How should a Taiwan visa photo look?
Taiwan uses a single format for passport and visa: 35×45 mm on a white background. The same spec applies to citizens and foreigners. AI-driven checks reject frames with uneven cheek lighting and a covered ear line; Taiwan explicitly requires both ear edges to be visible. Validity is six months, and digital uploads target at least 413×531 pixels.
The body that sets the spec
The standard is published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); passport, residence and visa share the same 35×45 mm frame. The face fills 70-80% of the frame, head height 32-36 mm. The photo must be submitted within six months of the capture date.
Workflow after the shoot
The frame goes to PhotoID Studio and the Taiwan preset is selected; the app aligns the face, checks both ear edges for visibility and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI. Lighting symmetry is flagged when the cheeks differ. Switching from the same frame to a China, Hong Kong or Schengen format is a one-click move.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of the white backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8 aperture, a softbox at 45° with a reflector on the opposite side. Because Taiwan's AI check compares cheek brightness, the two sides must receive equal light; ask the customer to tuck hair behind both ears.
Reasons for rejection at BOCA
• One or both ear edges hidden by hair: Taiwan explicitly requires both ears to be visible. • Uneven cheek lighting; left-right difference fails the AI check. • Non-white backdrop or visible shadow. • Tinted lenses or visible glare. • A frame older than six months. • Face below 70% of the frame; head outside 32-36 mm. • A smile, visible teeth, or an open mouth.
For studios in Taiwan
Taiwan studios see steady year-round demand for passport, residence and visa. The PhotoID Studio Taiwan preset locks the 35×45 mm white background, the 413×531 px digital export and the symmetric-lighting check; switching from the same frame to a China or Hong Kong format is a one-click move.
Frequently asked questions
Can the hair cover the ears in a Taiwan photo?
No. BOCA requires both ear edges to be visible. Hair must be tied back or tucked behind the ears.
What does the AI check reject most often?
Uneven lighting between the cheeks and a covered ear line are the most common reasons. Symmetric light is essential.
Is the same photo enough for passport and visa?
Yes. The same 35×45 mm white-background frame is used for passport and visa applications.
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