Korean visa photo maker

South Korea visa photo requirements

South Korea visa photo requirements

Print size	35 x 45 mm
Head height (chin to top of head)	Full face about 25 mm wide and 35 mm high (the tool aims for 35 mm and accepts 33–36 mm)
Background	Plain, evenly lit and light, with no marks or creases
Expression	Neutral or a natural smile, eyes open
Glasses	Allowed
Head covering	Only for religious or medical reasons
How recent	Taken in the last 6 months, and not the photo used on an ID issued more than 6 months ago

• Color photo, color neutral, looking straight at the camera
• No sunglasses; no hats except for medical or disability reasons
• Religious head coverings (hijab, veil, turban) are allowed if the face is fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead with no shadows; ears may be covered
• Photos are returned and applications delayed when the photo was already used on a passport or ID card issued more than 6 months ago, or when it is hard to tell it is you (big changes in face or hair color, poor quality, ears not showing)

Official source: Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles (MOFA) — Photo requirements for Korean visa application

Korean visa photo requirements

Korean embassies and consulates ask for visa photos that meet these rules, in force since September 9, 2015:

• 35 x 45 mm, in color (color neutral), with your full face about 25 mm wide and 35 mm high;
• a plain, evenly lit and light background, and no marks or creases on the photo;
• taken in the last 6 months, and not the photo from an ID issued more than 6 months ago;
• looking directly at the camera, with your ears showing;
• no sunglasses and no hats, except for medical or disability reasons;
• religious head coverings (hijab, veil, turban) allowed if the face is fully visible from the chin to the top of the forehead, without shadows; the ears may be covered.

The consulate returns photos, and your application is delayed, when it is hard to tell that the photo shows you: for example after big changes in face or hair color, with poor quality, or when your ears do not show.

How to take a Korean visa photo at home

1. Stand in front of a plain white or light gray wall, about half a meter away.
2. Light your face evenly from the front so there are no shadows on it or behind you.
3. Tuck your hair behind your ears and take off hats and sunglasses.
4. Ask someone to take the photo at your eye level from about 1.5 meters away.
5. Look straight at the camera with your eyes open. A neutral face is the safest choice.
6. Upload the photo above. The tool crops it to 35 x 45 mm, sizes your head at about 35 mm and checks the photo.

What the tool checks for a Korean visa

The consulate gives the full face as about 25 x 35 mm. On the 35 x 45 mm frame the tool aims for a 35 mm head from chin to crown and accepts 33–36 mm. It checks that you are centered and straight, that your eyes are open, and that the photo is sharp, evenly lit and well exposed. It checks that the background is plain and light and can replace it with white. It asks you to confirm the head-covering rule.

Common reasons Korean visa photos are returned

• Reused photos from a passport or ID issued more than six months ago.
• Ears not showing because of hair (religious coverings excepted).
• Poor quality: blurred, too dark, marked or creased prints.
• Looks different: big changes in face or hair color since the photo.
• Sunglasses or a hat worn for style.
• Background that is not plain and light, or shadows behind the head.

Printing Korean visa photos

Use Download print sheet with the 10 x 15 cm size (6 x 4 in). It places six 35 x 45 mm photos on one sheet at true size, with cut guides. Print it at a photo counter or at home on photo paper at 100% scale, and cut along the guides. See the print sheet maker for tips on keeping the size exact.

Visa photos for children

Children applying for a Korean visa need their own photo that meets the same rules: taken in the last six months, with the face and ears clearly visible. Keep other people and toys out of the frame. For babies, lay the child on a plain white sheet and take the photo from above.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Korean visa photo?

A Korean visa photo is 35 x 45 mm, in color, with your full face about 25 mm wide and 35 mm high. It is taken against a plain, evenly lit, light background in the last six months. The tool makes a 35 x 45 mm photo and sizes your head at about 35 mm.

Can I reuse the photo from my passport?

Not if that passport or ID was issued more than six months ago. The Korean consulate returns photos, and delays the application, when the same photo was already used on a passport, residence card or other ID issued before the last six months. Take a new photo.

Can I wear glasses in my Korean visa photo?

Yes, ordinary glasses are fine, but sunglasses are not. Make sure there is no glare on the lenses and that your eyes are clearly visible, so the officer can compare the photo with you. If the glasses reflect light, tilt them slightly or take them off.

Can I wear a hijab or turban?

Yes, religious head coverings such as a hijab, veil or turban are allowed. Your face must be fully visible without shadows, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, including the eyebrows, eyes, nose and mouth. The ears may be covered. Other hats are allowed only for medical or disability reasons.

Must my ears be visible?

Unless a religious covering hides them, yes. The Korean consulate lists photos that do not show the ears among the reasons it returns photos, together with poor quality and big changes in face or hair color. Tuck your hair behind your ears.

What background does a Korean visa photo need?

A plain, evenly lit, light background, with no marks or creases on the photo. White and light gray both work. The tool checks that the background is plain and light and can replace the wall behind you with white. Start with a plain wall and even light so the edges around your hair look natural.

Sources

1. Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles (MOFA) — Photo requirements for Korean visa application (opened September 30, 2026)

Last checked: September 30, 2026

passportvisapic.com is not affiliated with any government. The issuing authority makes the final decision on every photo.