Quick answer
Do Australians need a K-ETA photo for South Korea?
Not for travel in 2026: Australian passport holders are exempt from the K-ETA from 1 January to 31 December 2026. A voluntary K-ETA (KRW 10,000) needs a full-face photo from forehead to chin, up to 20 MB. Korean visa photos are 35 × 45 mm, in colour on a white background, taken within 6 months.
Australian passport holders can visit South Korea without a visa, and they are exempt from the K-ETA from 1 January to 31 December 2026. You can still apply for a K-ETA voluntarily (KRW 10,000), which lets you skip the paper arrival card. A K-ETA photo is a full-face photo uploaded with the application. Residents of Australia whose nationality needs a Korean visa use a 35 × 45 mm colour photo on a white background.
K-ETA and Korea visa photo requirements
| K-ETA photo | Full face from forehead to chin, facing the camera |
|---|---|
| K-ETA file | Up to 20 MB; the K-ETA app resizes photos automatically |
| K-ETA head covering | Religious headwear allowed |
| Visa photo size | 35 × 45 mm, colour |
| Visa background | White |
| Visa headwear | No hat |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
The current K-ETA FAQ allows photo files of up to 20 MB, but older guidance set a limit of 100 KB and 700 × 700 pixels. A small, sharp JPG works with both.
K-ETA exemption ends 31 December 2026
The exemption covers travel up to 31 December 2026 (Korea time). No extension into 2027 had been announced when we checked. Unless Korea extends it, Australians travelling from 1 January 2027 will need a K-ETA with a face photo. Check the official K-ETA website before you book.
Applying for a K-ETA
Apply only on the official K-ETA website or app. Answer the questions, upload your passport details and a face photo, and pay the KRW 10,000 fee. Websites that charge more are agents, not the official service.
How to get your South Korea visa photo right
- Check what your trip needs. Read the guide above to see whether your South Korea trip needs a visa or travel authorisation, and whether that application asks for a photo.
- Take a new photo. Take a recent photo facing the camera in even light, on a white background, no more than 6 months old, ideally with someone else holding the camera. Compare it with the sample photos on this page.
- Crop it to the South Korea size. Crop without stretching or editing, to match the requirements table. Photo size: 35 × 45 mm; Digital / submission: K-ETA: face photo upload; File: K-ETA: up to 20 MB.
- Apply through the official channel. Upload or attach the photo as the official website, app, embassy or visa centre asks. Its current checklist takes priority over this guide.
Sample photos
Samples show pose, lighting and background. Crop your own photo to the South Korea visa size.
South Korea visa photo FAQ
Not for travel until 31 December 2026, because Australian passport holders are exempt. You can still apply voluntarily to skip the arrival card.
35 × 45 mm, in colour on a white background, taken within the last six months.
A full-face photo from forehead to chin. The K-ETA FAQ allows files up to 20 MB, and the app resizes photos automatically.
Official sources
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.