Applying for the South Korea K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requires a suitable photo. The South Korean government wants a 3.5x4.5 cm (35x45 mm) shot that satisfies certain technical and aesthetic criteria. Any variation from these criteria could result in processing delays or application denial.
PhotoGov helps you produce a K-ETA photo that exactly fits South Korea's criteria. Whether digitally or printed, upload a selfie or photo and we will automatically resize, crop, and improve it to satisfy the required requirements for simple submission.
Automatically resizes your photo to 3.5x4.5 cm (35x45 mm)
Removes shadows and guarantees a plain white or light-colored background
For best clarity, changes in lighting, sharpness, and contrast
Meets the South Korean K-ETA picture criteria
K-ETA's photo must to follow South Korean immigration's official criteria. To prevent rejections, your photo should fulfill the following technical and visual criteria.
Dimensions | 3.5 x 4.5 cm (35 x 45 mm) |
Resolution | 300 DPI |
Digital submissions | less than 1 MB |
Background Color | White or light-colored (plain) |
Print-ready | Indeed, for consular in-person submission |
Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos
*Data from government agencies
Technical requirements if you are going to process the photo yourself through Photoshop or other services:
Neutral: no smiling or frowning
Straight and looking forward, centered in the picture
Should cover 70–80% of the height of the photo
Not permitted unless medically required
Should not hide facial features; allowed only for religious or medical reasons
Dark, solid-colored clothes advised; stay away from white tops.
Choose the Document Type
Select "South Korea K-ETA Photo - 3.5x4.5 cm" from PhotoGov.net.
Snap Your Picture
A digital camera or your phone will do. Stand 1.5–2 meters from a plain white or light-colored backdrop. Make sure there are no shadows and consistent illumination.
Send the Picture
Send your photo to PhotoGov. Ensure your face is well-lit and expression neutral.
Resize & Optimize Automatically
The photo is automatically resized to 3.5x4.5 cm, background cleaned, and brightness and sharpness changed by our platform.
Download and Send
Prepare your file for online submission or print it for in-person use.
Avoid severe shadows by using gentle, natural light or indirect artificial illumination.
Stand against a solid white or light-colored wall. Stay away from background distractions.
Make sure your head is facing straight ahead and in the middle. The height of the picture should be mostly 70–80% your face.
Wear dark, solid hues. Steer clear of tops in white or vivid hues.
If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect K-ETA photo yourself:
Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)
Next, upload your image and process it through our site.
Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.
Using a passport photo instead of the necessary 3.5x4.5 cm (35x45 millimeter) size
Wearing head coverings or eyewear that block the face unless for religious or medical reasons.
Background with shadows, patterns, or objects
Underexposure or overexposure of the photograph
Not facing the camera straight on or tilting
PhotoGov guarantees your photo is compliant by automatically finding and fixing these problems.
Avoid digital changes to facial characteristics
Make sure the picture is clear, not pixelated or blurry
The face should take up 70–80% of the height of the picture
Digital submission: JPEG or PNG, under 1 MB
For In-Person Submission: Print your photo on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper in the precise 3.5x4.5 centimeter size.
Upload the photo to the K-ETA web system for digital submission. Make sure the file is under the size restrictions and in JPEG or PNG format.
How big should a South Korea K-ETA photo be?
May I use a phone to snap my K-ETA picture?
May the picture include glasses?
How current should my picture be?
May I use my K-ETA image for other papers?
What if my photo is turned down?
Other documents for the Republic of Korea
Republic of Korea
6 doc.