Chinese visa photo: make it at home in 2 minutes
Take the photo with your phone. We size it to the official 33 x 48 mm, swap in a white background and check it against the rules before you print or upload. Everything runs in your browser; the photo never leaves your device.
One payment of : the print-ready file, a 4x6 sheet you can print at any pharmacy photo counter for under a dollar, and the digital upload file. Not accepted? Retake as often as you like this session, or ask for a refund.
Downloads open soon.
Chinese visa photo requirements
Applies to: Chinese visa (COVA online application).
| Printed size | 33 x 48 mm (1.30 in x 1.89 in) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 28-33 mm (1.10 in-1.30 in) |
| Background | white |
| Digital file we produce | 354 x 472 px JPEG, under 120 KB |
| Glasses | Not allowed. |
| Babies | Children must look straight at the camera; ears visible. |
| Online upload rules | Digital upload: 354x472 to 420x560 pixels, JPEG, 40-120 KB. |
Checked 2026-10-28 (secondary sources, re-verify). Official source: www.visaforchina.cn. Rules change; if the official page disagrees with us, the official page wins.
How to take it
- Light: face a window during the day. Light from one side throws a shadow across the face, one of the most common reasons for rejection.
- Distance: have someone else hold the phone about 4 feet away at eye level and use the main camera, not the selfie camera. Arm's-length selfies distort the nose and get flagged.
- Pose: look straight at the camera with your mouth closed and a neutral face, hair off the eyes. Remove hats and headphones; religious head coverings are allowed if the face is fully visible.
- Shoot a few: add 3 to 5 shots to the maker. It picks the sharpest one with open eyes and a straight head.
- Print or upload: print the 4x6 sheet at a pharmacy photo counter, or upload the digital file if you apply online.
Questions people ask
What size is a Chinese visa photo?
33 x 48 mm (1.30 in x 1.89 in), with the head measuring 28 to 33 mm from the chin to the top of the hair.
Can I take a Chinese visa photo at home?
Yes. Face a window in daylight, have someone take the photo from about 4 feet away at eye level, and run it through the maker on this page. It sets the head size, replaces the background with white and flags the things that most often get photos rejected.
Can I wear glasses in a Chinese visa photo?
Not allowed.
What about a baby's Chinese visa photo?
Children must look straight at the camera; ears visible. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet, shoot from directly above, and add several shots; the maker keeps the one with the best eyes and framing.
Where do I print it?
Download the 4x6 print sheet and order a standard 4x6 print at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart or Costco photo, online or at the kiosk. Cut along the grey guides.
Need a different document? See every country and size we support, or read why photos get rejected.