Japan Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Applying for a Japanese work, study, or long-stay visa? Japan uses a unique photo size — here is exactly what Japanese consulates in the US require.
Japan visa photos are 45×45mm — not the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) and not the European 35×45mm format. Both common formats are wrong.
Create your Japan visa photo — free
Upload any clear photo. We crop to 45×45mm, remove the background, and export a JPEG ready for Japanese consulate submission.
Japan Visa Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45×45mm |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 531×531 px |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, relaxed |
| Eyes | Open, front-facing |
| Head coverage | 60–70% of frame |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Religious only |
| Photo age | Within 6 months |
| File format (digital) | JPEG |
Japan Visa Photo vs. Japanese Passport Photo
| Detail | 🇯🇵 Japan Visa (foreigners) | 🪪 Japanese Passport (citizens) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45×45mm | 35×45mm |
| Shape | Square | Rectangular portrait |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 531×531 px | 413×531 px |
| Background | White only | White or light grey |
| Who uses it | US citizens & residents applying for Japan visa | Japanese nationals worldwide |
Warning
Do You Actually Need a Japan Visa?
Most US citizens do not need a visa to visit Japan. Check your situation:
US citizens enter visa-free under the Japan-US visa waiver program.
Apply at a Japanese consulate with a 45×45mm photo and employer sponsorship documents.
Apply with Certificate of Eligibility from your Japanese school.
Japan does not have a dedicated retirement visa — specific long-stay visa categories apply.
How to Apply for a Japan Visa from the US
Upload your photo to our tool to get a 45×45mm JPEG with a white background. Print at any pharmacy kiosk for $0.35. Cut to size — the photo must be exactly 45×45mm.
Download the Japan visa application form from your regional Japanese consulate website. Fill it out completely — the photo attaches to the designated space on the form.
For work visas: Certificate of Eligibility from your employer in Japan. For student visas: Certificate of Eligibility from your school. For other types: check the consulate checklist for your specific visa category.
Submit in person at the Japanese consulate serving your region. Japanese consulates in the US are in Washington D.C. (Embassy), New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Honolulu, and Atlanta. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
Note
Tip
Create Your Japan Visa Photo — Free
45×45mm · White background · JPEG ready for Japanese consulate submission
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Japan Visa Photo FAQ
What are the Japan visa photo requirements for US applicants?
Japan visa photos for US applicants must be 45×45mm (1.77×1.77 inches) with a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months. The face must fill approximately 60–70% of the photo height, with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Glasses are not permitted. This is a square format but smaller than the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photo.
What size is a Japan visa photo?
Japan visa photos are 45×45mm (1.77×1.77 inches) — a square format. This is different from the US passport photo (51×51mm / 2×2 inches) and also different from the European 35×45mm format. At 300 DPI, 45×45mm equals 531×531 pixels. Always use 45×45mm for Japanese visa applications at US consulates — not the US or European standard.
What is the difference between a Japan visa photo and a Japanese passport photo?
They are different sizes. Japanese visa photos (for foreigners applying at Japanese consulates) must be 45×45mm (square). Japanese passport photos (for Japanese nationals) must be 35×45mm (rectangular portrait). If you are a Japanese national renewing your passport in the US, use 35×45mm. If you are a US citizen or resident applying for a Japanese visa, use 45×45mm.
Can I use a US passport photo for a Japan visa application?
No. US passport photos are 51×51mm (2×2 inches). Japan visa photos must be 45×45mm — both are square, but the US format is 6mm larger in each dimension. Japanese consulates measure photos carefully and may reject a photo that is the wrong size. Always prepare a specifically sized 45×45mm photo for Japanese visa applications.
What background color is required for a Japan visa photo?
Japan visa photos require a plain white background. The background must be uniform — no shadows, patterns, or gradients. Unlike France (which accepts light grey), Japan requires white only. Avoid off-white or cream backgrounds, which may be flagged at automated or manual review.
Can I wear glasses in a Japan visa photo?
No. Japan follows ICAO biometric standards and prohibits glasses in visa and passport photos. All eyewear must be removed. This rule has been consistently enforced at Japanese consulates. Contact lenses are permitted.
How do I apply for a Japan visa from the United States?
Most US citizens can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days under the Japan-US visa waiver program — you do not need a visa for short tourism or business trips. If you require a visa (work, study, long-stay, or certain other purposes), apply at the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. or the Japanese Consulate General in your region (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Honolulu, or Atlanta).
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Japan?
No — US citizens can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or short business visits under the visa waiver program. If you are staying longer, working, studying, or immigrating, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa type. The Japan visa photo requirements (45×45mm) apply to these long-stay or special-purpose visa applications.
How many photos do I need for a Japan visa application?
Japan visa applications require 1 printed 45×45mm photo attached to the application form. For consulate submissions, the photo is typically glued or stapled to the designated space on the form. Check the current requirements with your regional Japanese consulate before submitting, as procedures can vary slightly.