Overview of Important South Korea Visa Photo Requirements
To ensure a successful visa application, your photo must meet strict requirements set by South Korean immigration authorities. Here are the key points to follow:
- Size & Dimensions: The photo must be 35mm x 45mm, with the face occupying 70–80% of the frame.
- Background: A plain white or light-colored background with no patterns or shadows.
- Facial Expression: A neutral expression, with the mouth closed and eyes open. No smiling or frowning.
- Head Position: The face must be centered and taken from a straight-on angle.
- Head Coverings: Not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons. The face must remain fully visible.
- Glasses & Accessories: No glare, reflections, tinted lenses, or oversized frames. Avoid excessive jewelry or large accessories.
- Photo Quality: Must be high resolution, printed on glossy or matte photo paper, and free from any alterations, creases, or damage.
- Recency: Taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
Photo Size & Dimensions
The required photo size for a South Korea visa is 35mm x 45mm. Your head should occupy approximately 70–80% of the frame, ensuring that your face is fully visible and well-proportioned. The photo must show your entire head, including hair, from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin.
The image should be centered, with your face positioned directly in the middle of the frame. It must not be too zoomed in or too far away, as improper sizing can lead to rejection.
Background & Lighting
The background must be plain white or light-colored, without patterns, textures, or shadows. A solid background ensures that the focus remains on the applicant’s face.
Lighting should be even and natural-looking, avoiding excessive brightness or dark shadows. Harsh lighting or underexposure can affect the clarity of facial features, making the photo invalid.
Photos with shadows on the face or background will not be accepted. Proper studio lighting or a well-lit environment with soft, diffused light is recommended.
Facial Expression & Appearance
Your expression should be neutral, with your mouth closed and eyes fully open. Smiling, frowning, or making exaggerated expressions is not allowed. Your face must be clearly visible, with no obstructions such as hair covering the eyes or excessive makeup that alters your natural features.
The photo must be taken from a straight-on angle, with your head facing forward. Photos taken from tilted angles or side views will be rejected.
Head Coverings & Accessories
Head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. If you wear a headscarf, turban, or any religious headgear, ensure that your face remains fully visible, from the forehead to the chin. Eyeglasses are allowed but must not have glare, reflections, or tinted lenses. Oversized frames that obstruct any part of the eyes are not permitted. Jewelry and accessories should be minimal. Large earrings or decorative headbands that distract from the face are discouraged.
Photo Quality & Printing
The visa photo must be:
—High resolution, with sharp details and no pixelation or blurriness.
—Printed on high-quality glossy or matte photo paper.
—Free from any scratches, marks, or creases.
—Unedited – digital alterations, such as changing the background or adjusting facial features, are strictly prohibited.
Photos that appear to be scanned, photocopied, or digitally manipulated will be rejected.
Guidelines for Infants & Children
When applying for a South Korea visa for an infant or young child, the same general photo requirements apply. However, recognizing the difficulty of photographing young children, certain allowances are made while still ensuring that the image meets official standards. Below are the key guidelines to follow:
The Child Must Be Photographed Alone
The photo should feature only the child, without any parents, guardians, or visible hands providing support. If an adult is holding the baby, their hands or arms must not be visible in the frame. The child should not be seated in a car seat or held upright if it results in visible assistance in the photo.
Eyes Must Be Open & Expression Should Be Neutral
The child's eyes must be fully open and looking straight at the camera. A neutral expression is required, meaning no smiling, crying, or exaggerated facial expressions. For newborns and very young infants, whose eyes might naturally close, multiple attempts may be needed to capture a suitable image.
Background Must Be Plain & Unobstructed
The background must be plain white or light-colored, just like for adult applicants. To achieve this, one of the easiest methods is to lay the baby on a plain white sheet or a light-colored blanket to ensure a proper background. Alternatively, using a white or light-colored upright background while ensuring proper head support can also work.
Lighting & Photo Quality
The lighting should be soft and even, without shadows on the baby’s face or background. Natural daylight or professional studio lighting is recommended to ensure clarity. The photo must be high resolution, not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
Avoid Obstructions & Accessories
No toys, pacifiers, or other objects should be visible in the photo. The child must not wear hats, headbands, or any accessories that obscure facial features. If the baby requires a medical head covering, it must not cast shadows on the face.
Recency & Consistency in South Korea Visa Photos
Your visa photo must be taken within the last six months to ensure it accurately reflects your current appearance. Any significant changes, such as major weight loss, facial surgery, or a drastically different hairstyle, may require a new photo to avoid discrepancies. Using an outdated image that does not match your present look can result in visa processing delays or rejection. To prevent issues, always submit a recent, high-quality photo that aligns with your current appearance and meets all official guidelines.
Final Checklist Before Submitting Your Visa Photo
Submitting a visa photo that meets all official requirements is crucial to avoid delays or rejection. Even small mistakes, such as incorrect sizing, improper background, or facial expression issues, can lead to complications in processing your application. Below is a checklist to ensure your photo complies with South Korea's visa photo standards:
✔ Correct size (35mm x 45mm)
✔ Plain white or light-colored background
✔ Neutral expression, facing forward
✔ No glare, shadows, or overexposure
✔ No digital alterations or filters
✔ Printed on high-quality photo paper
✔ Taken within the last six months
To minimize the risk of rejection, it is highly recommended to have your photo taken at a professional photo studio familiar with visa requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidelines, consult the embassy or consulate where you are applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
The photo must be 35mm x 45mm, with the face occupying 70–80% of the frame. It should be taken against a plain white or light-colored background with proper lighting.
Yes, but only if they do not create glare, shadows, or reflections. Tinted or oversized frames are not allowed. For the best results, it is recommended to remove glasses.
No, you must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are not permitted.
The photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. If you’ve had significant changes (e.g., weight loss, surgery, or a major hairstyle change), a new photo is required.
No, any digital alterations, filters, or retouching are strictly prohibited. The photo must be natural and unedited to meet South Korea’s visa requirements.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in February 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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