China Visa Photo: Tips for a Successful Photo Submission

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Why?

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How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow these simple instruction to take the perfect ID photo.

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

China Visa Photo - Size & Requirements

China Visa Photo: Tips for a Successful Photo Submission

Size

Width: 33 mm

Height: 48 mm

Resolution

600 dpi

Is it suitable for online submission?

Image definition parameters

Head height: 31.5 mm

Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 5 mm

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What our users have to say about us:

very quick and thorough service, sent off my first photo for a visa, received a message to say there were some issues and they would re-do the process for free. 2nd photo was processed within minutes

Niall

I accidentally sent an image that didn’t meet the visa standards. They helped me out by giving me another shot at my photograph. Really helpful customer service. Would use again and highly recommend to another person who needs a passport/visa photo.

Sam

I submitted pictures for a visa process and did not want to go through a particular money to save money. This online option exceeded my expectation. The first pictures I submitted were subpar and they sent an email guiding me to resubmit via email. A real person was interacting with me and allowed me to get this done. I highly recommend.

Adam

More about China Visa Photo - Requirements

Chinese visa photo requirements

A Chinese visa is a document issued by the authorities of the People’s Republic of China that allows foreign citizens to cross the Chinese border by air, sea or land. You must have a valid visa to enter China, and you must leave the country before the expiration of the indicated period of stay.

To apply for a Chinese visa, you must have a passport which is valid for at least another six months. You also have to complete a visa application form, and provide two identical color passport photos taken within the last six months. Your Chinese visa application photographs must satisfy certain requirements, which we cover below.

Chinese visa photograph - general requirements

In general, your Chinese visa photos must be properly focused and exposed. Blurry, overexposed or underexposed pictures are not acceptable. The same rule applies to the contrast (black level and white level): too high or too low will disqualify your picture. And the same again is also true with the color saturation: too much or too little color will not look natural.

The paper photograph must be printed in color on glossy photographic paper. A photo for a Chinese visa must be free of any printing errors such as streaks, blobs and blurs. The image cannot be bent, folded or damaged in any way. If the picture has any marks, stamps or other patterns on it, it will not be accepted.

Also, selfies and photos with fancy filters and special effects are not allowed. Frames and special corners are not permitted, either.

Chinese visa photo size

The required size for a Chinese visa application photo is 33mm wide x 48mm high for printed paper pictures. (In America, that’s about 1.3 x 1.9 inches)

The distance between the head and the upper edge of the picture needs to be between 3 to 5 mm. The required dimensions of the head are 15 to 22mm wide by 28 to 33mm high (from the point of the chin to the top of the head). If the head is too big or too small, or incorrectly positioned, the photo will be rejected.

Electronic photos must be 354 to 420 pixels wide by 472 to 560 pixels high.

It’s important to note that in the United States, most photo booths and shops offer only the 2” x 2” size of passport picture, which is unacceptable for a visa to China. The solution is to get your color photo made online with an app that automatically crops, resizes and checks the photo for you, and can even adjust the background if necessary.

Background in the Chinese visa photo

The background in a Chinese visa application photograph must be a plain white background, free of patterns and shadows. There must not be any other objects or people in the photo with the applicant. If the background is not a uniform white, you will not be granted a visa.

It can be difficult to find a perfect white background, but there is a tool for removing an incorrect background and replacing it with the required plain white background. You can find this tool at Passport Photo Online.

Chinese visa photo requirements—head position and pose

The picture must be taken from in front, with the head centered and the eyes looking directly into the camera lens. The eyes must be open and the mouth closed. In addition to the full face, the neck and the upper part of shoulders must also be visible. We recommend a natural and neutral facial expression, without frowning or smiling.

Eyeglasses and hands-free tools in the Chinese visa photo

If you wear eyeglasses every day, you are permitted to keep them in your Chinese visa photograph provided the lenses are not tinted. Sunglasses are not allowed. If you choose to wear your glasses, be advised that they cannot obscure your face or have any glare on the lenses. Avoid thick, dark, heavy or horn-rimmed style frames. If the frames cover your eyes, your photo will be rejected. Unless your eyeglasses are required for medical reasons (for example, after a recent ocular surgery), it would be easier if you just took them off.

Hearing aids are permitted, but headphones and earbuds are not.

Jewelry, piercings and accessories in Chinese visa photo

Do not wear jewelry! Jewelry is not allowed in Chinese visa photos. Not even for women. This includes earrings, facial piercings, and sunglasses.

Hair and head coverings in the Chinese visa photo

Your hair must not cover your face, eyes, eyebrows or ears. You can have bangs, but the fringe has to be above the eyebrow line. You may have to comb your hair back. Use clips or bobby pins. Give gel or hairspray a try. Needless to say, big hair accessories like ribbons and bows are not allowed.

