Compliance Guide · Updated May 2026
South Korea Visa Photo Requirements 2026: The Complete Official Guide
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Checked against the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Visa Portal (visa.go.kr), and K-ETA guidelines
Quick answer: The South Korea visa photo size requirement in 2026 is 35 mm wide × 45 mm high, with your face occupying 70–80% of the frame height (approximately 31–36 mm from chin to crown). For online applications via the Korea Visa Portal, submit a JPEG file under 200 KB with a minimum resolution of 413 × 531 pixels. The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white or cream. Glasses are generally not permitted, and no digital retouching is allowed.
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Quick reference: South Korea visa photo specifications
Before submitting your application via the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) or at a Korean embassy or consulate, ensure your photo meets every parameter in this table.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm (70–80% of frame height) |
| Digital format (online) | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| Digital file size | Under 200 KB (strict maximum) |
| Digital resolution | Minimum 413 × 531 pixels |
| Minimum DPI (print) | 300 DPI |
| Background | Plain white (uniform, shadow-free, no patterns) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at lens |
| Glasses | Generally not permitted — must be removed |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Colour | Full colour — no black & white or sepia |
| Quantity (paper) | 1 photo (attached to application form) |
| Retouching | Not permitted in any form |
Official South Korea visa photo dimensions
South Korean visa photo requirements specify photos must be exactly 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown) must occupy between 70% and 80% of the total photo height, which corresponds to approximately 31–36 mm. The face must be centred within the frame both horizontally and vertically.
Important Note
South Korea uses the same 35 × 45 mm dimensions as Schengen countries, but has different requirements for file size (under 200 KB) and resolution (minimum 413 × 531 pixels).Do not use a photo that exceeds 200 KB — it will be rejected at upload.
For online submissions via the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr), the minimum resolution is 413 × 531 pixels. A resolution of 600 × 800 pixels or higher is recommended for better quality, as long as the file stays under 200 KB. For print submissions, a minimum of 300 DPI is required.
South Korea visa photo size in mm, cm, inches, and pixels
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) | 35 mm | 45 mm | 31–36 mm |
| Centimetres (cm) | 3.5 cm | 4.5 cm | 3.1–3.6 cm |
| Inches (in) | 1.38 in | 1.77 in | 1.22–1.42 in |
| Pixels (minimum required) | 413 px | 531 px | ~70–80% of height |
| Pixels (recommended) | 600+ px | 800+ px | ~70–80% of height |
Print vs. digital: what changes between paper and online applications?
If you apply online via the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr), you upload a single digital JPEG file as part of your application. If you apply through a Korean embassy or consulate with a paper application, you will typically be required to attach one printed photo to your application form. The face position, expression, and background rules are identical for both — only the output format differs.
| Aspect | Print (embassy / consulate) | Digital (Korea Visa Portal) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high | Same proportions; JPEG under 200 KB |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| File size | N/A | Under 200 KB (strict maximum) |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum | Minimum 413 × 531 pixels |
| Quantity | 1 photo attached to application form | 1 file upload via the online portal |
| Paper type | Glossy or matte photo paper | N/A |
| Background | Plain white, shadow-free, no patterns | Plain white, shadow-free, no patterns |
Background requirements for South Korea visa photos
The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. It must be uniform in colour with no shadows, patterns, textures, gradients, or objects visible. The background must clearly contrast with your hair, face, and clothing. This is strictly enforced — even a slightly off-white background will be rejected.
Do not use a background removal tool to digitally replace a coloured wall with white. Korean visa processing can detect composite images. Shoot in front of a genuinely pure white surface. Even lighting is critical to avoid shadows on the background.
Face position, expression, and lighting requirements
Your face must be centred in the frame, looking directly at the camera lens with your head level and upright — not tilted, not turned, chin neither raised nor lowered. Both sides of your face must be equally visible. Hair must not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the edges of your face. Your eyes must be fully open and directed at the lens. Your mouth must be closed with a neutral, relaxed expression — no smile, no frown, no raised eyebrows.
Lighting must be even and diffused across the entire face. No harsh shadows should appear on your face — including under the chin, beside the nose, or in the eye sockets — or on the white background behind you. Avoid direct flash. Natural window light or two balanced artificial sources produce the most consistent results.
Glasses policy for South Korea visa photos
Glasses are generally not permittedin South Korean visa photos. Even thin-framed prescription glasses are typically rejected. Most applicants must remove all glasses before taking the photo. If you have a medical necessity, a signed doctor's note may be required, but removal is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
Contact lenses that do not visibly alter the colour of the iris are acceptable. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted. When in doubt, remove your glasses.
South Korea visa photo checklist: do's and don'ts
Review these requirements carefully before uploading to the Korea Visa Portal or attending a Korean embassy appointment to avoid delays or rejection.
