China Visa Photo: check yours against the official spec
A China visa photo is 33 mm wide by 48 mm high, with the head 28 to 33 mm tall and 15 to 22 mm wide, against a white or close-to-white background. Both ears must be visible, eyes open, lips closed, with a neutral expression. The digital upload for the COVA online form is 354 x 472 pixels, JPEG, between 40 KB and 120 KB. A US-style square 2 x 2 photo will be rejected: China uses its own 33 x 48 mm format.
Use a clear, front-facing photo against a plain white wall in even light. We measure and crop it. We never edit the pixels you submit.
China visa photo requirements
| Photo size | 1 1/4 × 1 7/8 inches (33 × 48 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 in (28 to 33 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 3/4 to 1 1/4 in (20 to 32 mm) |
| Background | white or close to white |
| Digital file | JPEG, at least 354 × 354 px |
Common reasons a China visa photo is rejected
- The photo is the wrong shape. A square US-style 2 x 2 photo is rejected; China requires its own 33 x 48 mm format with the head 28 to 33 mm tall and 15 to 22 mm wide.
- Ears are not visible, eyes are closed, lips are open, or the head is tilted more than 20 degrees left/right or 25 degrees up/down.
- Thick-rimmed or tinted glasses, or glare on the lenses. Ordinary glasses are otherwise allowed.
- The digital file is outside the 40 KB to 120 KB JPEG range. The 40 KB minimum is unusual: over-compressed files fail the upload check.
“Photos must not be changed using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.”
U.S. Department of State, passport photo requirements
Photo rejections are common, and you pay twice
A rejected photo means a delayed application and paying again for a retake. It's one of the most common problems people hit when applying, and it's exactly what this tool is built to catch before you submit:
- r/Passports: the many reasons photos get rejected →
- r/travel: struggling to get a visa photo under the file-size limit →
- MoneySavingExpert: a rejected UK passport photo and the redo →
We measure your photo against the official spec, never AI-edit it (itself a rejection reason as of 2026), and back it accepted-or-your-money-back.
What a passport photo really costs
The photo is the cheap part. The expensive part is a rejection: redo fees, another queue, and a delayed application or trip. Here is the honest comparison:
| Pharmacy or retail (CVS, Walgreens)$16 to $17 per attempt | No compliance guarantee. A rejection means paying and queueing again. |
|---|---|
| USPS photo serviceabout $15 | Same deal: rejected means a second visit and a second fee. |
| Cheap online photo editors$1 to $3 | Most replace your background with software. Edited photos are a documented rejection reason for the US, UK and Canada since 2026, and refunds usually cover technical failures only. |
| Compliant Passport PhotoFree check. $9 only if it passes | We measure and crop your original, never edit it. Accepted or your money back. |
Retail prices are typical 2026 US prices and vary by location. Our guarantee: accepted or your money back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a US passport photo for a China visa?
No. A square 2 x 2 inch photo will be rejected. China uses its own 33 mm x 48 mm format with specific head height (28 to 33 mm) and head width (15 to 22 mm) requirements.
What are the digital photo requirements for a China visa (COVA)?
The COVA online application specifies 354 x 472 pixels, JPEG format, between 40 KB and 120 KB. Some visa centre notices allow up to 420 x 560 pixels, but 354 x 472 is the safest target. Note the unusual 40 KB minimum: a file compressed too small will fail.
Do my ears need to be visible in a China visa photo?
Yes. Both ears must be visible, with eyes open, lips closed, and a neutral expression. Head tilt is limited to 20 degrees left or right and 25 degrees up or down.
Can I wear glasses in a China visa photo?
Ordinary glasses are allowed, but thick-rimmed frames, tinted lenses, and any glare on the lenses are not.
What kind of paper do printed China visa photos need?
Glossy photo paper. Matte prints are not accepted, and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.