Visa from UK

Question

Has anyone applied for visa for China over the last few months? I note for the initial forms, they will accept uploaded passport photos but when we actually have to physically submit everything at the office in London, will they require hard copy photos?

Answer

For UK applicants applying for a Chinese visa in recent months, the process for photos is as follows:

While the online application form allows you to upload a digital passport photo, the physical submission at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in London usually still requires hard copy photos. The VAC typically requests one or two recent, color passport-sized photos that meet the standard Chinese visa photo requirements (white background, full face visible, no headgear unless for religious reasons, etc.).

Key points to note:

The uploaded digital photo is used for pre-checking your application but does not replace the physical photo requirement.
Bring at least two printed passport photos with you when submitting your documents at the VAC to avoid delays.
Ensure the photos are recent (usually within the last six months) and of good quality, matching the digital version you uploaded online.
Some VAC staff may be lenient if your photo looks identical to the uploaded one, but the safest approach is to provide printed copies as required.

In summary, even if you upload your photo online, you should plan to bring hard copy passport photos when submitting your application in London.