Chinese Visa Photo — 33×48mm COVA & Embassy Compliant
Get a Chinese Embassy compliant visa photo (33×48mm, plain white background) online. Required for tourist (L), business (M), student (X) and work (Z) visa applications through COVA and Chinese embassies worldwide.
Photo requirements
- Size: 33×48mm — slightly narrower than standard ICAO format
- Background: Plain white — no off-white, grey or patterns
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open looking straight at camera
- Glasses: Not recommended — Chinese Embassy may reject
- Standard: COVA / Chinese Embassy compliant — accepted for all China visa types
Why Smart Passport Photo
- ✅ Free preview before you pay — see the result first
- ✅ Correct 33×48mm format — not the standard 35×45mm that will be rejected
- ✅ AI enforces pure white background automatically
- ✅ Free retake or refund if the Chinese Embassy rejects the photo
- ✅ Accepted by COVA (Chinese Visa Application Service Centre) in the UK, US, Australia and Canada
- ✅ $4.99 one-off, no subscription
- ✅ Photo deleted from our servers within 24 hours
Free to preview · Pay once · No subscription
Photos deleted within 24 hours · UK servers (AWS eu-west-2) · Never used for AI training · Rated on Trustpilot
How it works
- 1. Stand in front of a plain white wall with even lighting. Use your phone's rear camera at eye level. Neutral expression, eyes open, look straight at the camera. No glasses.
- 2. Upload your photo. Our AI replaces the background with pure white and crops precisely to 33×48mm — the exact format Chinese embassies require.
- 3. Review the free preview. Retake for free if anything needs adjusting.
- 4. Download your photo. Print and bring to your COVA appointment, or upload to the COVA online application system.
Official resources
For the official specification, see COVA — Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. Smart Passport Photo is an independent service and is not affiliated with any government body.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Chinese visa photo?
Chinese visa photos must be 33×48mm — this is slightly narrower than the standard international 35×45mm format used for most passports. Using a 35×45mm photo for a Chinese visa application is a common mistake that leads to rejection at COVA centres. Make sure you use the exact 33×48mm format.
What background is required for a Chinese visa photo?
A plain, bright white background is required. Unlike UK passport photos which allow light grey, Chinese visa photos specifically require white. Off-white, cream or grey backgrounds will be rejected at COVA.
How do I apply for a Chinese visa in the UK?
Most Chinese visa applications in the UK are processed through COVA (Chinese Visa Application Service Centre) offices in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham. You book an appointment online, attend in person with your application form, passport and supporting documents including printed photos.
Can I wear glasses in a Chinese visa photo?
It's strongly advised not to wear glasses. While Chinese Embassy rules do not explicitly prohibit glasses in all cases, in practice COVA centres frequently reject photos with glasses — even prescription glasses with no glare. Remove glasses for the safest result.