Photo PassMake my photo South Korea short-stay visa: Visa Navigator and application guide
Use Korea’s Visa Navigator to identify the correct C-category, understand e-Form and mission submission, prepare supporting evidence and add the 35 × 45 mm photo.
What this visa or program is
South Korea has multiple short-stay categories, commonly within the C-3 family, based on tourism, business, family visits and other purposes. Visa exemption or K-ETA arrangements can also depend on nationality and current policy.
The Korea Visa Portal’s Visa Navigator helps identify a category and required documents. Many applicants can prepare an e-Form online, then print the barcode form and submit at the responsible diplomatic mission.
- Short-stay family
- Often C-3
- Finder
- Visa Navigator
- e-Form
- Print and submit
- Final checklist
- Diplomatic mission
This independent guide explains the normal route, not a personal eligibility decision. Immigration rules, fees and appointment procedures can change; check the linked authority and the office handling your application before submitting or paying.
Who needs it?
- Travellers who are not covered by a current visa-exemption arrangement for their passport and purpose.
- Tourism, business and family-visit applicants must choose the matching subcategory.
- Employment, study and long stays need different statuses and sponsorship documents.
Core eligibility
- A purpose permitted under the chosen visa category.
- Valid passport and lawful residence in the mission’s jurisdiction where required.
- Sufficient funding, itinerary and credible intention to depart.
- Any invitation, guarantee or business/family evidence required for that subcategory.
Documents and information to prepare
- Printed barcode e-Form or mission application form, passport and photo.
- Travel itinerary, accommodation and financial evidence.
- Employment or study and return-tie evidence.
- Purpose-specific invitation, business registration or relationship records.
How to apply, step by step
Use Visa Navigator
Filter by nationality, purpose and length to identify the likely visa category.
Check the mission page
Confirm jurisdiction, appointment, document, translation and fee rules.
Prepare the e-Form
Complete online where supported, upload the photo and print the barcode application.
Submit in person or as directed
Bring passport, fee and supporting records; biometrics or interview requests may apply.
Check Visa Portal status
Follow the mission’s collection or visa-grant-notice procedure.
Timing and fees
- Fees and decision times vary by nationality, reciprocity, mission and category. Confirm locally before applying.
- An e-Form does not itself complete visa issuance; allow time for physical submission and review.
Validity and stay conditions
- The visa grant notice states validity, entries and permitted stay.
- A visa is not final admission; border authorities confirm entry conditions.
Photo requirements
The standard Korea visa application uses a natural-colour 35 × 45 mm photograph. The photo is uploaded to the e-Form and/or attached as the mission instructs.
- 35 × 45 mm
- Natural colour, recent frontal image
- Plain white background
- Clear facial features without digital enhancement
Common refusal or delay risks
- Selecting a convenient but incorrect C-3 subcategory.
- Insufficient purpose, finance, employment or relationship evidence.
- Form and document inconsistencies or undisclosed travel history.
- Incorrect photo size, colour/background or an expired document.
After approval
- Review the visa grant notice and travel with the passport used for application.
- Carry purpose and accommodation evidence.
- Do not work or remain beyond the granted short-stay period.
Official sources and next check
Use these authority pages to verify live eligibility, fees, forms, dates and submission instructions:
Prepare the photo when the application is ready
First confirm the correct visa route and current checklist. Then use the matching preset to crop and export the portrait privately on your device.
Create a South Korea visa photo