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Japan eVISA file preparation

Japan eVISA photo requirements

The Japan eVISA photo requirements: a recent, clear, front-facing digital face photo on a plain background, and the checks to complete before you upload.

Checked: 2026-10-04

Open the web tool
Japan eVISA face photo prepared on an iPhone with passport documents

Quick summary

Start with a real digital photo

A common mistake is to take a picture of a printed ID photo and upload it. The eVISA checklist explicitly warns against using a photo of a photo. Use the original camera capture and export a clean JPEG instead.

The app is designed to help frame a Japan visa-style 35 × 45 digital output, but the official upload screen and the instructions for your application remain the final authority.

Keep the face natural and identifiable

Gaze
Look straight at the camera.
Eyes
Keep both eyes visible and your mouth closed.
Glasses
Remove glasses if they cause glare or cover the eyes.
Hair
Keep hair away from the eyes and face outline.
Editing
Avoid beauty filters, AI face changes, skin smoothing, or background replacement that changes the appearance.

Do not mix eVISA and paper visa rules

Some Japanese embassies and consulates publish paper-application photo sizes such as 35 × 45.

Those sizes apply to printed paper-application photos, not to the online eVISA upload. For eVISA, follow the conditions shown on the upload screen and in the instructions for your application.

If your export is sized for paper, prepare a new eVISA-style file instead of reusing it for the upload.

Provider route photo requirements (verified route values)

These are route-specific values published by the named provider or official guide. They are not one global JAPAN eVISA photo specification. Follow the instructions for your own application route.

The official eVISA pixel dimensions are not published (Official pixel size not published).

Singapore VFS Global route
Size: 35 × 45 mm; formats: JPG / PNG / GIF / BMP / HEIC; maximum file size: ≤2 MB; photo age: within 6 months; white background; front-facing, neutral expression, no glasses; no filters and no reuse of an earlier ID photo.
Hong Kong / Macau — CGJ Hong Kong guide, via VFS hkg
Size: 35 × 45 mm; color photo; taken within the last 6 months; background color not specified in the official guide; front-facing, no hat.
Mongolia VFS Global route
Size: 35 × 45 mm; color photo; taken within the last 6 months; white background; front-facing, no hat or eyeglasses; face occupancy about 60%.

Create your photo in the browser

Prepare the photo for Japan e-Visa directly in your smartphone or computer browser. Creating and reviewing are free.

The photo specification this tool creates depends on your destination country and application route. Select your route in the tool.

Open the web tool

Also available as an iPhone appOpen the App Store

Based on official sources

These preparation steps are based on public information from Japan MOFA and Japanese diplomatic missions about JAPAN eVISA eligibility, online application scope, photo quality, and passport image preparation. The app prepares photo files; the visa application itself is submitted through the official route.

Upload mistakes that can cause problems

The following upload mistakes can cause a Japan eVISA photo or passport image to be returned. Avoid them before you submit, and confirm the latest official instructions for your route.

  1. Uploading a photo of a printed photo

    Photographing a printed ID photo adds paper texture, glare, and blur. Use the original digital capture and export a clean JPEG.

  2. Unreadable passport data page

    Glare, blur, cropped edges, or a hidden MRZ can stop the application. Keep the page flat and re-shoot under even light.

  3. Copying paper visa sizes online

    Some embassies list 35 × 45 for paper applications. Do not assume the same size applies to the online eVISA upload.

  4. Beauty filters and AI retouching

    Face-slimming, skin smoothing, and background replacement change how you look and can make the photo unusable. Keep the image natural.

  5. Background that is not plain

    Shadows, patterns, or a background that blends with light clothing fail the plain or white background check.

  6. Files recompressed by chat apps

    Sending the photo through a messaging app can destroy detail. Upload the original exported file, not a recompressed copy.

Why use the app to prepare files

Frame a 35 × 45 digital photo

The app helps you compose a Japan visa-style digital face photo with the right proportions, using your iPhone camera.

Export a clean JPEG

Get a clear file directly, without the recompression that messaging apps add, so facial detail and passport text stay sharp.

Check background and face position

Preview the plain background, face angle, and framing before you upload to the official system.

Independent preparation tool

The app only prepares image files. You still submit through the official JAPAN eVISA route and follow their instructions.

shoumei.org is an independent file preparation tool and is not affiliated with the Government of Japan, MOFA, embassies, or consulates. Preparing a photo with the app does not guarantee photo acceptance, application approval, or visa issuance.

Related guides

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FAQ

Can I use an old passport photo?

Use a recent photo. Each application route specifies a photo taken within the last 6 months. Follow the instructions for your own route.

Can the app guarantee that my eVISA photo will be accepted?

No. The app prepares a photo file, but the official system and reviewing authority decide whether the application and photo are accepted.

Is a white background required?

The Singapore route specifies white background, and the Mongolia route specifies white background; the Hong Kong/Macau guide says background color not specified in the official guide. Follow the guidance for your own application route.

Can I wear glasses in the photo?

The Singapore route specifies no glasses, and the Mongolia route specifies no glasses. If you normally wear glasses, check the checklist for your own application route before preparing the file.

Official sources