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The Challenge
South Korea K-ETA requires a 35×45mm passport-style photo exported as a 700×700 pixel square JPEG under 100KB. The portal rejects oversized files, wrong pixel dimensions, and non-white backgrounds instantly. Getting the square crop right while maintaining correct head proportions from a rectangular passport photo is the main challenge.
K-ETA exemption extended through December 31, 2026
- 67 countries are currently exempt from K-ETA until December 31, 2026
- Exempt countries include US, Canada, UK, EU states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and more
- Exempt travelers can still apply voluntarily—approved K-ETA exempts you from submitting the e-Arrival Card
- Non-exempt countries still require K-ETA with photo upload
- Check your eligibility at k-eta.go.kr before applying
K-ETA photo requirements explained
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an electronic entry permit for nationals of visa-free countries visiting South Korea. Even during the current exemption period (through December 2026), travelers may choose to apply for K-ETA to skip the e-Arrival Card requirement. The K-ETA application requires a digital passport-style photo uploaded to k-eta.go.kr. The photo must be 700×700 pixels maximum (square format), under 100KB, in JPG or PNG format. Face must occupy at least 70-80% of the image area, centred on a plain white background. The system validates photos automatically—non-compliant uploads are rejected instantly.
K-ETA photo requirements checklist
- 700×700 pixels maximum, square format
- File size ≤100KB (strictly enforced by portal)
- JPG or PNG format only (RAW files rejected)
- Plain white background—not off-white, cream, or coloured
- Face occupies 70-80% of photo, centred in frame
- Head height 25-35mm (ICAO standard)
- Taken within last 6 months
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- At least 75% of face visible
- No glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses
- No hats, scarves, or head coverings (religious exemption with documentation)
- No patterned clothing
- Colour photo—no black and white
- No blur, pixelation, or graininess
- Even lighting with no shadows or glare
Common K-ETA photo rejection reasons
- File exceeds 100KB limit (most common rejection)
- Dimensions exceed 700×700 pixels
- Background not plain white—colourful or busy backgrounds cause instant rejection
- Face too small (less than 70% of frame)
- Shadows on face or background
- Wearing glasses, hat, scarf, or sunglasses
- Patterned clothing confusing the system's face detection
- Blurry, pixelated, or low-quality image
- Eyes closed or not looking directly at camera
- RAW file format instead of JPG/PNG
- Photo is a scanned or reprinted passport photo (lose quality)
How to upload photo to K-ETA portal
- Download single JPEG from this tool (already formatted to 700×700px under 100KB)
- Visit k-eta.go.kr and select 'Apply for K-ETA'
- Select your continent and agree to terms
- Enter your email address and passport number
- When prompted, upload your photo file
- Portal validates dimensions, file size, and format automatically
- If accepted, continue with remaining application fields
- If rejected, check error message—usually file size or dimensions
Why the photo is square (700×700) but dimensions are 35×45mm
The K-ETA portal requires a square upload format (700×700 pixels) even though the underlying passport photo standard is 35×45mm rectangular. This tool crops your photo to the correct 35×45mm proportions for proper head positioning, then exports it fitted into a 700×700 square with white padding on the sides. This ensures your face is correctly proportioned and centred while meeting the portal's square format requirement. The 'contain' fit mode preserves the full photo within the square frame.
K-ETA photo vs South Korea passport photo
K-ETA photo for babies and children
- Children need their own K-ETA with individual photo—cannot share parent's application
- Photo dimensions and format identical to adults (700×700px, ≤100KB)
- Baby's head should fill approximately 70% of the photo
- Eyes must be open and fully visible, mouth closed
- No toys, pacifiers, bottles, or objects visible in frame
- Child may be photographed sitting, being held, or lying on floor
- Hands of parents or others must not be visible in the photo
- Top of shoulders must be visible
- Use plain white background—lay baby on white sheet if needed
K-ETA vs e-Arrival Card
Since February 2025, South Korea requires all arriving travellers to complete the e-Arrival Card digitally at e-arrivalcard.go.kr up to 3 days before arrival. However, travellers with an approved K-ETA are exempt from submitting the e-Arrival Card—this is the main benefit of voluntarily applying for K-ETA even during the exemption period. The e-Arrival Card system becomes mandatory in 2026, replacing paper arrival forms. If you travel to South Korea frequently, having a valid K-ETA (valid for 2 years or until passport expiry) saves you from filling out the arrival card each trip.
