China Visa Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Background & Rules
China’s visa photo requirements are stricter than most countries — and non-compliant photos are one of the leading causes of application delays. The key specs: 48mm × 33mm size, pure white background, no glasses, neutral expression, full front-facing face taken within 6 months. The photo must be printed on photo paper — a regular printer on plain paper is not accepted. This page gives every specification, common rejection reasons, and the easiest ways to get a compliant photo.
Table of Contents
What are the exact photo specifications for a China visa?
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 48mm × 33mm (approximately 1.89″ × 1.30″) |
| Background | Pure white — not off-white, cream, light grey or any colour |
| Expression | Neutral — mouth closed, no smiling |
| Eyes | Open, clearly visible, looking directly at camera |
| Glasses | NOT permitted — remove all glasses, including tinted/sunglasses |
| Head covering | Not permitted unless for verified religious reasons |
| Head position | Front-facing, centred, upright — no tilting |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of the frame |
| Hair | Should not cover eyes, eyebrows or face |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Print quality | Colour, printed on photo paper — no pixelation, no blurriness |
| Shadows | None on face or background |
| Number required | Usually 2 identical photos |
What are the most common photo rejection reasons?
Based on consulate feedback, these are the most frequently rejected photo issues:
- Coloured or off-white background — The background must be pure white. Many professional photo studios use an “off-white” or “light grey” that looks white to the eye but fails the check.
- Wearing glasses — Any glasses, including clear prescription glasses, are not permitted. This changed from previous rules — if you had a China visa photo taken before 2020, the rules have since become stricter.
- Hair covering eyebrows or face — If your hair partially covers your eyebrows, pull it back. Eyebrows must be clearly visible.
- Photo too old — Photos taken more than 6 months ago will be rejected. If you’ve used the same photo for multiple passport applications, check the date.
- Printed on plain paper — The photo must be on photographic paper, not regular office paper. The surface should have a slight sheen.
- Too small or too large — The 48×33mm size is specific. A standard passport photo (35×45mm in the UK, 2″×2″ in the US) is the wrong size for a China visa.
- Shadows — Shadows on the face or background are rejected. This is usually caused by poor studio lighting.
Where can I get a China visa photo taken?
Option 1: Passport photo studio (recommended) Tell them specifically: “I need a photo for a Chinese visa — 48×33mm, pure white background, no glasses.” Most high street photo studios (Boots, Snappy Snaps, CVS, Walgreens) can do this. Ask to see the print before paying.
Option 2: Passport photo apps Apps like Passport Photo Online, ID Photo App or Persofoto can generate a compliant digital photo that you then print at a pharmacy or photo kiosk. Ensure you print on photo paper, not plain paper.
Option 3: Self-service photo booths Many booths in train stations, supermarkets and pharmacies offer a “China visa” or “international visa” size option. Select the 48×33mm option specifically.
💡 Bring extra photos: Consulates sometimes reject photos on the spot and ask you to resubmit. Bringing 4 photos instead of 2 gives you backup without needing to reschedule your appointment.
What are the photo requirements for a China visa?
48mm × 33mm size, pure white background, no glasses, neutral expression, eyes open and looking at camera, no head coverings (except for verified religious reasons), taken within 6 months, printed on photo paper. Bring 2 identical photos.
Can I wear glasses in my China visa photo?
No — glasses of any kind, including clear prescription lenses, are not permitted in China visa photos. This rule has been strictly enforced since around 2020.
Is the China visa photo size the same as a standard passport photo?
No — the China visa photo size (48×33mm) is different from the UK standard passport photo (35×45mm) and the US standard (51×51mm / 2″×2″). You need to specifically request or print a 48×33mm size.
Can I use a digital photo for the China visa application?
For the eVisa (online application), yes — you upload a digital photo (JPEG, under 200KB). For traditional embassy applications, you must provide 2 printed photos on photo paper. Some VASCs may accept digital submission, but always confirm with your specific application centre.