Do
- Use a plain white background that is evenly lit and free of shadows, patterns, or textures
- Ensure your face is centred, forward-facing, and fully visible from chin to crown
- Keep your eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera lens
- Maintain a neutral, relaxed expression with your mouth closed
- Use even, diffused lighting with no shadows on your face or background
- Include the tops of both shoulders and the base of the neck in the frame
- Ensure hair does not obscure your eyes, eyebrows, or the edges of your face
- Submit a JPEG file under 200 KB with minimum resolution 413 × 531 pixels
- Have the photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Wear everyday clothing that contrasts well with the white background (avoid white tops)
Don't
- Wear glasses — they are generally not permitted for South Korean visa photos
- Smile, frown, tilt or turn your head, or allow your eyes to be partially closed
- Use a coloured, patterned, textured, or off-white/grey background — only plain white is accepted
- Retouch, filter, adjust brightness/contrast, or digitally alter the photo in any way
- Submit a scanned photo or a picture of a printed photo
- Upload a JPEG file above 200 KB to the online portal
- Wear hats, caps, or fashion headwear (religious head coverings permitted with conditions)
- Allow hair, large jewellery, or accessories to cover your eyes or face
- Use a photo older than 6 months
- Use a black-and-white, sepia, or heavily compressed image
How to take a correct South Korea visa photo at home (step-by-step)
Following these six steps will produce a photo that meets South Korean visa requirements for both paper and digital submissions without visiting a professional studio.
Set up a plain white background
Stand or sit in front of a plain white wall or surface. The background must be pure white with no shadows, patterns, textures, or objects. If you do not have a suitable wall, hang a plain white sheet without wrinkles. Avoid off-white, cream, or grey backgrounds — only pure white is accepted.
Set up balanced, diffused lighting
Use natural daylight from a large window, or two balanced artificial lights at equal height and distance on either side of your face. Avoid direct flash, which creates harsh highlights, red-eye, and shadows. Soft, even lighting is crucial for a pure white background and a well-lit face without shadows under the chin or in the eye sockets.
Position your head and body correctly
Face the camera directly with your head level and upright — not tilted, not turned. Your chin should be neither raised nor lowered. Both sides of your face should be equally visible. Your shoulders and the base of your neck should appear at the bottom of the frame. Position yourself approximately 45–60 cm from the camera.
Take the photo
Open your eyes fully and look directly into the lens. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed — no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Remove all glasses before the shot. Ask someone else to take the photo for better framing and sharpness.
Crop and size the image
For paper submissions, crop to exactly 35 × 45 mm at 300 DPI minimum, ensuring the face occupies 70–80% of the height. For online submissions, ensure the resolution is at least 413 × 531 pixels. Export as a JPEG file under 200 KB — this is a strict maximum. Resize and compress carefully.
Check before submitting
Verify the background is pure white and shadow-free, no glasses are in the photo, eyes are fully open with a neutral expression, the face occupies 70–80% of the frame, hair does not obscure the face, resolution is at least 413×531 pixels, and the JPEG file is under 200 KB before submitting.
Common South Korea visa photo rejection reasons in 2026
The Korea Visa Portal and Korean embassy processing check biometric compliance, image quality, resolution, and file specifications. These are the most frequent causes of rejection.
Incorrect background colour or shadows
South Korea requires a plain white background — not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. Any shadows, patterns, textures, or non-white backgrounds will lead to rejection. The background must be pure white and completely uniform.
Glasses in the photo
Glasses are generally not permitted in South Korean visa photos. Most applicants must remove glasses before taking the photo. Even thin-framed glasses are often rejected. If you have a medical necessity, a signed doctor's note may be required, but removal is strongly recommended.
Non-neutral expression or head position
Smiling, open mouth, tilted head, head turned to the side, raised eyebrows, or partially closed eyes are detected by biometric checks. Your head must be level and upright, facing the camera directly with a neutral expression and mouth closed.
Face proportion out of range
Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the 45 mm photo height (approximately 31–36 mm). A face that is too small (shot from too far away) or too large (over-cropped) will be rejected.
File size exceeds 200 KB or resolution too low
The South Korean online visa portal has a strict maximum file size of 200 KB and a minimum resolution of 413 × 531 pixels. Files larger than 200 KB will be rejected. Files below the minimum resolution will fail quality checks.
Photo older than 6 months
The photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and reflect your current appearance. Older photos will be rejected during processing.
Hair or accessories obscuring the face
Hair covering the forehead, eyebrows, or eyes, and large earrings or accessories casting shadows on the face, are common causes of rejection. Pull hair back fully so the entire face is clearly visible.
