Information about Japan visa photos with all requirements and specifications included
To make sure your photograph(s) will be accepted by the Japanese consulate or embassy, you need to meet the following requirements and specifications.
- Photo Dimensions and Format.
- Photo quality.
- Lighting and background.
- Head, eyes, and facial expression.
- Headwear and accessories.
You can get your high-quality photograph that complies with all the Japan visa photo requirements at MyBiometricPhotos. You simply need to choose “Japan Visa Photo” under ‘What type of photo do you need?” and upload your photo. The photo is then processed digitally to ensure it meets the requirements of Japanese authorities. Since the entire process is completed online, you can print the photos yourself to a place of your choosing.
Photo Dimensions and Format
Your photo(s) must follow the dimensions of 4cm in height and 3cm in width (may change depending on the embassy in your country). Your head and shoulders must be in the center of the frame and cover 80% of the photo. The distance from your chin to the top of your head must cover 25 to 28mm of the photo. You must leave an 8mm gap between the top of your head and the top frame of the photo.
Photo quality
Take pictures in high resolution to get a clear image of your facial features. Your photo(s) must be high-quality, with a high pixel number and sharp focus.
Lighting and background
Lighting plays a huge role in your photo quality. The photo(s) you submit must not be too bright or dark because that can hide your unique facial features and change your skin tone. There must be no shadows on your face or background.
The photo background must be white with no designs or patterns.
Head, eyes, and facial expression
Your head and facial features must be the focus of the photo(s). You must keep a straight position and look directly at the camera. Do not look away from the camera, tilt your head, or turn around. Smiling and keeping your mouth open or mimics are not allowed, so you must keep a neutral facial expression.
Headwear and Accessories
Covering your face and head is not allowed when taking your visa picture. You should avoid wearing hats or sunglasses and big and reflective jewelry. As per head coverings, you can wear a headscarf if it is used for religious purposes only.
How Many Photos Should I Submit for a Japan Visa?
The number of pictures you have to submit for your Japanese visa application depends on the purpose of your travel and the Japanese embassy or consulate you are applying to. Usually, the number of photos can vary from 1 to 4 photos per application.
How to Take My Baby’s Japan Visa Photo?
If the child is a baby (under 12 months), you can lay them down on a flat surface. You can use a white blanket, a white bedsheet, or a white paper sheet as a background. If your baby has problems laying down, you can photograph them sitting in a baby chair or holding them in your lap. However, the picture must not show your hands or any other objects. Your baby can have its mouth open, and the eye color must be visible.
What if My Japan Visa Photo Does Not Meet the Requirements?
If you submit a photo that does not meet the photo requirements and specifications of Japanese authorities, you will be required to retake the photo.
Can I Edit My Japan Visa Photos?
No, you cannot. Any photograph submitted with edits that change your appearance or flipped photos will not be accepted under any circumstances. A photo edit includes changes in your skin tone (lighter/darker), eye-widening or eye brightening, removing moles, correction of wrinkles, changes in your facial features, etc.
Where to Take the Japan Visa Photos?
You can take your visa photo at one of the following options:
- At a professional photo studio. Find a local photo studio to have your photo(s) taken professionally. This is one of the safest options for visa photos if you want to take pictures with the right measurements and comply with Japanese photo specifications.
- At home. You can take your own photos at home with the right equipment. If you have a high-quality digital camera, a lighting ring, and someone to help you take your photo(s)
- Online photo services. Many websites can help you take your own photos in just a few minutes. You can take your photo(s) online, and the website will take care of everything else.
How to Submit My Japan Visa Photo?
You should submit your visa photo(s) together with the other documents required by the Japanese embassy. How you submit the photo(s) depends on how you choose to apply for a Japanese visa:
- Embassy/Consulate. For applications at diplomatic missions abroad, you might be required to submit your photo(s) attached to the application form (glued or stapled). Your name and date of birth must be written on the back of the photo(s). However, the requirements vary depending on the country and the embassy you apply to.
- If you are eligible for an E-visa, you need to scan and upload your photo in JPEG format to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.