Obtain Your Japanese Visa Photos Online

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.

If you are an American citizen, traveling to Japan for tourism, visit, or business, you do not need to apply for a Japan Visa. US citizens are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days. You can enter with your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have blank pages for the entry and exit stamps.
However, you cannot work, study, or extend/change the category of your stay while you are in Japan on a visa-exempt entry. If you have found a job, been accepted into an educational institution, or want to join your spouse in Japan, then you have to apply for the adequate type of visa from a Japan Embassy or Consulate in the US before you travel.

Once you know where to apply, you should start collecting the documents you need for your Japan Visa application. The documents differ based on the type of visa you apply for, but in all cases, you have to submit:

Your passport, which should have at least two blank visa pages as well as be valid for at least another six months starting from the time you intend to enter Japan.

Recent passport-size pictures taken in front of a white background

A Japan Visa Application Form completed and signed.

Booked flight ticket.

Proof of sufficient financial requirements, such as bank statements or a letter from a guarantor.

If you have a sponsor/guarantor in Japan, they have to provide you with the required documents on their part before you can submit the application.

The duration of a Japan Visa depends on the number of entries it is issued for as well as the purpose of travel.

A single-entry Japan Visa is issued for a maximum of 3 months.

A multiple-entry Japan Visa is issued for 1 to 5 years, depending on the purpose of your stay.

Whether you can extend a Japan Visa or not depends on the type of visa you have (although, in actuality, what you would be extending is the Landing Permit, rather than the visa itself.)
If you have a Tourist Visa, you are not likely to receive a Japan Visa Extension. If you enter the country for tourism purposes, you may only get a visa extension if you have a valid purpose, such as a sudden illness or an accident.
If you entered using a long-stay visa, such as for employment, marriage, or studying purposes, then you can apply for a Japan Visa Extension at your local Immigration Office in Japan. You can submit a Visa Extension application starting from 90 days before your Visa expires.