K-ETA application details
K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (approximately $8 USD), paid by credit or debit card. It is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple entries are permitted during the validity period, with stays of up to 30, 60, or 90 days per visit depending on your nationality. Most applications are processed within 24 hours, but the Ministry of Justice recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure. If your passport number, name, nationality, or gender changes, you must reapply. The K-ETA cannot be converted into a visa or extended beyond visa-free stay limits.
Troubleshooting file size issues
- This tool auto-compresses to ≤100KB at 85% JPEG quality
- If your source photo is very high resolution, compression may reduce visible quality slightly
- For best results, use a well-lit photo with even white background (less data to compress)
- Avoid busy or patterned clothing—solid colours compress more efficiently
- If manually compressing, use JPEG quality 80-85% to stay under 100KB
- The portal also accepts PNG but PNG files are typically larger—use JPG for easier compliance
Official Korean Government Resources
- K-ETA Official Application Portal Official K-ETA application website by Korea Ministry of Justice
- e-Arrival Card System Complete digital arrival card online up to 3 days before arriving in South Korea
- Visit Korea — K-ETA Exemption Notice Official tourism portal with K-ETA exemption details and eligible countries
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download 700×700px JPEG for K-ETA Upload
Specifications
- Physical Size
- 35×45 mm (standard passport format)
- Digital Format
- 700×700 pixels (square)
- File Size
- ≤100 KB
- File Type
- JPG or PNG
- Face Coverage
- 70-80% of photo height
- Head Height
- 25-35 mm (ICAO standard)
- Background
- Plain white (strictly enforced)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- K-ETA application, e-Arrival Card exemption
Best Practices
- K-ETA is currently optional for 67 countries through December 2026—but approved K-ETA exempts you from the e-Arrival Card
- Photo must be exactly 700×700 pixels maximum and under 100KB—portal rejects instantly if exceeded
- Use JPG format over PNG—JPG compresses smaller, easier to stay under 100KB
- Plain white background is strictly enforced—the portal's automated check flags non-white backgrounds
- Avoid patterned clothing—solid dark or coloured shirts compress better and provide clear contrast
- Face must occupy at least 70-80% of the photo—position using crop guidelines
- Apply at least 72 hours before departure—most K-ETAs process in 24 hours but delays can occur
- K-ETA is valid for 2 years—one photo and application covers multiple trips
Frequently Asked Questions
What are K-ETA photo requirements?
K-ETA photos must be 700×700 pixels maximum (square format), under 100KB, in JPG or PNG format. Plain white background, face covering 70-80% of the image, neutral expression, no glasses or headwear, taken within 6 months. The portal validates automatically on upload.
Do I still need K-ETA in 2026?
67 countries are exempt from K-ETA through December 31, 2026 (US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and others). Exempt travellers can enter without K-ETA but may apply voluntarily to skip the e-Arrival Card. Non-exempt countries still require K-ETA. Check eligibility at k-eta.go.kr.
Why is the K-ETA photo square if passport photos are rectangular?
The K-ETA portal requires a 700×700px square upload. This tool crops your photo to correct 35×45mm proportions for head positioning, then exports it fitted into a square with white side padding. Your face proportions remain correct while meeting the portal's format requirement.
What if my photo file is over 100KB?
This tool auto-compresses to 85% JPEG quality to stay under 100KB. If manually preparing: use JPEG quality 80-85%, avoid busy backgrounds or patterned clothing. JPG format compresses more efficiently than PNG. The portal strictly rejects files exceeding 100KB.
Can I use my Korean passport photo for K-ETA?
Not directly. Korean passport photos are 35×45mm printed format, while K-ETA requires 700×700px square digital upload under 100KB. You cannot scan a printed photo—quality will be too low. Use this tool to create the correct digital export from a fresh photo.
Can I wear glasses in K-ETA photo?
No. The K-ETA portal requires no glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses of any kind. No medical exemption is mentioned for K-ETA specifically—remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
How long is K-ETA valid?
2 years from approval date, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Valid for multiple entries. If your passport details change (number, name, nationality), you must reapply with a new photo.
What is the e-Arrival Card and how does K-ETA help?
Since 2025, South Korea requires all arriving travellers to complete a digital e-Arrival Card before arrival. Travellers with approved K-ETA are exempt from this requirement—this is the primary benefit of voluntarily applying even during the exemption period.
Does my child need their own K-ETA photo?
Yes. Each traveller, including children and infants, needs their own K-ETA application with individual photo. Same 700×700px format, ≤100KB. Baby's head should fill 70% of frame. Eyes open, no toys or pacifiers visible, white background.
How much does K-ETA cost?
10,000 KRW (approximately $8 USD), non-refundable. Paid by credit or debit card during the online application. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.