Japanese Visa Photo

There are an endless number of reasons to visit Japan. Firstly it is very clean and one of the safest countries in the world with the lowest global crime rates. Secondly, it is worth it to see their castles alone as they come with unique history and heritage, which dates back to the Edo, and even Sengoku, period, which was hundreds of years ago. Some of their castles, including Matsue and Kōchi, remain in their original form, with the two mentioned having been built all the way back in 1611, such remarkable craftsmanship. When choosing to travel to Japan you should look at going during cherry blossom season to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms coming to life and showing their beautiful pink colours, which usually occurs from mid-March to early May. You can even visit Himeji Castle at the same time, where 1000 cherry blossom trees bloom, and get the best of both worlds by seeing the true beauty of Japanese nature and getting to experience a truly amazing and historical castle, which stands out as both the largest castle in Japan and the prototypical form of Japanese architecture. 

Have you made up your mind already? Then you should consider applying for a visa because you might need one! Carefully read our Japan Visa Photo Guide to know everything about the visa photos you need and eliminate the risk of your visa application being rejected.

Japan visa photo guidelines

If you have already discovered that you might need a visa to Japan, we present you with a complete Japan visa tourist photo guide, with which you will be able to prepare the correct photo and increase your chances of obtaining your visa to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan visa photo size

The required dimensions for a Japan visa photo are 45mmx45mm in height and width (2x2 inches). You may also find that this size might be 50mmx50mm, 45mmx35mm or 40mmx30mm. Regarding the digital photo size and resolution, the required size, for a digital image that is to be used for a Japan visa application, is 240kb, whilst the minimal resolution is 300 dpi, in pixels this will be 1062 pixels in width and 1062 pixels in height. 

However, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country to check the needed photo size in advance as different embassies have different requirements. Though, If you use a visa photo resizing app, you do not have to be worried about the correct size as resizing will be done for you automatically. Read on to find out how to do it.

Colours

Embassies and consulates will only accept photos in color. The picture that is to be submitted for use with the visa document (not only Japanese) must represent your natural skin tones and eye color. This means that a red eye effect will cause the picture to be rejected. Any form of digital manipulation with the picture is strictly forbidden, this includes things such as: retouching or editing your picture, correcting colors or using any filters. 

Lighting 

It is recommended that you take your photograph in the daylight because it helps to avoid skin reflections and the red eye effect. Red eyes are caused by a flash lamp so, in order to avoid it, you should take the picture with natural light. You must also ensure that your face is evenly lit on both sides. Any shadows on your face or background are unacceptable.

Head position 

In the photo for your Japan visa, you need to look straight at the camera lens, which must be positioned at eye level. This must be a front facing view only. Your shoulders must also be straight and you cannot tilt your head in any direction or look to the side.

Facial expression

You are not allowed to smile, frown or grimac as a neutral facial expression is a requirement. Showing teeth, opening your mouth, tightening your jaw, and closing your eyes is not allowed. The best idea is just to relax your facial muscles and wait one second with open eyes.

Background 

The only accepted background color is white. Any other colors, patterns or shadows are unacceptable and will cause the application to be rejected. However, using a plain, solid white background in the picture may not be that easy. We recommend using a dedicated visa background remover which removes an incorrect background and changes it into the correct color. 

Head coverings

If you are wearing a head covering for religious or medical reasons, it should be dark in color and against a white background in order to obtain a proper contrast. If you keep on your head covering (turban, hijab, yarmulke or any other religious attire) make sure that it does not cover or cast any shadow on your face. Any other head coverings such as hats or baseball caps are not allowed.

Glasses

Tinted glasses and sunglasses are prohibited in the photo for a Japan visa. The only exception is when it comes to prescription glasses, which you may keep on when you take your visa photo. Just remember that your eyes must be clearly visible and the frames of the glasses must not cover your eyes or give off any reflection. Colored contact lenses are forbidden.

Jewellery and piercing 

If you have a permanent facial piercing you do not have to remove it in order to meet the requirements for a Japan visa photo. You may wear it as well as any other jewellery, as long as these items do not obscure any part of your face.

Japan visa - photo tool

Check out the smart online visa photo editor on the PhotoAiD site or in the app. It has helped many people worldwide to take and prepare their visa or passport photos at any time and any place. This tool can resize and crop every photo as well as remove an unsuitable background and change it into the required one for your visa.

The photo editor is based on artificial intelligence - the same as used by embassies and consulates to verify photos of applicants. This means that if you want to be sure that the photograph attached to your application form is correct, just let our online photo app verify it. You will have a 100% guarantee of acceptance with our photo service!

How to take a photo for a Japan visa at home?

If you are considering taking photos by yourself for a Japan visa, you should read this. Thankfully there are no requirements about where and how to take a photograph for a visa to Japan. Instead of going to some professional photography studio and paying for a professional photo session, just try to make a photo studio at home. You can save your precious time and money by taking a Japan visa photo on your own. All you need are:

• a smartphone, tablet or digital camera (don’t use a webcam),
• someone to take a photo of you (selfies are not allowed) or a tripod if you prefer to do it alone,
• our visa photo requirements,
• a smart Visa Photo Online Maker.

The most common mistakes when taking photos for a Japan visa

If you have already met the official requirements and you know how to take the right photo for a Japan visa at home, you should know what NOT to do on visa photos. Here is a list of the most commonly made mistakes while taking photos for a visa:

• Submitting an old photo - the picture can’t be older than 6 months.
• Looking sideways - the eyes, as well as the head of applicant, have to be straight so you are only allowed to look directly at the camera.
• Wrong photo size - the required photo size is 45mmx45mm, 50mmx50mm, 45mmx35mm, or 40mmx30mm and these are the only appropriate dimensions.
• Blurred image - visa photos have to be in contrast and focus and blurred, grainy or pixelated images will be rejected.
• A different appearance - if you have changed a lot since the photo was taken, you should take another picture so that your photo is up to date.
• Submitting a selfie – selfies are not allowed as they alter the proportions of your natural face and don’t really fit official documents.
• Smile - smiling is not allowed in Japan visa photos, the facial expression has to be neutral and can not show the applicant’s teeth.
• Wearing hats − hats, caps, berets, etc. are forbidden as well as any head coverings which cover the face, except for religious or medical purposes.