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Passport, visa and ID photos · South Korea

K-ETA photo: the rules

What the official rules say about the photo for the South Korea K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) face photo, with the source we checked. Rules read on k-eta.go.kr on 4 November 2026.

K-ETA does need a face photo: on a computer you upload a photo file, and the K-ETA mobile app adjusts the photo's size for you. The public K-ETA FAQ gives only a few rules (colour, JPG, up to 20MB, face at least 75% of the image, eyes open, no hats, scarves or sunglasses); the size and background rules sit inside the application form, which we could not read. So there is no published standard to check or make a photo against here: follow the Photo Specification Guidance in the form, or apply in the K-ETA app.

As published, checked on 4 November 2026. WinPhoto is not affiliated with any government.

Apply directly, and pay only the official fee

We never apply for you: you apply for the K-ETA yourself, on the official site.

Open the official site: k-eta.go.kr

K-ETA, Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea). Or use the official K-ETA mobile app.

Official fee: KRW 10,000 (about US$7 to 8), card processing fee not included, as stated on k-eta.go.kr, checked 10 November 2026.

  • The fee is not refunded, whatever the result. (k-eta.go.kr)
  • Nationals of some countries are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026; the form tells you when you scan your passport. (k-eta.go.kr)
Please be careful of similar agencies/phishing sites that charge high fees under the pretext of providing K-ETA application agency (or expedited) services.

From k-eta.go.kr, checked 10 November 2026.

Sites that look official may charge extra for the same form: use only the official site above.

What you need

Tick as you go: the ticks stay on this page and are not saved.

The steps on the official site

  1. Apply on k-eta.go.kr or in the K-ETA app, as a member or without an account.
  2. Fill in the form, add your face photo and pay the KRW 10,000 fee.
  3. Get the approval before you board the flight or ship to Korea.
  4. Check the result under K-ETA Application Results on the site or in the app.

How long it takes: "Assessment normally takes 72 hours. However, it can take more than 72 hours due to an unexpected increase of applications, the circumstances of the applicants, etc." (k-eta.go.kr, checked 10 November 2026)

Sources

Official source: k-eta.go.kr, checked on 10 November 2026.

K-ETA application is available only at "www.k-eta.go.kr" or the mobile app (K-ETA).(Application fee: approximately USD 7~8)
Please be careful of similar agencies/phishing sites that charge high fees under the pretext of providing K-ETA application agency (or expedited) services.
KRW: 10,000 won
USD: approximately 7~8 dollars
Generally within 72 hours

Official source: k-eta.go.kr, checked on 10 November 2026.

The K-ETA application fee is 10,000 KRW (3% of the card processing fee is not included) and the K-ETA application fee is non-refundable once payment is made, regardless of the application result.
You can use international debit cards or global credit cards such as VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay, Diners Club, Discover or Alipay+.
The applicant can check the result within 72 hours after submitting the K-ETA application by accessing the K-ETA official website (or mobile app), and clicking [K-ETA Application Results] .

Official source: k-eta.go.kr, checked on 10 November 2026.

You should apply for the K-ETA and get the approval before boarding the flight or ship to the Republic of Korea.
Assessment normally takes 72 hours. However, it can take more than 72 hours due to an unexpected increase of applications, the circumstances of the applicants, etc.
You need to prepare a valid passport and e-mail address. Also, a credit or debit card to pay the application fee. If you are applying via PC, you need a photo file to upload your facial image.

Official source: k-eta.go.kr, checked on 10 November 2026.

The Ministry of Justice decided to extend the temporary exemption period for 1 more year to stimulate the tourism industry, the exemption will be effective until December 31, 2026 (KST).
Still, those who wish to receive benefits from K-ETA approval, such as not having to submit an arrival card, may apply for K-ETA; in that case, the application fee will be charged.

WinPhoto is not affiliated with any government and never applies for anyone. Fees and steps change: check the official site before you pay.

The rules at a glance

For the South Korea K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) face photo, as the official rules state them.

All the official rules and sources

For: K-ETA application on k-eta.go.kr (photo file uploaded from a computer); K-ETA mobile app (adjusts the photo's size and file size itself).

Official source: www.k-eta.go.kr, checked on 4 November 2026.

[Q23] Does my portrait photo (facial image) for my K-ETA application have to be the same as my passport photo?
No. It does not have to be the same photo, but should comply with the following conditions:
Should be in color
Should be in JPG format
Image size not exceeding 20MB
No accessories such as hats, scarves, sunglasses
Recommend less colorful patterned clothing
Full face, front view (75% of the image), eyes should be open looking straight at the camera

Official source: www.k-eta.go.kr, checked on 4 November 2026.

사진의 75% 이상 얼굴 전면이 나오도록 하며, 눈을 뜬 채로 카메라 정면을 응시한 사진

Official source: www.k-eta.go.kr, checked on 4 November 2026.

As numerous K-ETA applications are submitted from all over the world, your portrait photo and passport bio page image should be less than 20MB and in JPG format. If you use the K-ETA mobile app, the size and capacity are automatically adjusted so that you can apply conveniently.

Official source: www.k-eta.go.kr, checked on 4 November 2026.

You may upload the photo wearing religious clothing for religious purposes. However, the face of the applicant (from the forehead to the chin) should be shown clearly.

Official source: www.k-eta.go.kr, checked on 4 November 2026.

If you are applying via PC, you need a photo file to upload your facial image.

As published, checked on 4 November 2026. WinPhoto is not affiliated with any government. Rules change: check the official page before you apply.

Questions

Do I need to bring a photo for the South Korea K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) face photo?
K-ETA does need a face photo: on a computer you upload a photo file, and the K-ETA mobile app adjusts the photo's size for you. The public K-ETA FAQ gives only a few rules (colour, JPG, up to 20MB, face at least 75% of the image, eyes open, no hats, scarves or sunglasses); the size and background rules sit inside the application form, which we could not read. So there is no published standard to check or make a photo against here: follow the Photo Specification Guidance in the form, or apply in the K-ETA app. These are the rules as we checked them on 4 November 2026: check the official page before you apply.
What is the official K-ETA website?
The official site is K-ETA, Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea), at https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do?locale=EN. Or use the official K-ETA mobile app. k-eta.go.kr warns: "Please be careful of similar agencies/phishing sites that charge high fees under the pretext of providing K-ETA application agency (or expedited) services."
How much does the K-ETA cost?
KRW 10,000 (about US$7 to 8), card processing fee not included, as stated on k-eta.go.kr, checked on 10 November 2026. The fee is not refunded, whatever the result. Nationals of some countries are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026; the form tells you when you scan your passport.