Taiwan Visa and eVisa Photo 2026: BOCA Requirements (35x45 mm & 531x413 px)
In short. Official BOCA requirements for Taiwan visa photos: 35x45 mm size, white background, and for an electronic visa (eVisa) — a digital format of at least 531x413 px.
- The size of a paper photo for a Taiwan visa is 35x45 mm.
- A digital photo for an eVisa must have a resolution of at least 413x531 px and a size of up to 5 MB.
- The head must occupy 70-80% of the photo area (32-36 mm from the chin to the crown).
- The background must be pure white, without shadows or foreign objects.
- Glasses are allowed, but without glare and thick frames that cover the eyes.
Main rule for 2026: The Bureau of Consular Affairs of Taiwan (BOCA) requires strict adherence to the photo standard for all types of visas. For paper submission, the size is 35x45 mm, and for an electronic visa (eVisa) or online upload — a digital file with a resolution of at least 531 pixels in height and 413 pixels in width.
What has changed and current requirements
Taiwan uses standards close to the requirements of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), but has its own specific digital parameters for online systems. The photo must be taken no earlier than 6 months before submitting the application.
| Parameter | Paper photo (Standard Visa) | Digital photo (eVisa / Online) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35 mm (width) x 45 mm (height) | Minimum 413 px (width) x 531 px (height) |
| Head size | 32–36 mm (from chin to crown) | 70–80% of the total photo area |
| Background | Pure white, without shadows | Pure white, without shadows |
| File format | High-quality photo paper | JPG / JPEG, RGB (24-bit), up to 5 MB |
Who this applies to
These rules are mandatory for all foreigners, including citizens of Ukraine, who are applying for:
- Visitor Visas, including visas for studying the Chinese language.
- Resident Visas for work, study, or family reunification.
- Electronic visas (eVisa) through the BOCA portal.
- Digital Nomad Visas.
What to do now
- Check the size: Make sure the photo is exactly 35x45 mm. The American 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) format is not accepted.
- Adjust the lighting: Use even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The "red-eye" effect is not allowed.
- Remove thick-framed glasses: Glasses are allowed, but the frame must not cover the eyes, and there should be no glare on the lenses. Tinted lenses are prohibited (except for medical reasons).
- Maintain a neutral facial expression: Look straight into the camera, the mouth must be closed (no smiling), and the eyes open.
- Prepare the digital file: For online submission, save the photo in JPG/JPEG (RGB) format up to 5 MB in size and with a resolution of at least 413x531 pixels.
Common mistakes
- Incorrect background: Using a gray, blue, or textured background instead of pure white.
- Hair covering the face: Hair must not cover the eyebrows or eyes. Both edges of the face and ears must be clearly visible.
- Headwear: Prohibited, except for religious or medical reasons (in which case the face from the chin to the top of the forehead must be visible).
- Photo editing: Any retouching, altering of facial features, or use of filters will result in a visa refusal.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Can I smile in my Taiwan visa photo?
- No, according to BOCA rules, the facial expression must be neutral, the mouth closed, and teeth must not be visible.
- Is a 51x51 mm (2x2 inch) photo acceptable?
- No, Taiwan requires photos sized 35x45 mm. The American 2x2 inch standard is not accepted.
- What are the requirements for a digital eVisa photo?
- The digital photo must be in JPG/JPEG format, RGB (24-bit) color model, up to 5 MB in size, with a minimum resolution of 413 pixels in width and 531 pixels in height.