Japan passport and visa photo requirements
Japan uses the familiar 35×45 mm portrait but with one of the largest head requirements anywhere: about 34 mm of the 45 mm height is face. If the photo is printed with a small head, it will be sent back.
Crop to this size
Opens the cropper with 35 × 45 mm already selected.
At a glance
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo size in inches | 1⅜ × 1¾ in |
| Pixels at 300 ppi | 413 × 531 px |
| Orientation | Portrait |
| Head height | About 34 mm from chin to crown (roughly 76% of the photo height) |
| Background | Plain white or light grey, evenly lit and shadow-free |
What the photo must show
- Photo age. Taken within the last 6 months.
- Head size. Roughly 34 mm from chin to crown, centred horizontally.
- Expression. Natural expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, no smiling.
- Glasses. Avoid them. Reflections and tinted lenses are refused, and the frame must not cover the eyes.
- Headwear. Not allowed, unless worn for religious or medical reasons and the face stays fully visible.
- Contrast. Faces with very light hair or clothing need a slightly grey background to keep the outline visible.
Common reasons photos get rejected
- A head that is too small in the frame.
- A shadow behind the head or across the face.
- A hat, a hairband across the forehead, or hair covering the eyes.
- A photo with strong reflections from a flash.
- A photo of a photo, or a screenshot from a phone screen.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of JapanPassport application and photo specifications.
- MOFA — visa informationVisa categories, documents and photo guidance for Japan.
Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change — always confirm with the official source above before you apply.