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The Challenge
China requires 33×48mm photos with extremely precise head positioning (28-33mm height, 15-22mm width, 3-5mm top margin). The COVA visa system enforces strict digital specs: 354-420×472-560px JPEG, 40-120KB. Using US 2×2 inch photos will be rejected. Chinese consulates do not take photos on-site—you must bring your own.
China uses 33×48mm—NOT the US 2×2 inch format
- Chinese passport and visa photos are 33×48mm (1.3×1.9 inches)
- US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photos will be rejected—wrong size and aspect ratio
- Most US pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) only produce 2×2 inch photos—they cannot make Chinese format
- Chinese consulates do not take photos on-site—you must bring your own
- Glossy paper required—matte paper will be rejected
Same format for Chinese passports and all visa types
China uses identical 33×48mm photos for passport applications (domestic and overseas), all visa categories (L tourist, M business, Z work, X student, G transit, Q/S family), and the COVA online visa application system. The physical print specs, head positioning requirements, and digital format are the same across all document types. One compliant photo works for every Chinese application.
Chinese photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 33×48mm dimensions (NOT US 2×2 inch)
- Head height 28–33mm from chin to crown
- Head width 15–22mm
- Top margin 3–5mm from crown to top edge of photo
- Chin to bottom edge at least 7mm
- White or near-white background, no shadows or patterns
- Colour photo, natural skin tone, no editing or retouching
- Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, ears visible
- Head tilt no more than 20° left/right or 25° up/down
- No thick-framed, tinted, or glare-causing glasses
- No hats or head coverings (religious exception only)
- Printed on glossy photo paper (matte and plain paper rejected)
- Taken within last 6 months
- Digital: JPEG, 354–420×472–560 pixels, 40–120KB for COVA
Common rejection reasons at Chinese consulates
- Using US 2×2 inch photo instead of 33×48mm (most common for US applicants)
- Head outside 28–33mm height range or 15–22mm width range
- Top margin outside 3–5mm (head too high or too low in frame)
- Ears not fully visible (hair covering ears is strictly rejected)
- Shadows on face or background
- Printed on matte or plain paper instead of glossy
- Digital file outside 40–120KB range or wrong pixel dimensions
- White clothing against white background (low contrast—wear dark clothes)
- Photo edited, retouched, or filtered in any way
- Thick-framed glasses or glare on lenses
- COVA system 'photo check failed' error (known bug—see below)
Precise head positioning: why Chinese photos get rejected
Chinese authorities enforce the most precise head positioning of any country. The head must be 28–33mm tall and 15–22mm wide within the 33×48mm frame. The crown must sit 3–5mm from the top edge, and the chin must be at least 7mm from the bottom edge. This leaves almost no tolerance—a millimetre off in any direction triggers rejection. Use the crop guidelines in this tool to position the head precisely between the two guide lines. The top guide represents the crown position, the bottom guide represents the chin position.
How to upload photo to COVA visa system
- Download single JPEG from this tool (formatted to 420×560px, under 120KB)
- Go to the new COVA system at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/ (launched September 2025)
- Create account or sign in with email
- Complete visa application form and navigate to photo upload section
- Upload JPEG file—system validates automatically
- If you see 'photo check failed' error: this is a known COVA system bug. Continue with your application—consular officers manually review and accept compliant photos
- Print the COVA form and bring a physical 33×48mm glossy print to your appointment
- Note: For US-based COVA applications, only digital upload is required—no printed photo needed if upload succeeds
How to print Chinese passport and visa photos
- Paper: Glossy photo paper ONLY. Chinese authorities explicitly reject matte and plain paper.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: 4R (102×152mm) for 6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use paper trimmer for precision. Photos must measure exactly 33×48mm.
- Verify margins: Top margin 3–5mm, chin to bottom ≥7mm. Measure with ruler.
- US pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) cannot produce 33×48mm format—they only do 2×2 inch.
- Alternative: Print at Costco, local camera shop, or Asian photo studios familiar with Chinese format.
- For passport: submit 2 identical printed photos + 1 digital copy.
COVA system photo validation bug
The new COVA system launched September 30, 2025 has a known bug where compliant photos sometimes trigger a 'photo check failed' error. Chinese authorities are aware of this issue. If your photo meets all specifications and you receive this error, continue with your application. Consular officers manually review all photos during processing and accept compliant photos regardless of the automated system error. Do not repeatedly re-upload or alter a compliant photo to try to pass the automated check.
