South Korea Visa Photo Guidelines and Requirements

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Key Takeaways:

Korean visa photos must be 35 x 45 mm, taken within six months, with a 25 x 35 mm facial frame.
Photos require a plain light background, high resolution, no shadows or reflections, and a direct, neutrally-expressed facial view.
Accessories like glasses, hats, or head coverings are generally not allowed unless for medical or religious reasons.

What Are the Korea Visa Photo Requirements?

When preparing to apply for a South Korean visa, it’s essential that you adhere to specific photo requirements to avoid any hiccups in your visa processing. The Korea Visa Photo Requirements encompass several criteria, which include the format and size of the photo, the background and quality, and facial as well as accessory guidelines.

South Korea Visa Photo Guidelines and Requirements

How Should My Photo be Formatted and Sized?

The photo for your visa should measure exactly 35 x 45 mm. Crucially, your face should be clearly visible within a frame of 25 x 35 mm. Korean authorities require a recent photograph for visa applications, which means your photo must be taken no more than six months before you submit your visa application. This is to ensure that the photo represents your current appearance as accurately as possible.

What Background and Quality Are Acceptable?

A plain background is mandatory for Korean visa photos. Ideally, this should be white or a light color that does not blend with your face or hair. The lighting needs to be even and your face should be fully and clearly visible, without shadows, reflections, or other distortions. The overall quality and resolution of the photo must be high to ensure all details are discernible.

What Are the Facial Expression and Head Position Requirements?

For your visa photo, maintain a neutral expression without smiling or frowning. Look directly at the camera, with a slight forward tilt of the head. Your eyes must be open and mouth closed. Your ears and both sides of your face should be visible, with no hair covering the eyes or sides of the face. Your entire head, from the top of your hair to your chin, should be visible.

Can I Wear Accessories in My Visa Photo?

Accessories such as glasses, head coverings, or hats are generally not permitted unless required for religious or medical reasons. If you must wear glasses, make sure there’s no glare on the lenses and that the frames do not obscure your eyes. A doctor’s note may be required to verify the necessity of prescription glasses, and it’s advisable to confirm this with the nearest South Korean embassy.

What are the Specific Photo Requirements for Children?

Children’s photos adhere mostly to the same rules as those for adults. If an infant or small child is involved, they can be held for the photo, but the person holding them cannot be visible in the frame. Whether it’s an infant or an older child, the photo must match the stipulated size, background, and quality requirements.

What is the K-eta and its Photo Requirements?

The K-eta Photo Requirements are slightly different from the standard visa requirements. The K-eta, or Korean Electronic Travel Authorization, is needed for nationals from visa-exempt countries and acts similarly to the American ESTA. For this, the photo file should be in JPG/JPEG format, and its size should not exceed 300 KB.

The photo should adhere to the same background and quality standards as a standard visa photo. Instructions on how to upload the photo will be provided during the K-eta application process, which should be completed at least 24 hours before your travel.

How Do I Submit My Photo for a Korea Visa?

Photos for a Korea visa can be submitted in two ways, depending on how you apply:

Paper-based application: Attach your photo to the visa application form, typically with glue or tape. It’s important to verify the exact method preferred by your local South Korean embassy or consulate.
K-eta application: This solely requires you to upload the photo file directly onto the electronic application form.

What Are Some Tips for Taking an Appropriate Korea Visa Photo?

Whether you choose a professional studio, a visa center, or decide to take the photo yourself at home, there are several tips to keep in mind:

Professional photo agency: A professional photographer will be familiar with the visa application guidelines and can ensure that your photo meets all requirements.
Visa center: If available, use the photo booth services provided at visa application centers, which are tailored for this purpose.
At home: If you opt to take the photo yourself, make sure to use a high-quality camera and set up an appropriate background. Proper lighting is crucial and remember to crop the image to the required dimensions.

By carefully following the above guidelines and preparing accordingly, you can ensure that your Korea visa application process is smooth and successful. For more detailed information or specific queries, visiting the official Korean consulate or embassy website is highly recommended.

Learn Today:

Korea Visa Photo Requirements: Specific criteria including format, size, background, quality, facial expression, and accessory guidelines that must be followed when submitting a photograph for a South Korean visa application.
K-eta Photo Requirements: Criteria for photographs required for the K-eta (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization), an authorization necessary for nationals of visa-exempt countries traveling to South Korea, which may differ slightly from standard visa photo requirements.
Visa Application Guidelines: Established rules and standards set by immigration authorities that dictate the specifications for photographs to be submitted as part of a visa application process, ensuring compliance with official requirements.
Paper-based application: A method of submitting a visa application where the applicant physically attaches the required documents, including the visa photo, to the application form before submitting it to the relevant South Korean embassy or consulate.
K-eta application: The electronic process of applying for the K-eta authorization, where the applicant is required to upload the necessary documents, including the specified photo file, directly onto the electronic application form as per the guidelines provided during the application process.

This Article In A Nutshell:

When applying for a South Korean visa, meet the photo criteria: 35×45 mm size, recent, plain background, high quality, neutral expression, eyes open, no accessories. Follow these for children too. For the K-eta, use JPG/JPEG format, under 300 KB. Submit photos based on application type, seeking help if needed. Ensure a hassle-free process!
— By VisaVerge.com

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