Chinese visa applications require 1 recent printed photo affixed to the application form, plus 1 digital JPEG uploaded to the COVA system. Confirm with the CVASC center or embassy handling your application.
Is the Chinese visa photo the same as the Schengen visa photo?
No. Schengen visa photos are 35 x 45 mm with a light-colored background, while Chinese visa photos are 33 x 48 mm with a plain white background and a different aspect ratio (11:16 vs 7:9). They are not interchangeable. See our Schengen visa photo requirements guide for the European format.
Can I use my phone camera?
Yes. Modern smartphone cameras far exceed the resolution required for Chinese visa photos. The challenge is the precise 11:16 crop, white background, and COVA upload constraints — all handled automatically by our tool.
Related Passport Photo Tools
Official Sources & References
- China Online Visa Application (COVA) Portal — cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China — Visa Application Guidelines
- China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) — visaforchina.cn
- Local Chinese embassies and consulates — country-specific visa pages
- ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents biometric photograph standard
Create Your China Visa Photo Now
Skip the visa center photo studio fee. Upload one image and download a 33 × 48 mm China visa photo at 390 × 567 pixels — with the plain white background and biometric head proportions applied automatically — in under 60 seconds. Print one copy for the application form and keep the digital JPEG ready for your COVA upload.
Create China Visa Photo →