group-2

Apply visa

South Korea Visa Photo Size and Requirements: A Complete Guide

Last Update: 28-11-2024

A woman sitting in a cafe with a cup of hot chocolate, wearing a red sleeveless top and resting her chin on her hand.

Tejeswini Murali

Gyeongbokgung Palace at sunset

When applying for a South Korea visa, meeting the specific photo requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the South Korea visa photo size, specifications, and requirements to help you avoid common mistakes.

Table of Contents

  1. South Korea Visa Photo Size
  2. South Korea Visa Photo Recentness
  3. South Korea Visa Photo Specifications
  4. Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid in Your South Korea Visa Photo
  5. Specific Considerations for Children’s Photos in South Korea Visa Applications
  6. Additional Tips for a Perfect South Korea Visa Photo
  7. FAQs on South Korea Visa Photo

South Korea Visa Photo Size

The required photo size for a South Korea visa is 35 mm x 45 mm. The applicant's face must occupy 25 mm to 35 mm of the photo, which is approximately 70-80% of the total height.

Need Your Visa Photo Verified? Teleport Experts Ensure It's Perfect!
Learn More

South Korea Visa Photo Recentness

Your South Korean visa photo must be taken within the last 6 months to ensure it accurately represents your current appearance.

South Korea Visa Photo Specifications

Background for South Korea Visa Photo

  • A South Korea visa photo should have a plain, light-colored background. 
  • The background must be evenly lit, free from any patterns, marks, or creases. 
  • The lighting should be uniform, ensuring no shadows or reflections obscure the applicant's face.

Facial Expression for South Korea Visa Photo

  • For a South Korea visa photo the applicant must be looking directly at the camera, with a neutral expression. 
  • The face should be clearly visible, and you should avoid smiling or showing teeth in your visa photo.

Attire and Accessories

  • No sunglasses or hats are permitted in the South Korea visa photo, except in cases of medical or disability reasons. Ensure no glare or obstruction in your glasses.
  • Religious head coverings (like hijabs, veils, turbans) are allowed for religious reasons, but facial features must remain visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. The face, including eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth, should not be covered by the headgear, although covering the ears is permissible. Shadows on the face should also be avoided.

Photo Quality

  • The photo must be sharp and in color. It should not be blurry or pixelated.
  • Ensure the image is of high resolution, without visible printer dots or motion blur. Your face should be clearly in focus.

Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid in Your South Korea Visa Photo

  • Duplicate Photos: If you submit the same photo as a previous passport, alien registration card, refugee travel certificate, or flight attendant ID that was taken more than six months ago, your application may be delayed. The photo must reflect your current appearance.
  • Identifiability: The photo must clearly show the applicant’s face for identification. If the face has changed significantly (e.g., through hairstyle or color), or the photo quality is too poor to judge whether it’s the same person, the visa application may be rejected or delayed.

Specific Considerations for Children’s Photos in South Korea Visa Applications

For babies and young children, the photo requirements are mostly the same, but special care is needed to ensure that:

  • The child’s face is clearly visible.
  • No one else appears in the frame (e.g., the parent or guardian holding the child should not be visible).

For infants who cannot sit up, it is acceptable to hold them during the photo, but ensure that no part of the person holding the child is visible.

Additional Tips for a Perfect South Korea Visa Photo

  • Take Professional Help: If you’re unsure whether your visa photo meets all the specifications, it’s best to have it taken by a professional photographer experienced with visa photo requirements.
  • Home Photography: If you decide to take your South Korea visa photo at home, ensure the background is plain, use a high-quality camera, and set up good lighting to avoid shadows.

Final thought

Ensuring that your South Korea visa photo meets the required specifications is crucial for a smooth application process. By adhering to the correct photo size, maintaining the right background, and following attire and accessory guidelines, you can avoid common mistakes that may lead to delays. Remember to submit a recent, clear photo that accurately represents your appearance.


For parents submitting photos for children, special care should be taken to ensure the child's face is fully visible, with no distractions or other individuals in the frame. If you're unsure about your photo, it’s always a good idea to seek help from a professional photographer.


By following these guidelines, you will improve your chances of a hassle-free visa application process.

FAQs

What is the required size for a South Korea visa photo?

The required size for a South Korea visa photo is 35 mm x 45 mm. The face should cover approximately 25 mm to 35 mm of the total photo height, which is about 70-80% of the total height. It’s important to ensure your face is clearly visible without any obstructions.

Can I wear glasses in my South Korea visa photo?

Yes, you can wear glasses, but make sure there is no glare or frame obstruction that blocks your eyes. Sunglasses are not permitted unless there is a medical condition. If you wear glasses regularly, ensure your eyes are clearly visible without reflection.

Can I wear a head covering in my South Korea visa photo?

Yes, religious head coverings like hijabs, veils, and turbans are allowed. However, you must ensure that the full face, including eyes, nose, and mouth, is visible. The head covering should not obscure any facial features, and no shadows should be cast on your face.

Can I take my South Korea visa photo at home?

Yes, you can take your South Korea visa photo at home, but it’s essential to meet the requirements. Ensure you have a plain, light-colored background with even lighting and use a high-quality camera. Avoid shadows or reflections on your face to ensure the photo is clear.

Discount Icon

Get flat 10% OFF

On your first visa. Use code "TEL10". T&C apply

Apply
logo