To apply for a South Korea visa or K-ETA, travelers must provide a personal, passport-style photograph.
The image must meet all the Korean visa photo requirements for the application to be successful.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries must now have an approved Korean Electronic Travel Authorization to enter the country. Eligible passport holders can submit their application and photo online in minutes.
Korean Visa Photo Size Requirements
The image selected for the visa or visa waiver application must be the correct size. Photos that are either too large or too small will not be accepted.
The applicant’s photograph is uploaded digitally when applying for the K-ETA. This makes it easier to alter the size of the image. The K-ETA photo size limitations are:
Traditional Korean visa applications require a photo that is 35 mm (width) by 45 mm (height).
Other ETA / Visa Photo Specifications for South Korea
Every K-ETA and Korean visa application must be accompanied by a personal photo that meets the following specifications:
The Korean ETA or visa photograph must be recent
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Reflect the traveler's current appearance
The photo must be in full color
- Black and white photographs are not accepted
- The photo should be in focus (not blurry) and without glare or shadow
Everyday clothing should be worn in the visa photo
- Military or law enforcement uniforms should not be worn in for the South Korea visa photo
- Religious uniforms and clothing are acceptable
- Hats and large accessories should not be worn
- Headwear for religious or medical reasons may be permitted (supporting documentation may be required if for medical purposes)
The eyes must be visible
- Prescription glasses are allowed as long as they do not hinder the view of the eyes
- Sunglasses or glasses with tinted lenses should not be worn
- Glare in the lens from the flash may cause rejection
- Red-eye is not acceptable. This can be avoided by not aiming the flash directly at the eye.
Facial expression must be neutral
- Applicants should not smile for the South Korean visa photo
- They should keep a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed
- It should be a front view with the subject looking straight at the camera
Korea Visa Photo Specifications for Babies and Infants
Adults who will travel to Korea with a child should be aware that there are a few extra photo requirements for young children and babies.
- Babies and infants cannot hold any objects in the photo such as toys, pacifiers, and bottles.
- The child or baby’s eyes must be open and fully visible, and the mouth must be closed.
- The top of the shoulders must be visible, and the head should fill around 70% of the photo.
- The photo can be of the child sitting, being held, or lying on the floor. However, the hands of others cannot be visible in the photo.
- The Korean visa photo size for children is the same as for adults
Visa for Korea Passport Photo Requirements
Travelers who are eligible for the K-ETA can apply for the authorization online. Passport details, personal information, and the applicant’s photo are submitted electronically. The passport number and other basic information can be quickly added to the application form.
On the other hand, to apply for a traditional visa, applicants need to scan the passport biographical page. This is the page with the passport photo and other identifying information.
South Korean visa applications are more complex and require several other supporting documents, in addition to the applicant’s photo and passport copy, depending on the purpose of the visit.
The passport details are used to carry out security checks and make South Korea a safe travel destination.
Other Things to Consider When Applying for a Korean Visa
Understanding South Korea visa photo requirements is important when applying for either a K-ETA or embassy visa. Nevertheless, there are several other things to consider, including:
- The type of visa required—the K-ETA is the correct option for visa-exempt tourists
- When to apply— most K-ETA applications are approved in 24 hours, visa applications take longer
- Other documents needed—applying for a Korean visa rather than an ETA, additional supporting documents will be required
Travelers from visa-exempt nations should be aware that the K-ETA is now mandatory. Since September 2021, visa-free entry is only permitted with a valid Korean ETA.
The permit is valid for 3 years. Travelers who visit South Korea multiple times do not need to reapply and supply a new photo before each trip. It can be used to go to South Korea for tourism, family visits, and business trips for up to 90 days.
<< Prev Next >>
