Create China visa photo files for COVA-style submission
Based on COVA photo requirements, the app helps you prepare the official print-size submission photo on your iPhone. Save a print layout and a COVA-style upload JPEG in a single editing session. As an independent tool it has no official status, and it does not submit applications or guarantee acceptance.
Download on the App StoreOn-screen guide to align your face with the 33×48 mm China visa photo composition.
Save a print-ready layout and a COVA-style JPEG, each in the right format.
4×6 inch or L-size print sheets with your photos, ready for convenience-store printing.
Import, face detection, adjustments, and export all run on your iPhone — nothing uploaded.
Export a JPEG sized for COVA-style online upload, within the typical file-size range.
Review face position, head size, background, and glasses before you save.
Preview before purchase
Photo Guide
A photo can be rejected even if it is only slightly outside the official requirements. Please check the points below before you save or submit it.
These are the official size requirements and reference photo examples. Keep the face position and margins close to these proportions.
| Photo size (paper) | 33 × 48 mm |
| Digital | 354 × 472 to 420 × 560 px |
| Format | JPEG |
| File size | 40 KB–120 KB |
| Head height | 28–33 mm |
| Head width | 15–22 mm |
| Top margin | 3–5 mm |
| Background | white or close to white |
Source: COVA (China Online Visa Application) photo requirements
The person faces forward, the background is white, and the face is clear.
These are conditions that can cause a photo to be rejected.
COVA considers photos unacceptable if editing makes the eyes look larger, applies strong skin lightening, alters facial features, removes moles or wrinkles, or mirrors the image. If you print and attach the photo separately, your procedure may also require your name on the back. Some procedures or centers may require information such as your name on the back of printed photos — check the specific embassy, consulate, or visa center instructions.
Official guidance Open COVA (China Online Visa Application)
China visa photo size The China visa photo size is 33 × 48 mm high (354 × 472 px for COVA digital upload). This guide explains what the size spec means and how to check it. 
COVA JPEG upload photo How to prepare a digital photo that matches the COVA upload requirements: 354 × 472 px JPEG between 40–120KB. 
China visa photo background A plain white or near-white background is the basic rule for China visa photos. Learn how to set up a clean background at home. 
Take a China visa photo with a phone A step-by-step guide to taking a compliant China visa photo with your iPhone, covering distance, camera height, and background. 
Print 33 × 48 mm China visa photo How to lay out and print your 33 × 48 mm China visa photo at a convenience store copy machine or on a home printer. 
COVA photo upload error fixes What to do when COVA rejects your photo: common causes and how to fix size, file size, and format issues. 
China visa photo mistakes Common China visa photo mistakes — shadows on the face or background, glasses glare, wrong head size, and how to fix each of them. 
Glasses, hair, and hats How glasses, hairstyle, and headwear affect your China visa photo, and what to check before you shoot. A China visa photo must follow the official print size for paper submissions, taken within the last 6 months, with the applicant facing forward, no hat, a plain white or near-white background, and a clear image with no shadows. The head height (chin to top of head) should be 28–33 mm, and the head width should be 15–22 mm.
For paper submissions, the photo must be 33 × 48 mm high. Official embassy pages sometimes list the same size in the reverse order, 48mm × 33mm, meaning 48mm tall and 33mm wide. For online digital uploads via COVA, the standard output is the pixel size described above; some visa center pages mention larger ranges, so always follow the upload screen or local visa center instructions.
Both expressions describe the same print size written in opposite orders. Official pages sometimes reverse the order; this app uses width-first wording for clarity.
For COVA (China Online Visa Application) digital uploads, the photo must be a JPEG with 24-bit RGB true color, sized 354 × 472 px, with a file size between 40 KB–120 KB. Some visa center pages mention ranges up to 420 × 560 px. 354 × 472 px is the safest standard COVA output used by this app.
The COVA upload standard is the one described above, and it is this app's default output. A few visa center pages mention larger ranges, so always follow the upload screen or local visa center instructions. Staying at the standard size is the safest choice.
The digital photo file for COVA upload must stay within the official size range in JPEG format. Undersized files or larger than 120KB can fail the COVA upload validation.
A plain white or near-white background with no shadows, patterns, or objects. It is safest to take the photo in front of a white wall with even lighting. Even minor shadows behind the head or shoulders can cause rejection.
The safest approach is to take your photo in front of a plain white or near-white background from the start. If you use a background cleanup feature, use it carefully and verify that the final image looks natural with no visible edge artifacts or shadows. Background replacement does not guarantee acceptance; the COVA upload check or visa center may still reject photos that appear unnaturally edited.
Glasses are not strictly prohibited, but removing them is strongly recommended because they can lead to rejection. If you wear glasses, use thin frames (not thick or dark-colored), ensure there is no glare on the lenses, and make sure the frames do not cover or overlap the eyes. Eyes must be clearly visible.
Yes, it is safest to keep your forehead, eyebrows, and ears clearly visible. Official guidance from some embassies states that ears should be visible, so tuck long hair behind your ears. Avoid letting hair cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the contours of your face.
Avoid white or very light clothing because it can blend into the white background. Darker clothing provides clearer separation between your face and the background.
It depends on your application route. COVA online applications require a digital upload in the standard COVA format. Some procedures may also require a printed photo. Check the specific embassy, consulate, or visa center instructions for your route.
Some procedures or centers may require information such as your name on the back of printed photos. Check the specific embassy, consulate, or visa center instructions.
No. The app formats and exports a photo file. You must complete and submit your application through the official COVA portal or your local Chinese embassy or consulate.
No. This app is an independent photo formatting tool. It is not affiliated with COVA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, any Chinese embassy or consulate, or any visa application center.
No. The app helps you prepare a photo file, but it does not guarantee acceptance. The final decision is made by the COVA upload check, the visa center, embassy, or consulate.
No. Importing photos, face detection, adjustments, and export all happen on your iPhone. Purchases use Apple's StoreKit, but photo data is not part of payment processing.
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