Do you Need a Visa to Go to Korea?
Yes. All Philippine passport holders must obtain a visa to visit South Korea. The visa type varies according to why you are traveling, such as tourism, business, family visit, employment, and study. A Korean visa photo is required no matter which type of visa you are applying for, and we will talk about Korean visa photo regulations later.
Korean Visa Photos Size & Requirements
An unqualified Korean visa application photo will be returned, thus extending the waiting time to get a Korean visa. Therefore, it is necessary to learn about the official photo requirements.
● Photo Size
The Korean visa photo size should be 3.5x4.5 cm (width x height), equal to 35×45 mm or 1.38x1.78 inches. A digital photo should have at least 414 pixels in width and 534 pixels in height with a resolution of 300 DPI.
● Head Position
Your head must be held straight and centered in the photo. The full face should measure 25×35 mm.
● Body Position
Only the full head and shoulders are shown in the picture. You must face forward and look straight at the camera.
● Ears
Both ears must be shown unless you have to wear a Hijab, Veil, Turban, or other religious apparel.
● Background
The background must be plain white and evenly lit. There should not be any marks, patterns, or shadows behind you.
● Color
The Korean visa photo must be colored and show the true color of the skin and clothes. Black-and-white photos will be rejected.
● Photo Recency
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months to present the most current look.
● Facial Expression
A relaxed and natural facial expression is required. All facial features, including eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth should be visible and recognizable.
● Clothing
A polite and decent outfit in dark colors is suggested. Avoid white clothes or similar colors that might blend into the background.
● Accessories
Accessories and jewelry should be removed in case of creating glare, casting shadows, or obscuring the face.
● Glasses
Sunglasses and glasses with tinted lenses are not allowed unless for medical or disability reasons. Try not to wear glasses in order to fully show the eyes.
● Religious Coverings
Head coverings for religious belief are allowed, but they must not cover your face (from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both cheeks).
● Hats
Hats, caps, helmets, or other non-religious head coverings are prohibited unless for medical/disability reasons.
How to Make Korean Visa Photos Online for Free
Nowadays, a smartphone or ordinary camera can take passport-quality photos. With the help of our online visa photo maker, even a beginner photographer can get a perfect Korean visa photo without stepping out of home through the following instructions.
Dress Appropriately
What you wear must contrast with the background and not have fancy patterns. Solid-colored clothes that cover your shoulders and have a medium neckline are recommended, such as T-shirts, shirts, or blouses. Do not wear decorative head coverings or turtlenecks that cover the chins.
Choose a Well-Lit Area
The photo must be taken in a uniform and sufficient, so a place with enough daylight is favorable. Make sure it brings out the natural skin tone and evenly shines on the subject to avoid shadows. The background does not matter as our free visa photo editor will help you replace unsuitable ones.
Capture Several Photos
It is suggested to take multiple photos from different distances and angles, so you have more options to choose the best shot. Turn on the continuous shooting mode if it is available in your camera.
Resize your Photo to Korean Visa Photo Online
After taking photos, access the AiPassportPhotos website with a computer, smartphone, or tablet and upload a picture. It will automatically check photo compliance, crop the image to 3.5x4.5 cm, and add a white background, thus creating a 100% acceptable Korean visa photo. This process takes a few seconds and is free of charge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Korean Visa Photos
Whether you are a professional photographer or novice, bearing the common mistakes in mind when taking visa photos at home will reduce the chance of being rejected.
- The same photo was used more than 6 months ago to apply for a passport or other identity document.
- The person in the photo is hard to recognize due to facial alteration, low photo quality, etc.
- The full face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of forehead, both cheeks, and both ears, is not fully revealed.
- Wearing religious apparel that covers the face, such as Burka, Chador, Khimar, or Niqab.
- The person wears white, creamy, or off-white clothes or other attire in a similar color to the background.
- The Korean visa photo size is not exactly 35x45mm and the subject's face looks too small or large in the picture.
Benefits of Cropping a Korean Visa Photo Using AiPassportPhotos
AiPassportPhotos is more than a simple ID photo resizer. Travelers, drivers, and professional photographers can benefit a lot from this online tool, for example:
- AI-supported Processing: The built-in photo expert will run automatically and intelligently to edit the photo within seconds.
- Compliance Check: The photo is promised to satisfy all official guidelines after editing.
- Easy Operation: It is compatible with all devices with Internet access, saving the trouble of downloading and installing an app.
- Cost-effection Solution: Free trials allow users to download a digital template for free and print it out at a favorable price.
FAQ
Can I use 2x2 inch photos for Korean visa application?
No. Korean visa photo size must be 35x45mm as of September 9, 2015.
Can I smile in my Korean visa photo?
No. We suggest you do not smile in the Korean visa photos and keep neutral facial expressions when shooting.
What do you need to apply for a Korean visa?
Applicants should submit a valid passport, Korean visa application photo, completed visa application form, ID card, household registration book, proof of financial capability, proof of employment, and other supporting documents according to the purpose of visiting.
Where to apply for a Korean visa in the Philippines?
To apply for a Korean visa in the Philippines, you can visit the Korean Embassy in Manila or accredited travel agencies. Here are the main options:
Korean Embassy in Manila
- Address: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634
- Phone: +63-2-8856-9210
- Website: phl.mofa.go.kr
Accredited Travel Agencies
Korean visa applications are processed through accredited travel agencies. These agencies will assist in preparing your documents and submitting your application to the embassy.
Make sure to check the Korean Embassy's official website for the latest visa requirements and updates on processing times.
How much does a Korea tourist visa cost?
It costs about USD 40 (about 2250 Philippine peso) to USD 90 (about 5062 Philippine peso) depending on the visa type.
How long does it take to apply for a Korean visa?
It usually takes 7 to 10 working days to get a Korea visa.
How to check Korean visa results?
You can visit the Progress Inquiry and Output Page of Korean Visa website and fill out the inquiry form.
How long is Korean tourist visa valid?
It is valid for 90 days and allows single entry, double entry, and multiple entries.
Which countries are exempted from visas if you have a Korean visa?
Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Armenia, Georgia, Jordan, and Panama. It is also advised to check the latest entry requirements before traveling.