Hair coverings such as hats, scarves and veils are not allowed, generally speaking. If you must wear one for medical or religious reasons, it cannot obscure or cover your face. Your facial features must be clearly visible.

Clothing in your Chinese visa picture

Just wear your normal clothes when taking the photograph for your Chinese visa. Dark colors are preferred. Do not wear white, because you’ll blend into the white background. It’s important that they can distinguish you from the background.

Where do I get my Chinese visa photo taken?

Keep in mind that the Chinese embassy and Chinese consulates do NOT provide photo service. It is your responsibility to bring a color photo that meets all the basic requirements. Photo booths are not recommended because they usually do not offer the required photo size for a Chinese visa application. You could go to a professional photographer.

Another good idea is to take the picture yourself. Use Passport Photo Online application, and get your photo done in less than one minute. You can be sure that your picture for Chinese will be accepted: we guarantee that the picture you make with us will be accepted by the People's Republic of China’s visa office.

Digital photo or paper photo for a Chinese visa?

Both digital and paper photographs are accepted by Chinese authorities. With our online photo service, you can order a digital version sent to your email address. Download it and get it printed at your neighborhood FedEx Office or CVS Pharmacy. Or have us print it for you, and we’ll ship it to your physical address. Either way, we make sure your photo meets the photo requirements for a Chinese visa application.

Last update: 3/22/23

About the document

China visa - what is this?

A China visa is a document permitting non-Chinese citizens to enter and leave the People's Republic of China. This document may be issued only by a Chinese embassy or consulate, and must be affixed in your passport. There are different types of visas, the most popular is a tourist visa which lets you stay in this country up to 15 days.

Chinese visa for US Citizens

Visa to China is a document that allows to enter the territory of The People’s republic of China as a non-Chinese citizen. In the United States, there are six institutions where one can apply for visa – Chinese Embassy in Washington, Consulate in New York, Consulate in Chicago, Consulate in San Francisco, Consulate in Los Angeles and Consulate in Houston. The document is usually issued within 7 working days. It is worth remembering that one does not need visa when travelling to Hongkong, provided that the stay for tourism purposes is not longer than 90 days.

Do I need a Chinese visa?

If you are not a citizen of Singapore, Brunei and Japan and you want to cross the Chinese border you will need a visa. If you have a ticket for a flight with change on Chinese territory but you do not plan to leave the airport, you do not need a visa thanks to visa-free transit Chinese policy. In all other cases you do.

Which are the Chinese visas types?

You can go to China for numerous reasons including education or a permanent residence. The most popular is the L-category visa for those who intend to go to this country for tourism. There is also a commerce and trade visa, exchanges and study tours visa and many others; also single-, double-, and multiple- entry visas.

You will need to choose the purpose of your travel and pick up the most adequate visa application form. Other requirements - like f.ex. Chinese visa photo specification - do not change.

Where to apply for a China visa?

You do it in the China embassy or consulate general in your country or choose a visa application center which helps with this. The best way however is to do submissions in person, as consular officers may want to ask questions about your intended travel. Since 2018, citizens of some countries are required to be present during the application for biometric finger-print collection, check if it applies to your citizenship.

What are China visa requirements?

You need to prepare demanded documents and fill out the application form. Before starting, prepare:

passport personal details page scan or copy
two identical passport color photos taken within 6 last months
airline confirmation or tickets copies
proof of accommodation or invitation letter
passport valid at least 6 months more with at least one empty visa-page left

it is not required but a suggestion to prepare a general travel plan, including times and locations of your planned trip.

Remember that there are restrictive Chinese visa photo requirements you must satisfy.

When you have your photos and all the documents ready, submit the application at the appropriate visa office or online and make an appointment.

How long does it take to get a visa to China?

Generally speaking it is no more than one week for a tourist visa.

However, it is highly recommended that you apply for the visa two months before the intended travel because China visa processing time may differ depending on the type of visa, country and general conditions.

How to extend my China visa?

If you are already in China and think that you may like to stay longer in this beautiful country, it is possible to extend your stay there.

In almost every major city there are local “Entry and Exit Administration Bureau” where you need to go at least seven days before the expiration date of your valid visa. Fill out a temporary residence form and provide the same documents as for the original application. Remember that you are again to provide two identical photos. If you want to save your time and money and not look for a local photo studio, just take a picture in a convenient time and place and adjust it to Chinese visa photo requirements with a photo generator.

What to do if my passport with Chinese visa is stolen or lost?

First, always carry with you photocopies or at least pictures in your smartphone of your passport and visas wherever you go. It will help you to replace the documents in the accident of theft, robbery or loss.

