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Glasses, hair, and hats

What to check when preparing your China visa photo: size, background, and file requirements.

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Glasses, hair, and hats

The photo conditions to check first

Glasses are not always forbidden, but removing them is safer

China visa guidance does not always mean every pair of glasses is prohibited. The problem is visibility: thick frames, tinted lenses, glare, or frames covering the eyes can make the photo unsuitable.

Because the photo is used for identity confirmation, the eyes and face shape should be easy to see. If you can remove the glasses, that is usually the safer choice.

  • Avoid glare on lenses
  • Do not let frames cover the eyes
  • Avoid tinted or dark lenses

Hair, hats, and religious coverings

Keep hair away from the eyes, eyebrows, and face contour. Some official guidance also mentions visible ears, so placing long hair behind the ears often makes the photo easier to verify.

Avoid hats. If a head covering is required for religious reasons, make sure the full face is visible, no shadow is cast on the face, and the instruction from your actual application route is followed.

Create your photo in the browser

Prepare the photo for China Visa directly in your smartphone or computer browser. Creating and reviewing are free.

Open the web tool

What this tool creates

  • the required face photo (for digital upload)

Also available as an iPhone appOpen the App Store

Check before you apply

Check the COVA upload screen and the embassy, consulate, or visa center instructions for your actual application route.

Photo conditions that can cause problems

Check these photo conditions before you submit. Getting them right during the shoot saves a retake later.

  1. Glasses & Reflections

    Glasses are not prohibited, but removing them is strongly recommended. Thick frames, dark lenses, glare, and frames that cover the eyes can lead to rejection.

  2. Hair Covering Ears or Eyebrows

    It is safest to keep your forehead, eyebrows, and ears clearly visible. Official guidance from some embassies states that ears should be visible. Avoid letting hair cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the contours of your face.

  3. White Clothes on White Background

    Avoid white or very light clothing because it can blend into the white background. Darker clothing provides clearer separation.

How the App Helps You Prepare Your Photo

On-Screen Template Guide

Align your face with the official guide lines to easily meet the strict height and width specifications.

Background Check & Guidance

Check whether the background is plain white or near-white, with no shadows. It is safest to take the photo in front of a white wall from the start. If you use a background cleanup feature, use it carefully and verify the final image looks natural.

COVA-Style JPEG Export

Export a JPEG sized for COVA's digital upload requirements — the exact pixel and file-size targets are in the table above. Final acceptance depends on the COVA upload check, visa center, embassy or consulate.

Privacy First Processing

All image adjustments are processed entirely on your device. Your photos are never sent to a server.

Note: shoumei.org is an independent photo formatting tool to assist in preparation. It is not affiliated with COVA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, any Chinese embassy or consulate, or any visa application center. It does not submit visa applications or guarantee acceptance.

Check China Visa Photo Requirements Guide

View all guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear glasses?

Glasses are allowed, though taking them off is strongly recommended. If worn: thin frames only, no dark lenses, no glare, frames must not cover or overlap the eyes. Eyes must be clearly visible.

Should my ears and eyebrows be visible?

Yes. Keep your forehead, eyebrows, and ears clearly visible, tuck long hair behind your ears, and make sure no hair covers your eyes or face outline.

Can I wear white clothes?

It is better to avoid them. Light clothing can blend into a white background, so darker colors give clearer separation.

What conditions can cause a China visa photo to be rejected?

Background shadows, hair covering the eyebrows or eyes, glasses with thick frames or glare, white clothing blending into the background, incorrect head dimensions, a file size outside the official range, or a photo older than 6 months.

Where these requirements come from