China Visa Photo Requirements
Updated for 2026. Based on CVASC guidelines and consulate requirements.
Photo specifications
| Print size | 33 x 48 mm (1.3 x 1.9 inches) |
| Digital size | 354 x 472 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | Plain white |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | 40 – 120 KB |
| Head height | 28 – 33 mm |
Rules
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed, no smile.
- Glasses: Not allowed.
- Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.
- Ears: Both ears must be clearly visible. This is strictly enforced — hair covering ears is one of the most common rejection reasons.
- Forehead: Must be fully visible. Bangs or fringe covering the forehead will be rejected.
- Head coverings: Not allowed unless for religious reasons.
- Background: Plain white. No patterns or shadows.
- Lighting: Even, no shadows on face or background.
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months.
Common rejection reasons
- Hair covering ears (the #1 rejection reason on COVA)
- Bangs or fringe covering forehead or eyebrows
- File size outside the 40–120 KB range
- Photo dimensions not exactly 354 x 472 pixels
- Background not pure white
- Wearing glasses
COVA online application
If you're applying through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system, your photo is checked automatically on upload. The system is strict about dimensions, file size, and ear/forehead visibility. PassportPix produces photos that meet these exact specifications.
Official sources
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