What to keep in mind for visa ID photos? [Clothing, Background, Size]

September 4, 2026 September 4, 2026

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Have you ever taken an ID photo for a visa? If you rarely go abroad, you might often wonder, "How should I take it?" and feel confused.

This time, we have summarized what to keep in mind when taking a visa ID photo!

What to keep in mind for visa ID photos
①Checking the rules
②Face size within the photo
③Clothing color
④Table of Contents
Summary

What to keep in mind for visa ID photos

①Checking the rules

First and foremost, this is the most important thing. When you want to obtain a visa, make sure to thoroughly check the rules specified by that country or region.

If there is no description and you are unsure, it's also a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate.

Photo rules get updated over time, so information found online might be outdated. Make sure to check the latest information and understand the new rules.

All the points explained after this are based on these rules.

②Face size within the photo

While the dimensions of the photo itself, such as "Height ◯ mm / Width △ mm," are something you would pay close attention to, what is surprisingly easy to overlook yet critical is "the size of the face relative to the entire photo."

For example, for Japanese passports, there are specifications stating that the top of the head must be 4±2mm from the top edge of the photo, and the position of the chin must be 7±2mm from the bottom edge of the photo.

Visas may similarly have detailed specifications regarding face position and size, or requiring the face to occupy ◯% of the overall photo size. Since these can be difficult to adjust on your own, if there are specifications, it is best to convey those instructions to the photo studio staff.

③Clothing color

The background color for visa ID photos may be specified by the country.

It is often considered better for the boundary between the background and the person to be clearly distinguishable, so after confirming the background color, it is recommended to choose clothing colors that won't blend into it.

In the case of a white background, wearing white or light-colored clothes will cause you to blend into the background. Take countermeasures such as putting on a dark-colored jacket or outer layer over them.

④Difference between digital data and print

Now that visas that can be applied for online are increasing, the methods for submitting photos vary as well. Patterns where printed photos only are sufficient, patterns where digital submission only is OK, patterns where both printed photos and digital submission are required... Check which pattern applies to you and prepare accordingly.

Pay special attention if both printed photos and digital data are required! The aspect ratio of the photo you must submit may differ between print and digital data. To avoid getting the data only to find out it was wrong..., always check both sets of rules when preparing.

Summary

This time, we summarized what to keep in mind when taking a visa ID photo! To ensure a smooth and worry-free trip abroad, be sure to check the rules thoroughly in advance.