If you're planning a short-term trip to South Korea and are from a K-ETA eligible country, you’ll need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before departure. One crucial part of the application is uploading a passport-style photo that meets specific requirements set by the immigration authorities. Submitting an incorrect or low-quality photo may lead to delays, rejection, or the need to reapply. This guide explains the K-ETA photo guidelines in detail to help ensure your application is accepted the first time.

What Is the K-ETA?

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a mandatory pre-arrival requirement for travelers from visa-waiver countries. It allows eligible visitors to travel to South Korea for tourism, business, visiting relatives, or attending events without a traditional visa, usually for stays of up to 90 days. Part of the apply for K-ETA application process includes submitting a digital photo, which must meet specific criteria to be approved.

Why Are the K-ETA Photo Guidelines Important?

Your uploaded photo is used for:

• Verifying your identity upon entry.
• Comparing your passport and immigration records.
• Enhancing border security.

A non-compliant photo can result in application denial or cause issues during immigration clearance.

K-ETA Photo Requirements: At a Glance

Here is a quick overview of the official photo requirements for the K-ETA:

Detailed Guidelines for K-ETA Photo

Planning to apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)? Make sure your photo meets the official requirements with these detailed guidelines to avoid rejection.

1. Image Size and Format

Your K-ETA photo must be a square image with a resolution of at least 700x700 pixels. It should be saved in .JPG or .JPEG format. While it's best to keep the file size under 100KB, the K-ETA system generally accepts files up to 300KB.

2. Head and Face Position

Make sure you face the camera directly with your head centered and looking straight ahead. Your entire face—from forehead to chin—should be clearly visible. Avoid tilting your head or turning it to the side.

3. Expression

Keep a neutral expression in your photo—don’t smile or frown. Your mouth should be closed and eyes open. Avoid making any facial expressions like squinting or raising your eyebrows.

4. Lighting and Clarity

Your photo should be clear, sharp, and in focus—no blurriness or pixelation. Make sure there are no shadows on your face or in the background. Use natural or even lighting to avoid glare or red-eye.

5. Background

The background of your photo should be plain white or light gray, with no patterns, objects, or distractions. Avoid using colored or messy backgrounds, as they can lead to rejection.

6. Clothing and Accessories

Wear regular, everyday clothes—preferably dark-colored to stand out against the light background. Don’t wear hats, caps, or head coverings unless it’s for religious or medical reasons. If you wear glasses, make sure they don’t block your eyes and avoid any glare, reflections, or tinted lenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Taking a K-ETA Photo

Here are typical errors that can lead to your K-ETA photo being rejected:

• Photo is too small or the wrong shape (e.g., rectangular instead of square).
• Background is dark, patterned, or cluttered.
• Wearing sunglasses or hats.
• Using a selfie or casual photo instead of a passport-style image.
• Poor lighting or heavy shadows.
• Cropped photo that cuts off the top of the head or chin.

Tip: Use an online passport photo tool or visit a professional photo studio to ensure your image meets all specifications.

How to Upload Your K-ETA Photo

To successfully submit your K-ETA application, you must upload a photo that meets the official guidelines. Here are the simplified steps to follow:

1. Visit the official K-ETA website.
2. Fill in your personal and travel information.
3. Upload your photo when prompted—make sure it matches the official guidelines.
4. Preview the photo to confirm clarity and alignment before submission.

What Happens If Your Photo Is Rejected?

If your submitted photo does not meet the K-ETA guidelines, your application may be delayed or rejected. You will likely receive a notification prompting you to upload a new, compliant photograph. It is crucial to follow the feedback provided and ensure your resubmitted photo adheres to all the requirements to avoid further delays.

K-ETA Photo Specifications for Babies, Infants, and Newborns

When applying for a K-ETA for your baby, infant, or newborn, the photo must still meet the standard K-ETA photo requirements. However, there are a few special allowances and tips to make the process easier:

1. Face Position: The baby must face the camera directly with a centered head. The entire face, from forehead to chin, should be clearly visible.
2. Eyes Open (if possible): Try to ensure the baby’s eyes are open, especially for infants. However, slight leniency is given for newborns who can’t keep their eyes open.
3. Neutral Expression: A calm, neutral expression is preferred. Smiling, crying, or frowning can lead to rejection.
4. No Toys, Hands, or Parents in View: Only the child should be in the photo. Make sure no pacifiers, toys, or adult hands are visible.
5. Background: Use a plain white or light gray background. For newborns, lay them on a white sheet for best results.
6. Lighting: Make sure the lighting is even and soft, avoiding shadows or bright spots on the baby’s face.

Final Tips for a Successful K-ETA Photo

Before submitting your K-ETA application, take a moment to review your photo carefully. A recent, clear, and correctly formatted image increases your chances of fast approval.

• Double-check your photo before uploading to ensure it meets all criteria.
• Don’t reuse old photos—they must reflect your current appearance.
• Take the photo within 6 months of your application.
• If your K-ETA application is rejected due to the photo, you may need to resubmit and pay again.

Conclusion

Submitting a proper photo is a key step in the K-ETA application process. By following South Korea’s K-ETA photo guidelines closely—especially regarding size, background, expression, and clarity—you can avoid unnecessary delays or rejections. A compliant photo ensures smooth processing and helps make your arrival in South Korea hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are head coverings allowed in the K-ETA photo?

Head coverings are generally not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons. If you wear a head covering for these reasons, your entire face from the forehead to the chin must be clearly visible, and the covering should not cast any shadows on your face.

How recent should my K-ETA photo be?

The photo must be recent, typically taken within the last six months, to accurately reflect your current appearance. Using an older photo might lead to discrepancies during identity verification.

What about lighting and photo quality?

The photo must be well-lit with even illumination across your face, with no harsh shadows. It should be clear, sharp, and in focus, without any blurriness, pixelation, or graininess. Avoid overexposure or underexposure.

Should my entire head and shoulders be visible?

Your entire face, from the top of your head to your chin, must be clearly visible and centered in the photo. It's also recommended that a portion of your shoulders and upper chest are visible.

Can I take the photo myself with a smartphone?

Yes, you can take the photo with a smartphone, provided it meets all the technical and quality guidelines. Many applicants successfully use their phone cameras.

What happens if my K-ETA photo doesn't meet the guidelines?

If your photo does not meet the K-ETA guidelines, your application may be delayed or rejected. You will likely receive a notification asking you to upload a new, compliant photograph. It's crucial to address these issues promptly to avoid impacting your travel plans.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.