South Korean Visitor Visa Photo Requirements and Size
Preparing a photo for a South Korean visitor visa application requires careful attention to official dimensions and appearance rules. You can use the tool above to crop and format your image correctly.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The cited embassy guidance gives a photo size of 35 by 45 mm, or about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
The cited guidance requires a face length of 25 to 35 mm[1].
When you set up your camera or crop your image, measure carefully. The distance from your chin to the top of your head must fit inside the 25 to 35 mm window[1]. If your head is too small or too large, the office might reject the application. Leave some space around your shoulders and hair so the final print matches the 35 by 45 mm target[1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
The cited consular guidance requires a plain white background[1].
Use lighting that keeps your face clear in the photo.
Stand a bit away from the wall to avoid casting harsh shadows behind you. Face a window with soft daylight or use two lamps at equal angles. Avoid bright flashes that create hot spots on your skin or wash out your features. The Visa Portal requests a natural-color digital photo for e-forms[2], so keep your skin tones looking normal.
Glasses and Head Coverings
Tinted glasses are not allowed[1].
The cited guidance allows religious head coverings if the face from chin to forehead remains visible[1].
Glasses are conditional, tinted glasses are not allowed, and head coverings are limited to religious or medical reasons[1].
Digital and Printed Submission Options
The Visa Portal e-form requests a natural-colour digital photo[2]. The cited embassy guidance specifies a printed photo[1]. Check the mission’s instructions for the submission method for your application.
Check the mission’s instructions to see whether you need a printed photo in addition to the digital image.
Check the mission’s instructions for the submission method for your application.
How to Take Your Photo at Home
The supplied sources do not specify who must take the photo or prohibit selfies.
Use a plain white background[1]. The cited guidance does not specify camera distance, expression, or mouth position.
Ask a friend or family member to use the back camera of a phone. The back camera produces a sharper image than a front-facing selfie lens. Stand about two meters away from the camera and look straight at the lens. Keep your posture straight and your shoulders level.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The cited guidance specifies a face length of 25 to 35 mm[1].
The cited guidance requires a plain white background, prohibits coloured glasses, and limits head coverings[1].
The guidance requires a plain white background and a face length of 25 to 35 mm[1]. Check these requirements before submitting your photo.
Preparing Your Photo With the Tool
The cited embassy guidance gives a photo size of 35 by 45 mm[1].
Check the tool’s own privacy information before uploading a photo. Follow the mission’s instructions for digital or printed submission.
Use the tool above to crop your image to 35 by 45 mm[1].
Checking Your Final Photo
Before you submit your application, inspect the image on a computer screen at full size. Look closely at the edges of your hair and shoulders to spot any blur or distortion.
Check that your printed photo measures 35 by 45 mm[1].
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my South Korean visa photo?
Glasses are conditional[1]. If you wear them, make sure the frames do not block your eyes and the lenses have no glare.
What background color do I need?
The consular photo guidance specifies a plain white background[1].
Are there special photo rules for infants?
There is no separate infant-specific rule found in the official guidance[1].
Do I need a digital photo or a printed photo?
What is the exact head height requirement?
The head height must measure 25 to 35 millimeters from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
Can I smile in my South Korean visa photo?
The official guidance does not specify facial expressions, but a neutral expression with a closed mouth is safest for government documents.