Taking Chinese visa photos has been a problem for US citizens who are trying to apply for a Chinese visa since it is hard to find a place that takes up-to-standard photos for the Chinese Consulates in the US. That being said, you can still find a way to solve the problem. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making a compliant Chinese visa photo yourself.
Where to Take Chinese Visa Photos in the US
Generally speaking, services for taking a visa photo are available at chain stores such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Cosco. However, none of the mentioned stores can make photos that meet the Chinese visa photo requirements. They mainly produce passport photos of size 2 x 2 inches. Some applicants said the US passport photo standard works for Chinese visas, but we don’t suggest you take the chances of being rejected. A compliant visa photo is crucial for visa applications. Many applicants take photos of their Chinese visas at home.
How to Make Chinese Visa Photos On Your Own
In order to make a photo that meets the China visa photo specification, you need to understand the requirements thoroughly, be well-equipped and use the right online tool. Follow these steps:
Understand China Visa Photo Requirements
- The photo should be in color with a white background.
- China visa photo size is 48 mm x 33 mm. The height from the top of the head to the tip of the chin should be around 28 mm to 33 mm.
- The photo needs to be taken within 6 months prior to the date of application.
- The applicant should be in the center of the photo, face the front, not tilted to any side, and have a neutral face. No exaggerated expression is allowed, not even a smile.
- Your facial features have to be clear and visible. Keep your eyes open and mouth closed. Any shadow on your face is not acceptable.
- In general, accessories are not acceptable, but glasses are allowed as long as they are not thick-rimmed, tinted or with glare. Also, head covers are allowed for religious purposes. No facial features should be covered though.
- The photo should not be over or under-exposed. No red eyes or any damage.
Set Up Shooting Equipment
- Find a suitable place
To do the visa photo shoot at home, you need to find a suitable area and lighting is important. You can find a place near the window with good natural light during a bright daytime.
- Create a plain background
Although the background can be removed with a photo maker online, it is best to create a plain background to make sure you have a perfect result. Put away all the unnecessary stuff that can appear in the photo background. If possible, you can put up a white cloth in the back.
- Set up the camera
Having found the right place, you need to set up your camera or smartphone with a tripod, if you are doing this by yourself. Fix your smartphone to the tripod and set the height. Make sure the camera can capture your face when you are standing about 1 meter away from it.
Take Several Pictures
When everything is ready, you can start taking the photos. Take a dozen of them so that you can pick out a good one. Remember to follow the visa photo guidelines mentioned above when you take the photos.
Resize Your Picture to China Visa Photo Size Online
- After you have a good shot, use an online AI tool, AiPassportphotos, to resize your picture to a 33×48 mm China visa photo.
- Tap the blue button to upload a photo you have taken.
- The photo will be resized and the background will be changed automatically. The whole process will be completed in 15 seconds.
- Click “FreeDownload” and you can see your digital visa photo and its template for printing. The tool can make sure the photo specification is compliant.
- Both the photo and the template are available for free download. Take the digital file to a printing store and you will get your perfect visa for China photo.
How Should I Pose for a China Visa Photo?
Apart from facial features, your pose in the photo is important as well. You should stand or sit upright when you take the photo. Make sure both of your shoulders are relaxed and even. They should not tilted to one side. Also, your head should not turn or tilt to any side and your chin should not be raised.
What Should I Wear for a China Visa Photo?
Usually, what you wear on a daily basis is acceptable for a China visa photo. However, since the background is white, you should wear a color that contrasts to the background such as red and blue. Costumes and unconventional outfits are not allowed.
Benefits Of Making China Visa Photos Online
Nowadays, more and more Chinese visa applicants are taking their visa photos online because it has advantages over going to a photo studio. Here are the reasons why:
- Compliance assured. Most of the chain stores in the US do not provide service for Chinese visa photos. Making the photo online can make sure your visa photo is compliant with the Chinese specification.
- Time-saving. Going to a photo studio costs you more effort. You need to go during its working hours whereas online service is available 24 hours.
- Convenience. You can generate your digital visa photo at any location as long as there is internet and a PC.
- Cost-effective. You can save money by generating the visa photo online. For example, AiPassportphotos is completely free of charge.
FAQ
Can I use a 2×2 photo for a Chinese visa?
No. Chinese visa requirement for photo size is 48 mm x 33 mm.
What is the difference between a U.S. visa photo and a China visa photo?
The US visa photo size is 2 inches x 2 inches while the China visa photo size is 48 x 33 mm.
Can a visa be rejected due to a photo?
Yes. Submitting a compliant visa photo is important for approval.
Can you smile in a China visa photo?
No. Your facial expression should be neutral in a China visa photo.
Can you wear makeup in a China visa photo?
Yes. However, heavy makeup that changes your facial features or makes your face unrecognizable is not allowed. Only light makeup is acceptable.
Can you wear glasses in a China visa photo?
Yes. Wearing glasses is allowed, but the glasses should not be thick-rimmed, tinted or glare glasses.
Conclusion
Getting a compliant photo for a China visa application is necessary for US citizens who plan to visit China. If you are one of them and wondering where you can get a Chinese visa photo, we highly recommend you use an online photo maker. The steps are simple and quick as we talked about in this article. Hope you get your China visa approval smoothly.
Dolores Xiao