China visa photo requirements: 33 × 48 mm and the COVA upload
China's Consular Department, via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), uses one photo specification across visa categories: a distinctive 33 × 48 mm (33 mm wide, 48 mm tall) — neither the 35 × 45 mm nor the 51 × 51 mm size most other countries in this guide collection use. The same spec applies whether you are applying for a tourist, business, work or student visa; only the application paperwork changes by category.
First check whether you need a visa at all
China's unilateral visa-exemption scheme currently covers around 50 countries: most of the European Union, the UK and Canada (both since 17 February 2026), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and others. It allows stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges and transit, and it runs until 31 December 2026. Holders of ordinary Russian passports have a separate 30-day trial, from 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026. Study, work and moving to China still require a visa, and so does any stay longer than 30 days. Those end dates matter: the scheme is temporary, so confirm your own nationality with China's National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese mission before you apply — and before you pay for a photo.
Quick answer
33 × 48 mm, white background, glasses allowed
A Chinese visa photo is 33 × 48 mm (33 mm wide, 48 mm tall); the head measures 21–22 mm wide, 28–33 mm tall (chin to crown), the safe width being narrower than some centres allow because different centres publish different bands. The background is white or close to white, expression neutral, eyes open, ears visible. Glasses are allowed unless thick-rimmed, tinted or catching glare. Whether you also hand in a printed copy depends on the post you apply to — check its document checklist. Last reviewed .
The Chinese visa photo specification
| Size | 33 × 48 mm (33 mm wide, 48 mm tall) [1] |
|---|---|
| Head | 21–22 mm wide, 28–33 mm tall (chin to crown) [1] |
| Background | White or close to white, no edge frame/border and nothing behind you — an everyday snapshot with a scene in the background is not accepted [1] |
| Pose & expression | Full head and face visible, ears visible, neutral expression, eyes open, lips closed |
| Head tilt | No more than 20° left or right and no more than 25° up or down [1] |
| Glasses | Allowed except thick-rimmed, tinted or glare-producing lenses See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious head coverings allowed if facial features stay fully visible; hats otherwise not permitted |
| Photo age | Colour photo, taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital upload (COVA) | JPEG only, at least 354 × 472 px, file size 40–120 KB [2] |
| Print paper | Glossy photo paper — not textured paper and not ordinary printer paper [1] |
| Print condition | No creases, marks or damage; no red-eye and no visible distortion [1] |
| Printed copy | Depends on where you apply: some posts still ask for one print alongside the COVA upload, others no longer do. Check your own post's document checklist |
The CVASC notice itself states the size as "48 × 33 mm" (height first) rather than the "33 × 48 mm" (width first) convention used elsewhere on this page — same two numbers, just a different citation order. Either way, the photo is taller than it is wide. Head width is the one figure official sources disagree on: the Brussels and Singapore centres publish 15–22 mm while Canberra publishes 21–24 mm, so the table gives the 21–22 mm overlap that satisfies both. On the digital upload, the official text sets a minimum resolution and a file-size window but publishes no maximum resolution anywhere.
Visa categories — one photo spec, different applications
China's visa categories share the exact photo specification above; what differs between them is the purpose of travel and the supporting documents the application needs. Processing is normally 4 working days (regular), 3 (express) or 2 (rush), counted from the day the application is accepted. Express and rush are not offered everywhere — several centres have suspended them or limit them to humanitarian cases — so confirm availability, the current fee and the timeline for your nationality with the post that will handle your file.
| Code | Category | Typical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| L | Tourist | Tourism and visiting family or friends |
| M | Business | Trade, business and commercial activity |
| Z | Work | Employment in China, after a work permit notification |
| X | Student | Study at a Chinese institution (JW201/JW202 or admission notice) |
Sources
- [1] Chinese Visa Application Service Center, photo requirements notice — official specification for size, head placement and background. visaforchina.cn ↗
- [2] Chinese Visa Application Service Center, frequently asked questions — the JPEG format, minimum resolution and file-size window for the COVA upload. visaforchina.cn FAQ ↗
Verified . We monitor visaforchina.cn and the COVA portal for changes.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Chinese visa photo?
China uses a distinctive 33 × 48 mm (33 mm wide, 48 mm tall) format — not the 35 × 45 mm or 51 × 51 mm sizes most other countries use. Head height is 28–33 mm from chin to crown in every version of the rules. Head width is where official centres disagree: most publish 15–22 mm, while some (Canberra among them) publish 21–24 mm. Aim for 21–22 mm — that band satisfies both versions, so the same print works whichever centre handles your file.
Can I wear glasses in my Chinese visa photo?
Yes — unlike several other countries in this guide collection, China allows glasses. The one restriction is on the frame and lenses: no thick rims, tinted lenses, or glare/reflection covering the eyes.
I already uploaded my photo on COVA — do I still need a printed copy?
It depends where you apply. Since the rebuilt COVA system went live at Chinese missions in the USA on 30 September 2025, the embassy there lists no paper photo among the documents handed in at the appointment — the successful digital upload is enough. Several other posts, Canada and Italy among them, still ask for one printed 33 × 48 mm photo. Check the document checklist of the post covering your residence, and take a print with you if in doubt.
Is the photo requirement different for tourist, business, work or student visas?
No. The 33 × 48 mm photo specification is the same across China's visa categories — L (tourist), M (business), Z (work), X (student) and others. What changes by category is the application form and supporting documents (invitation letters, work permit notification, admission notice), not the photo.
What is the difference between COVA, CVASC and the embassy?
COVA is the online system where the application form and digital photo are submitted; it is now reached at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/, as the older cova.mfa.gov.cn address no longer serves the form. It has been in use for years, and a rebuilt version went live at Chinese missions in the USA on 30 September 2025. Where a CVASC — the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (visaforchina.cn) — exists, that outsourced centre takes your documents in person. Where there is none, and the USA is the largest example, you go directly to the visa office of the embassy or consulate. The Chinese embassy or consulate issues the visa either way.
How old can a Chinese visa photo be?
It should be a recent colour photo, taken within the last 6 months, so it reflects your current appearance.
Related cross-country guides
Check your photo against China's exact spec
Upload a photo and Anfas.Pro checks it against China's 33 × 48 mm frame, head placement and background rule before you print it. And before that, check whether you need a visa at all — nationals of around 50 countries can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.