In China tourists are required to have their passports always with them. When you realize your passport was lost, go as soon as possible to the nearest local police station and make an official report of the loss. Police officers do not always understand English so if you don’t speak Chinese, ask a hotel receptionist or any other person you trust to help you with translation. Important thing: once you obtain a signed report issued by a police station, your passport with visa becomes invalid! For travel back home you must get a new one!

Then you need to apply for a “Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport” in the Exit & Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau. The officers will tell you what you are required to provide, but normally there are:

original and copy of the police “Receipt of Report”.
copy of the lost passport
other identity proofs, such as ID Card or driving license
2 recent front bareheaded full-faced photos 2x2 inches
completed report from obtained in the bureau

After submission, you will wait. And it normally takes about 2 working days for processing. Remember that in this case your pictures must have size 2 x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm). Small framing is also allowed. You can use a special online photo tool to adjust the size of your picture.

With the “Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport” you must visit your Embassy or Consulate in China. You shall apply in person for a new passport, and bring all needed documents including passport photos as required by your country. Check it before or ask the embassy workers to assist you.

Can I get a Chinese visa in 2021?

The situation with covid-19 pandemic is changing dynamically so you need to follow official Chinese government statements. Any way, even if you obtain your visa, be prepared for some unexpected situation and your itinerary’s changes when you finally get there. Some hotels may not receive guests from abroad, some attractions may be closed or have a requirement to make a booking or buy a ticket in advance.

Moreover, you may be requested to scan QR code when you enter and exit public places (supermarkets, indoor attractions, malls etc.)

The most important thing is to pay attention to the epidemic situation of your desired destination and to choose services that can be changed or canceled at any time if you are forced to change your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Which are China visa photo requirements?

Basic requirements for a Chinese visa photo are:

photo in color
size: 33 x 48 mm
white background
not older than 6 months
presenting front view of a candidat, showing clearly the face features
no jewellery, accessories allowed
eyeglasses allowed on certain conditions
head coverings only if for religious reasons

There are some more requirements you must meet. If not - your application will be rejected. For your convenience you may simply use a dedicated application to make the process of taking a perfect photo for your China visa easy and fast.

Can I Use a 2×2 photo for Chinese Visa?

No. The photo size 2×2 inches is very popular in the US but this is not suitable for a Chinese visa application.

In the United States and all over the world you can take pictures in photo booths and stores but be aware that they offer the most popular size of passport picture. Unfortunately, it is not adjusted to Chinese visa photos.

However, you can always take your Chinese visa photo online with an easy to use tool which checks it for you to avoid a disappointment of rejection of your application.

Do I need a Chinese Visa?

If you are not a resident of Singapore, Japan or Brunei, you need to apply for a Chinese Visa to visit China.

How much does a Chinese Visa cost?

The costs of a Chinese visa depends on the visa type, but a single entry visa for US tourists costs about 140 dollars.

Can I take a Chinese Visa picture myself?

Yes you can! It is in fact easier and faster to take a visa photo yourself rather than going to a photo studio or a photo booth! We suggest using a photo app. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself in the app or upload an existing one from your photo gallery.

What size is the Chinese Visa photo?

The size of the Chinese Visa photo should be 33x48 mm. It is also not possible to use a 2x2 size picture.

How long does it take to get a Chinese visa?

Normally it takes no more than a week to receive your Chinese visa. However, be prepared to wait even longer if the lines to get visas are long. It may also depend on the visa type.

Can I submit the Chinese Visa pictures online?

Unfortunately no. You may submit the photos when applying for the visa in a Chinese consulate or embassy. However, you can still take the visa photos yourself using a photo app. The app is able to deliver paper versions of the photo to you, and you can take them with you when visiting the Chinese consulate or embassy.

How do I apply for a visa to China?

You can apply for a Chinese visa in a Chinese consulate or embassy. This is the easiest way, because the employees might ask some questions regarding your application.

Can I apply for China visa now?

Yes you can. Although, because of the pandemic there might some delays regarding the application. If you're traveling to China during the pandemic, make sure to follow the government's regulations. You're likely to come across some delays or even cancellations so make sure you're prepared.

What do I need for a Chinese Visa?

You need to have a valid passport, 2 paper visa photos with the size of 33x48 mm and fill out the visa application. They might take your fingerprints in the embassy or consulate if you don't already have them registered.

What is a Chinese Visa?

A China visa is a document permitting non-Chinese citizens to enter and leave the People's Republic of China. All visitors except for residents of Brunei, Japan or Singapore are required a Visa to visit China.

How long can you stay in China with a visa?

It depends on the visa, but with the regular single-entry tourist visa you can stay in China for up to 30 days.

Can I wear makeup in my Chinese Visa?

Yes! The most important thing is, that the makeup doesn't cover any facial features, such as scars or tattoos. It is recommended to wear natural and light makeup if you want to wear any.