South Korea Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Citizens

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, has specific visa photo requirements for Indians that must be met to ensure your application is processed smoothly. This guide outlines everything you need to know about the photo specifications, including both physical and electronic formats.

South Korea Visa Photo Format Requirements for Indians

To ensure clarity, we’ve summarized the South Korea visa photo requirements in the table below, specifying different forms for both physical and electronic visa applications.

Visa Type	Photo Form	Quantity	Format	File Size
Physical Visa (Tourist)	Printed Photo	1-2 Photos	Color, 35×45 mm	Not applicable for print
K-ETA (Electronic Authorization)	Digital	1 Photo	JPEG, 35×45 mm	Under 300 KB

For standard physical visa applications, such as tourist or work visas, you’ll need a printed photo measuring 35 mm x 45 mm in color with a plain white background. For electronic applications, such as the K-ETA, a digital photo is required, meeting the same dimensions but with specific file size restrictions (typically under 300 KB).

South Korea Visa Photo Size, Age & Background

Photo Size in MM, CM, Inch, and Pixels

• In Millimeters: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• In Centimeters: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
• In Inches: Approximately 1.4 inches x 1.8 inches
• In Pixels: For digital submissions, aim for 600 x 800 pixels at atleast 600 dpi resolution to maintain high quality.

These dimensions are standard for all types of South Korean visa photos, whether for printed or digital formats.

Age of the Photo

Your photo must be taken within the last six months to ensure it reflects your current appearance. Using an older photo can lead to delays or rejection, so be sure the image is recent and accurately represents how you currently look.

Color

South Korea visa photos must be in color. Black and white images are not accepted. Avoid any filters, adjustments, or editing that could alter the natural colors in the photo.

Background

A plain white background is required to meet the South Korea visa photo quality standards for Indians. To comply with the requirements:

• Avoid backgrounds that are dark, patterned, or have shadows.
• Make sure the background is smooth and free of any objects or reflections.
• Photos taken against colored backgrounds or with visible objects, such as furniture, will likely be rejected.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for a clear, acceptable photo:

• The light should be even and soft, avoiding any harsh shadows on your face or the background.
• Natural lighting is ideal, but if using artificial lights, ensure they do not cause glare or distort the image.
• Overexposed or underexposed photos can lead to rejection, so aim for balanced brightness.

Facial Appearance and Size

Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo, approximately 25 mm x 35 mm, as specified in the South Korea visa photo guidelines. This ensures a clear view of your features, helping the authorities confirm your identity accurately.

Face Orientation

Your head should be centered and facing directly forward. This means:

• No tilting or angling of the head.
• Your shoulders should be square to the camera, your entire face visible, and your arms aligned symmetrically within the frame.
• Keep your head level, making sure your facial features are evenly positioned.

Expression

A neutral expression is mandatory. Keep the following points in mind:

• No smiling, frowning, or any other expressions. Your mouth should be closed and your eyes open.
• Look directly at the camera, ensuring your eyes are clearly visible and not obstructed by hair or accessories.
• This expression requirement applies to all visa types, as it ensures that the photo meets identity verification standards.

Suggested Read: South Korea Visa Extension for Indian

South Korea Visa Photo Attire & Accessories

Attire

When dressing for your South Korea visa photo:

• Choose solid, neutral-colored clothing that contrasts well with the plain background. White tops are best avoided, as they may blend with the background.
• Formal or casual attire is allowed, but avoid clothing that has busy patterns, as this can be distracting and reduce photo quality.
• Avoid uniforms or clothing with visible logos or text, as these are generally not acceptable for visa photos​.

Accessories

For your South Korea visa photo, certain rules apply to accessories:

Glasses

Discouraged unless medically necessary. If glasses are worn, they must be free of glare or reflection, and the frames should not obscure the eyes. Prescription proof may be required in such cases​.

Jewelry

It’s best to avoid large or flashy jewelry, as it can obstruct facial features. Small, simple earrings are usually acceptable if they don’t cover any part of the face.​

Health Accessories

Items like hearing aids are allowed as long as they don’t cast shadows or obscure the face.

Headwear

Head coverings are generally not permitted in South Korea visa photos except for religious or medical reasons. If you wear headwear for such purposes, it must not obscure any facial features, ensuring the entire face, from chin to forehead, remains visible.​

Makeup for South Korea Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Tourists

For a South Korea visa photo, keep makeup minimal and natural:

• Light makeup is acceptable, but avoid bold lipstick or heavy makeup that might alter your appearance significantly. The aim is to provide an accurate and clear representation of your natural look.
• Hair should be styled so it does not cover the face. Any hair should be tucked away from the eyebrows and eyes to ensure full facial visibility.