Taking Chinese passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor
- Photograph from directly above with face centred
- Eyes should be open (some leniency for infants)
- Ears must be visible—no hats, headbands, or hair covering ears
- No toys, pacifiers, or other objects in frame
- No other person visible—supporting hands must be outside frame
- Head positioning rules are the same: 28–33mm height within 33×48mm frame
- Neutral expression—children's photos follow same rules as adults
China 33×48mm vs US 2×2 inch—key differences
Clothing and appearance guidelines
Wear dark or coloured clothing—avoid white shirts against the white background as this creates low contrast and may trigger rejection. Government uniforms (military, police, or attire with official insignia) are not allowed. Light everyday makeup is acceptable but heavy contouring or anything that alters facial features will be rejected. Small non-reflective earrings are permitted if they do not cover ears. Glasses are allowed if not thick-framed or tinted and if they cause no glare—but removing glasses is the safest option. Hearing aids and similar medical devices are explicitly allowed.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Most US pharmacies (CVS $14.99, Walgreens $14.99): Cannot produce 33×48mm—only 2×2 inch
- Costco Photo Center: $4.99 but may not support custom sizes—call ahead
- Asian photo studios in Chinatown/Flushing/San Gabriel: $8-15 for correct Chinese format
- Chinese Visa Application Service Centre: Some offer on-site photos (limited locations)
- This tool: Free—download JPEG for COVA upload and print at home on glossy paper
- Home printing cost: $0.30-0.60 per sheet (glossy paper + ink)
- Family of four applying for tourist visas: save $30-60 using DIY
Passport vs visa digital specs
Chinese passport applications (via cs.mfa.gov.cn for overseas Chinese citizens) require JPEG files between 30–80KB. Visa applications via the COVA system accept 40–120KB. This tool exports at 420×560px optimised for 60–100KB, which falls within the acceptable range for both systems. If your passport application portal rejects the file size, re-export the single photo at slightly lower quality to reduce file size below 80KB.
Official Chinese Government Resources
- COVA Visa Application System New China Online Visa Application system (launched September 2025)
- Photo Requirements - Chinese Visa Application Service Centre Official photo specifications from CVASC with sample images
- Chinese Embassy US - Visa Requirements Requirements and procedures for Chinese visa applications in the US
- Overseas Passport Application - cs.mfa.gov.cn Chinese Consular Service Network for overseas passport applications
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download JPEG for COVA or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 33×48 mm (width × height)
- Digital Format
- 420×560 pixels, JPEG
- File Size
- 40–120 KB (visa/COVA), 30–80 KB (passport)
- Head Height
- 28–33 mm (58–69% of frame)
- Head Width
- 15–22 mm
- Top Margin
- 3–5 mm from crown to top edge
- Background
- White or near-white, no shadows
- Paper Type
- Glossy photo paper (matte rejected)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Valid For
- Passport, all visa types (L, M, Z, X, G, Q, S), COVA
Best Practices
- China uses 33×48mm—US 2×2 inch photos will be rejected. Most US pharmacies cannot produce this size.
- Glossy paper is required. Chinese authorities explicitly reject matte and plain paper prints.
- Ears must be fully visible—hair covering ears is a strict rejection reason.
- Wear dark clothing against white background for contrast. Avoid white shirts.
- Head must be 28–33mm tall with 3–5mm top margin—use crop guidelines for precision.
- COVA system 'photo check failed' is a known bug. Continue with application if photo meets specs.
- Digital export: JPEG, 354–420×472–560px, under 120KB for COVA (under 80KB for passport).
- Chinese consulates do not take photos on-site—always bring your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Chinese passport and visa photos?
33×48mm (width × height), equivalent to 1.3×1.9 inches. This is NOT the US 2×2 inch format. Head must measure 28–33mm tall and 15–22mm wide. Same dimensions for passport and all visa types.
Can I use a US 2×2 inch photo for a Chinese visa?
No. US passport photos are 51×51mm square. Chinese visa and passport photos are 33×48mm rectangular. Different size, different aspect ratio. Chinese consulates will reject US-format photos.
What paper type for Chinese passport photos?
Glossy photo paper only. The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre explicitly states glossy finish is required. Matte paper and plain paper are rejected.
What's the digital format for COVA visa upload?
JPEG format, 354–420 pixels wide by 472–560 pixels tall, file size 40–120KB. The COVA system validates automatically on upload. For passport applications via cs.mfa.gov.cn, file size is 30–80KB.
Can I wear glasses in Chinese passport photos?
Yes, with restrictions: glasses must not be thick-framed, tinted, or cause glare. Eyes must be clearly visible through lenses. Sunglasses are prohibited. Removing glasses is the safest option to avoid rejection.
Do ears need to be visible?
Yes. Both ears must be fully visible in Chinese passport and visa photos. This is strictly enforced—hair covering ears will cause rejection. Push hair behind ears before taking the photo.
Where can I print 33×48mm photos?
Print at home on glossy photo paper using this tool's print sheet, or visit a local photo shop and specify '33×48mm on glossy paper.' Many standard photo kiosks only produce common sizes (2×2 inch, 35×45mm) and may not support 33×48mm—confirm before ordering.
What if COVA says 'photo check failed'?
This is a known bug in the new COVA system launched September 2025. Chinese authorities are aware. If your photo meets all specifications, continue with your application. Consular officers manually review and accept compliant photos regardless of the automated error.
How many photos do I need?
Visa applications: 1 digital upload via COVA plus 1-2 printed copies to bring to the consulate. Passport applications: 2 identical printed photos plus 1 digital copy. Always bring extras.
What should I wear for a Chinese passport photo?
Dark or coloured clothing recommended—avoid white shirts against white background (low contrast). No government uniforms or attire with official insignia. Light everyday makeup is acceptable.