Everything you need to know about Japan visa photo requirements for UK-based applicants, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home. This guide covers applications submitted through the Embassy of Japan in London or VFS Global.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Document Type | Visa (Apply from UK) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — 1 photo required (pasted on application form) |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte or glossy photo paper |
| Color | Color only |
| Borders | No borders |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
When applying for a Japan visa from the United Kingdom, your photo must meet specific requirements set by the Embassy of Japan in London. While the standard Japanese visa photo is 45x45mm, UK-based applicants may submit 35x45mm photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Japan visa applications submitted from the UK require one photograph that meets the specifications outlined by the Embassy of Japan in London. This applies to all visa types including Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, and Transit Visa. Applications can be submitted in person at the Embassy of Japan in London or through VFS Global visa application centres.
It is strongly recommended to remove glasses when having your Japan visa photo taken. If you must wear them:
The following Japan visa categories all require a photo when applying from the UK:
Source: Embassy of Japan in the UK — Visa Application with Certificate of Eligibility
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Japan visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that may blend with the white background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 1.5 metres in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a plain expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile — Japan requires a completely neutral expression with no raised eyebrows.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Japan visa photos
For UK-based applicants submitting to the Embassy of Japan in London, the accepted photo size is 35x45mm (UK passport photo size). The standard Japan visa photo size of 45x45mm is not required when applying from the UK.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. Ensure there is sufficient contrast between your face and the white background. If you don't have a suitable background, our tool will automatically replace it with white.
You need 1 photo for a Japan visa application from the UK. The photo must be pasted on the application form in the designated space. Do not use staples or paper clips to attach the photo.
A UK passport photo meets the 35x45mm size requirement accepted by the Embassy of Japan in London. However, note that UK passport photos have a light grey or cream background, whereas Japan requires a white background. You will need a photo with a white background specifically.
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, and raised eyebrows are not permitted. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.
It is strongly recommended to remove glasses. If you must wear them, they must not be sunglasses or tinted lenses, and there must be no glare or reflection on the lenses. Your eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses.
Your Japan visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance. Using an older photo may result in your visa application being delayed or rejected.
The standard Japan visa photo size is 45x45mm, used when applying within Japan or at some embassies in other countries. However, the Embassy of Japan in London accepts 35x45mm photos (UK passport photo size) for the convenience of UK-based applicants. Always check with your specific application centre if applying from outside the UK.
