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China visa photo maker
Turn a phone photo into a China visa photo that meets the official size rules. You get a 4×6 print sheet. Free, and your photo never leaves your device.
2026Official rules
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Background: White, with no border.
Official China visa photo requirements
| Size | 33 mm wide × 48 mm high, in colour |
|---|---|
| Head size | Head 28–33 mm high and 15–22 mm wide |
| Background | White (or close to white), with no border |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open, lips closed, ears visible; face the camera with head and face fully visible |
| Head position | Tilted no more than 20° left or right, or 25° up or down |
| Glasses | Allowed, except thick-rimmed, tinted or glare glasses |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only, and no part of the face may be covered |
| Age of photo | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Paper | Glossy photo paper, without creases, scratches or stains |
| Online form (COVA) | The online application has its own tool that crops and checks your uploaded photo. If it keeps failing, you can bring a printed photo when you submit your passport |
Last checked against the official sources on 29 October 2026: Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles: photo requirements for visa · Chinese Embassy in Australia: visa photo requirements (effective 1 Dec 2016) · Chinese Visa Application Service Center: photo notice (glossy paper) · Chinese Embassy in the US: guidelines for the online visa application (COVA)
How to take a good photo with your phone
- Stand about 1 metre (3 feet) in front of a plain, light-coloured wall.
- Face a window or use even light, so there are no shadows on your face or the wall.
- Ask someone to take the photo at eye level. Avoid selfies; they distort your face.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed.
- Check the glasses rule in the table below; if in doubt, take them off. Keep hair away from your eyes.
- Upload the photo above, check it lines up with the guides, and download.
Common questions
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The face detection and cropping run inside your browser. Your photo is never sent to a server.
How do I print the photos?
Download the 4×6 print sheet and print it as a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) photo at any photo shop or pharmacy. If you print at home, choose "actual size" or 100%, not "fit to page". Cut along the grey lines.