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The Challenge
Japanese embassies and consulates in the US require a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photo for visa applications—the same dimensions as a US passport photo but with stricter background and expression requirements. Using the wrong size or failing to meet Japan-specific rules causes rejection.
US-specific Japan visa photo — same size as US passport, stricter rules
- US embassy/consulates: 2×2 inches (51×51mm) square — this tool
- Standard MOFA format (most countries): 45×45mm square — different tool
- Some EU consulates: 35×45mm — different tool
- Same dimensions as US passport photo, but Japan requires plain WHITE background only (no off-white)
- Do NOT use standard Japan 45×45mm format for US-based applications
Japan visa photo requirements for US-based applicants
Japanese embassies and consulates in the United States require 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos for all visa applications. This matches the US passport photo size but has stricter requirements: the background must be plain white (not off-white), no filters are allowed, and the photo must be passport-type quality (not printed on regular paper). The Embassy of Japan in Washington DC specifies that photos should be glued—not stapled or taped—to the application form. These requirements apply at the Embassy in Washington DC and all Japanese consulates across the US (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, etc.).
US-based Japan visa photo checklist
- 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square dimensions
- Plain white background only — no off-white, no patterns, no shading
- Applicant alone, facing directly forward
- No headbands, caps, hats, or headwear
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No filters or digital manipulation
- Taken within last 6 months
- 1200×1200 pixels at 600 DPI for print
- Passport-type photo paper (not regular printer paper)
- No shadows on face or background
- Glue photo to application form — do not staple or tape
Common mistakes by US applicants
- Using standard Japan 45×45mm format — wrong size for US applications
- Background not plain white (off-white is rejected)
- Using filters on the photo
- Printing on regular paper instead of photo paper
- Stapling or taping photo to the form instead of gluing
- Wearing glasses or headwear
- Submitting blurry or low-resolution photos (especially screenshots from mobile)
How to print Japan visa photos in the US
- Size: 2×2 inches — same as US passport photo size, widely available.
- Photo services: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and most photo shops offer 2×2 inch passport photos.
- Key difference: Specify plain WHITE background. Some US passport photo services use off-white or light grey — this will be rejected.
- Paper: Passport-type photo paper required. Regular printer paper is not accepted.
- At home: Print at highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), on photo paper.
- Attachment: Use glue only to attach to application form. No staples, tape, or clips.
- Verify: Measure final photo — must be exactly 2×2 inches.
Japanese consulate locations in the US
- Embassy of Japan, Washington DC — covers DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia
- Consulate-General, New York — covers NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE
- Consulate-General, Los Angeles — covers Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico
- Consulate-General, Chicago — covers IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI
- Consulate-General, San Francisco — covers Northern California, NV, CO, UT, WY
- Consulate-General, Houston — covers TX, OK
- All US locations use 2×2 inch format
Official Resources
- Embassy of Japan in the US - Visa and Travel Information Official visa application information for US-based applicants
- Embassy of Japan in the US - Short-term Visit Visa Required documents including photo specifications
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Information Central visa information from Japan MOFA
- JAPAN eVISA - Online Application Official online visa application for short-term tourism
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- Resolution
- 1200×1200 pixels at 600 DPI
- Background
- Plain white only
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, facing forward
- Paper Type
- Passport-type photo paper (matte or glossy)
- Valid For
- Japan visa applications at US-based embassies and consulates
Best Practices
- 2×2 inches is the same size as a US passport photo — but Japan requires strict plain white background
- This size is US-specific — most other countries use 45×45mm for Japan visa
- US passport photo services can produce this size, but verify white background (not off-white or grey)
- No filters allowed — the embassy explicitly rejects filtered photos
- Remove all headwear and glasses before taking photo
- Print on photo paper — regular printer paper is rejected
- Glue the photo to the form — staples and tape are not accepted
- Same photo works for tourist, work, student, and business visa applications at US consulates
- eVISA applicants: upload high-resolution scans, not mobile screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo for Japan visa from the US?
2×2 inches (51×51mm) square. This is the same size as a US passport photo. The standard MOFA format used in most other countries is 45×45mm, which is different — use 2×2 inches for US-based applications.
Can I use my US passport photo for a Japan visa?
The dimensions are the same (2×2 inches), but check two things: the background must be plain white (not off-white or light grey), and the photo must be taken within the last 6 months. If your US passport photo meets both requirements, it can work.
Where can I get 2×2 inch photos for a Japan visa?
Any US passport photo service works — CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or local photo shops all offer 2×2 inch photos. Specify that you need a plain white background. You can also use this tool and print on photo paper at home.
Is this the same for all Japanese consulates in the US?
Yes. The 2×2 inch format is used at the Embassy in Washington DC and all Consulate-General offices across the US.
What background for Japan visa photos from the US?
Plain white only. The Embassy of Japan explicitly requires a plain background. Off-white, light grey, and patterned backgrounds are not accepted.
Can I wear glasses?
It's recommended to remove glasses. Japanese visa photo requirements specify clear face visibility. Remove glasses, headbands, and caps.
Can I apply for a Japan visa online from the US?
Yes, the JAPAN eVISA system is available for single-entry short-term tourism visas. You still need to provide the same photo and documents. For business, conference, family visits, multiple-entry, or long-term visas, you must apply in person at the Embassy.
How do I attach the photo to the application form?
Use glue only. The Embassy of Japan explicitly states: do not staple, tape, paper clip, or binder clip documents or photos.