South Korea Visa Photo Requirements for Children Under 1 Year

Taking visa photos for infants under 1 year old can be challenging, but the South Korea visa photo guidelines include specific provisions to accommodate young applicants:

• Eyes: Ideally, the child’s eyes should be open. However, partially open or closed eyes are generally acceptable for very young infants.
• Background Support: The background should be plain white. If the infant is lying down on a white sheet, ensure that no visible hands or objects are in the photo.
• Parental Assistance: Parents or guardians can hold the baby to keep them upright, but their hands should not be visible. Only the child should appear in the photo.
• Head Position: The baby’s head should face the camera directly. It is acceptable if the infant’s head is slightly tilted, as it’s understood that positioning can be difficult at this age​.

South Korea Visa Photo Requirements for Children Under 10 Years

For children under 10 years, South Korea’s visa photo requirements are more flexible than for adults but still require a clear, direct image:

• Eyes: The child should have both eyes open and look directly at the camera.
• Background Support: The background should be plain white with no visible support objects. Avoid including any toys, chairs, or other items in the frame.
• Parental Assistance: Parents should not be visible in the photo. If necessary, a parent may support the child from behind, but no hands or other parts of the parent should be seen.
• Head Position and Expression: The child should face the camera directly with a neutral expression. Younger children may struggle with this but a neutral expression is still preferred, and a relaxed, natural look (not a smile) is better aligned with the guidelines. However, avoid exaggerated expressions like wide smiles or frowns​.

Reasons for South Korea Visa Photo Rejections

There are a number of common reasons why South Korea visa photos may be rejected, often due to simple errors. Here are some of the most frequent issues:

1. Incorrect Size or Aspect Ratio: Photos that do not meet the exact 35 mm x 45 mm dimensions or have the incorrect facial ratio will likely be rejected.
2. Non-White Background: South Korea requires a light, preferably white background with no shadows, patterns, or objects. A colored or busy background will result in photo rejection.
3. Poor Lighting or Blurriness: Photos that are underexposed, overexposed, or blurry may not meet the quality standards required. It’s essential that the photo be clear and sharp.
4. Facial Obstructions: Objects covering facial features, such as hair, large jewelry, or head coverings (unless for religious or medical reasons), are grounds for rejection.
5. Non-Neutral Expression: Smiling, frowning, or any expression other than a neutral look can lead to rejection. Mouths should be closed, and eyes looking directly at the camera.
6. Glare or Reflection on Glasses: If glasses are worn, any reflection or glare that obscures the eyes is a reason for rejection. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not allowed​.

Following these guidelines can help ensure your South Korea visa application photo meets all necessary requirements and avoids common pitfalls that could delay the process. If you wish to make an official inquiry, visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea’s website.

Suggested Read: How to Check South Korea Visa Status for Indian

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FAQs

What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens applying for a South Korea visa?

The standard size for South Korea visa photos is 35 mm x 45 mm. This is a common passport photo dimension and is required for all types of South Korea visa applications, whether printed or digital.

Can I use a photo with a colored background for my South Korea visa application?

No, a colored background is not acceptable for South Korea visa photos. The background must be plain white, free of patterns, shadows, or any objects. This ensures a clear focus on your face.

Are glasses allowed in South Korea visa photos?

Glasses are generally not permitted unless they are medically necessary. If you wear glasses, ensure they are free of glare reflection and have clear lenses. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited, as are frames that cover any part of your eyes​.

What facial expression should I have in my South Korea visa photo?

A neutral expression is required for South Korea visa photos. This means no smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows. Your mouth should be closed, and you should look directly at the camera with both eyes open.

Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos?

Yes, there are specific requirements. The baby’s eyes can be partially open, and they can lie on a plain white sheet or be supported by a parent, as long as no hands or objects are visible in the photo. The infant’s face must be clearly visible and centered, and it must occupy about 70-80% of the frame.

What should I do if my South Korea visa photo is rejected?

If your photo is rejected, you will need to retake it and ensure that it meets the South Korea visa photo requirements for Indians. Review the specific guidelines carefully and consider visiting a professional photo service familiar with visa photos to ensure compliance. Some visa application centers provide photo-taking services on-site to help avoid such issues.