South Korea visa photo requirements for babies and children
Children of all ages — including newborns — must have their own separate visa photo and cannot share a photo with a parent or guardian. The child must be photographed alone, with no other person, hand, toy, pacifier, chair back, or any other object visible in the frame.
For very young infants who cannot support their own head, lay them on a plain white sheet on a flat surface and photograph from directly above. Ensure the sheet fills the entire background without creases or shadows. All standard requirements apply, with some flexibility on expression for very young infants.
Religious head coverings in South Korea visa photos
Religious head coverings are permitted for South Korean visa photo submissions provided they are worn daily for religious reasons and all of the following conditions are met: the covering must be plain material with no patterns or decorations; your full face must remain clearly visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead; both side edges of the face — including the outer eye corners — must be visible; and the covering must cast no shadows on your face or the white background.
Fashion hats, caps, beanies, and decorative headwear are not permitted.
Official sources
These pages are the authoritative references for South Korean visa photo requirements.
Frequently asked questions: South Korea visa photo 2026
What is the South Korea visa photo size requirement in 2026?
South Korea visa photos must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70 to 80 percent of the photo height (approximately 31–36 mm). The background must be plain white — not off-white, cream, or grey. For online applications, the JPEG file must be under 200 KB with a minimum resolution of 413 × 531 pixels.
What is the South Korea visa photo size in pixels?
South Korea requires a minimum resolution of 413 × 531 pixels for digital photo uploads. A resolution of 600 × 800 pixels or higher is recommended for better quality, as long as the file size stays under the strict 200 KB maximum.
What is the South Korea visa photo size in cm and inches?
The photo must be 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm high. In inches, that is approximately 1.38 inches wide by 1.77 inches high.
What colour must the background be for a South Korea visa photo?
The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. It must be shadow-free with no patterns or textures. This is strictly enforced, so ensure your background is genuinely pure white.
Can I wear glasses in a South Korea visa photo?
Generally, no. Glasses are not permitted for most South Korean visa applicants. Even thin-framed glasses are typically rejected. If you have a medical necessity, you should remove them anyway unless you have a signed doctor's note, but removal is strongly recommended. Contact lenses are acceptable if they do not visibly alter the iris colour.
Can I smile in a South Korea visa photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open. Smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, head tilt, and any non-neutral expression will be detected by biometric processing and will cause your photo to be rejected.
How recent must a South Korea visa photo be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. Photos that are older or that do not match your current look will be rejected.
What is the file size limit for South Korea visa online photo upload?
The South Korean online visa portal has a strict maximum file size of 200 KB and a minimum resolution of 413 × 531 pixels. Files over 200 KB will be rejected. Most smartphone photos are several megabytes and must be significantly compressed before uploading.
Are South Korea tourist visa and student visa photo requirements different?
No. The same 35 × 45 mm specification and biometric requirements apply across all South Korean visa categories, including tourist (C-3), student (D-2), and business visas. Always check the specific documentation checklist for your visa type on the official Korean embassy website.
Can I retouch or edit my South Korea visa photo?
No. Any form of digital retouching or editing is prohibited. This includes skin smoothing, blemish removal, background replacement, and brightness or contrast adjustments. The submitted file must be the original, unaltered digital capture.
What should I wear for a South Korea visa photo?
Wear everyday clothing that clearly contrasts with the white background. Avoid white or very pale tops that blend with the background. Do not wear uniforms, costumes, or anything that obscures the face or neck. Religious dress is permitted if the full face remains visible.
Are religious head coverings allowed in a South Korea visa photo?
Yes, provided the covering is worn daily for religious reasons and your full face from chin to crown remains clearly visible. The covering must be plain material with no patterns, must not cast shadows on your face or background, and both side edges of the face must be visible.
What are the South Korea visa photo requirements for babies and children?
Children of all ages, including newborns, must have their own separate visa photo. For infants who cannot support their head, lay them on a plain white sheet on a flat surface and photograph from directly above. All standard requirements apply, with some flexibility on expression for very young infants.
Should a South Korea visa photo be matte or glossy?
For paper submissions, either matte or glossy photo paper is acceptable. For digital submissions via the online portal, paper finish is irrelevant. Ensure printed photos are on high-quality photo paper.
Can I use a photo taken on my phone for a South Korea visa?
Yes, provided the photo meets all requirements: plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses, face occupying 70–80% of the 35×45 mm frame, resolution at least 413×531 pixels, JPEG format under 200 KB. Have a second person take the photo rather than using a selfie. You will need to compress the image significantly to get under 200 KB.
What is the K-ETA photo requirement?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requires a digital photo that meets similar standards: 35×45 mm proportion, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, JPEG under 200 KB, minimum 413×531 pixels. The same preparation guidelines apply for K-ETA applications.
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