Payment · common
Why can't I verify my passport on Alipay?
Last updated:
Quick Answer
Symptom: Alipay's identity verification step fails — passport photo upload rejected or OCR misread.
Cause: The passport photo is blurry, the MRZ strip is cropped out, or the date format doesn't match (DD MMM YYYY required).
Solution: Retake the photo flat on a dark surface, include the entire MRZ strip (two lines at the bottom), and re-upload. If still failing, switch to WeChat Pay which has a more lenient OCR.
What you see
Alipay's identity verification step fails — passport photo upload rejected or OCR misread.
Why it happens
The passport photo is blurry, the MRZ strip is cropped out, or the date format doesn't match (DD MMM YYYY required).
How to fix
Retake the photo flat on a dark surface, include the entire MRZ strip (two lines at the bottom), and re-upload. If still failing, switch to WeChat Pay which has a more lenient OCR.
Read next
These guides cover the related functionality in full.
Alipay for Foreigners
Download Alipay, link a foreign Visa or Mastercard via the Tour Pass, and complete a $150 minimum top-up to pay at 90%+ of Chinese merchants.
WeChat Pay for Foreigners
WeChat Pay accepts linked foreign Visa, Mastercard, and JCB cards in 2026 after a one-time identity verification with your passport.
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