🇯🇵 Japan Visa Photos: Size, Background & Latest Requirements
Japan visa photo specifications compiled from official guidance, with common mistakes and a free tool to make a compliant photo. Updated 10/2026.
Japan visa photos are 4.5 cm tall × 3.5 cm wide, on a plain light background, framed from the upper chest to the top of the head, no shadows, no hat, taken within 6 months.
Japan visa photo specifications
| Photo size | 4.5 × 3.5 cm (4.5 tall – 3.5 wide) |
|---|---|
| Head height | From the upper chest to the top of the head, with space left above the head |
| Background color | Plain and light (usually white) |
| When taken | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Glasses best removed; no tinted glasses |
| Lighting | No shadows on the face or background |
| Clothing | No hat, no face mask |
Get it right the first time
Do
- Look straight into the lens, shoulders level
- Even lighting on both sides of the face, no shadows
- Eyes clearly open, mouth closed
- Sharp photo, no filters, no skin smoothing
Common reasons for rejection
- Mistakenly made as 4×6 or 3×4
- Shadows on the background
- Cropped tight to the top of the head, with no space left
- Photo older than 6 months
FAQ
What size is a Japan visa photo?
4.5 cm tall and 3.5 cm wide (commonly called a 3.5×4.5 photo), plain background, taken within 6 months.
Does a Japan visa photo need a white background?
The requirement is a plain background with no patterns and no shadows. White is the safest choice.
Is the photo attached to the Japan visa application form?
Yes, the photo is pasted into the photo box on the form. That's why it must be exactly 4.5×3.5 cm.
Can I make a Japan visa photo online?
Yes. K-BLACK's free tool automatically removes the background, aligns the head to the Japan visa standard and exports a 300 dpi print file. For important applications, we recommend shooting at the studio to ensure the lighting and pose meet the standard.
Other countries' photo standards
Sources: Embassy of Japan in Vietnam. Requirements may change — please check the latest guidance from the receiving authority before submitting.