China Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Applying for a Chinese visa from the US? Here is exactly what the CVASC requires — size, background, and digital upload specs.
China visa photos for US applicants are 2×2 inches (51×51mm) with a white background — the same size as a US passport photo. If you already have a compliant US passport photo taken within the last 6 months, it works for your Chinese visa application.
Create your China visa photo — free
Upload any photo. We crop to 2×2 inches, remove the background, and export a JPEG ready for CVASC digital upload or printing.
China Visa Photo Specifications (CVASC)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600×600 px |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, relaxed |
| Eyes | Open, front-facing |
| Head coverage | 50–70% of frame |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Religious only |
| Photo age | Within 6 months |
| File format (digital) | JPEG |
China Visa Photo vs. Chinese Passport Photo
These are two different photo formats — make sure you are using the right one:
| Detail | 🇨🇳 China Visa (for foreigners) | 🪪 Chinese Passport (for citizens) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | 33×48mm |
| Shape | Square | Rectangular portrait |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600×600 px | 390×567 px |
| Background | White | White or light blue |
| Authority | CVASC / Chinese Consulate | Chinese Embassy |
| Who uses it | US citizens visiting China | Chinese nationals worldwide |
Warning
How to Apply for a China Visa from the US
Go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website. Select your visa type — tourist (L), business (M), or student (X). Fill in the online form and upload your 2×2 inch photo digitally.
Print your completed application form. Attach one 2×2 inch printed photo. Gather supporting documents (passport, itinerary, hotel bookings for tourist visa; invitation letter for business visa).
Visit a CVASC center in person or mail your application (some locations). CVASC centers are in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago. Processing typically takes 4–5 business days; express service is available.
Collect in person or by mail. US citizens typically receive a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa. Check the CVASC website for current processing times and fees before your appointment.
Note
Digital Photo Upload Requirements
| Format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Minimum dimensions | 354×472 pixels (≈ 2×2 in at 177 DPI) |
| Recommended dimensions | 600×600 pixels (300 DPI) |
| Maximum file size | 4MB |
| Background | Plain white — no gradients or shadows |
| Face orientation | Direct, front-facing, no tilt |
Tip
Common China Visa Photo Rejection Reasons
Remove all eyewear — no exceptions for China visa applications
Re-shoot against white, or use our background removal tool
Use two light sources — one on each side — to eliminate shadows
Take a new photo — the date is checked against your application date
Crop closer — chin to crown should fill at least half the photo height
Look directly into the lens with head level
Use 2×2 inch format for US-based CVASC applications
Create Your China Visa Photo — Free
2×2 inches · White background · JPEG ready for CVASC digital upload or printing
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
China Visa Photo FAQ
What are the China visa photo requirements for US applicants?
China visa photos for US applicants must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm) with a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months. The face must fill 50–70% of the frame, with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Glasses are not permitted. This is the same size as a US passport photo — you can use the same tool.
What size is a China visa photo?
For US-based Chinese visa applications (CVASC), the photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — the same square format as a US passport photo. This equals 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI. Note: Chinese passport photos (for Chinese nationals) use a different 33×48mm format. If you're a US citizen or resident applying for a Chinese visa, use the 2×2 inch format.
What background color is required for a China visa photo?
China visa applications processed through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) require a plain white background. Off-white or cream may be accepted, but pure white is safest. Colored backgrounds (blue, gray) are not accepted for the standard visa application. Do not use a background commonly associated with Chinese passport photos (which can use light blue) — visa photos require white.
Can I use my US passport photo for a Chinese visa application?
Yes — for CVASC applications in the US, the China visa uses the same 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format as a US passport photo with a white background. If you have a compliant US passport photo that was taken within the last 6 months, you can use it for your Chinese visa application. Both digital uploads and printed photos are accepted.
How do I apply for a China visa from the United States?
Most Chinese visa applications from the US are processed through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), which operates in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago. You complete the online application form at the CVASC website, upload your photo digitally, then submit documents in person or by mail. The fee varies by visa type — tourist (L) visas are the most common for US citizens.
Does China accept digital photo uploads?
Yes. The CVASC online application system accepts digital photo uploads. The file must be JPEG format, 354–420 pixels wide by 472–560 pixels tall (or 2×2 inches at 177–210 DPI), and under 4MB. The system runs automated checks — a white background and proper face coverage are verified before submission is accepted.
What is the difference between a China visa photo and a Chinese passport photo?
They are different sizes. China visa photos (for foreigners applying at CVASC in the US) must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — square. Chinese passport photos (for Chinese nationals) must be 33×48mm (width × height) — a rectangular portrait format. If you are a Chinese national renewing your passport in the US, use the 33×48mm format, not the 2×2 inch format.
Can I wear glasses in a China visa photo?
No. China follows ICAO biometric standards, which prohibit glasses in visa and passport photos. Remove all eyewear — prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses — before taking your photo. Contact lenses are permitted. Tinted lenses of any kind are not permitted.
How many photos do I need for a Chinese visa application?
For in-person CVASC submissions, you typically need 1 printed 2×2 inch photo attached to your application form. For the online application, one digital photo upload is required. Some visa types (student, work) may require additional photos at the consulate stage — check the current CVASC application checklist for your specific visa category.