Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Format and Tips

Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international travelers thanks to its natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people. But before you can explore this beautiful country, the first thing you need to prepare is your visa a required document for most foreign visitors.

One of the most important parts of the visa application is submitting a correct passport photo. While it might seem like a small detail, many applications are delayed or rejected due to issues such as incorrect size, background color, facial expression, or file format. In this guide, VM Travel will walk you through everything you need to know about Vietnam visa photo requirements, so you can complete your application accurately and start your journey with confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements

1. Do I Need a Photo for the Vietnam Visa?

All travelers applying for a Vietnam e-visa or visa on arrival are required to submit a biometric photo as part of their application.

Each visa type has slightly different technical requirements for the photo, but in general, failing to follow the guidelines can result in:

• Delays in e-visa approval, especially if your photo is rejected or cannot be uploaded.
  
• Extra fees or hassle at the airport, if you’re applying for visa on arrival and the photo you bring doesn’t meet the standards (you may be charged to take a new photo on-site).

That’s why it’s important to understand and prepare the right photo in advance.

2. Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements & Size

2.1 What Is the Required Size?

Your Vietnam visa photo must meet the following technical specifications:

• Dimensions: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) – this is the same size as a U.S. passport photo.
• File size: Maximum 2MB for digital uploads (common in the e-visa process).
• Orientation: The photo must be in portrait format (vertical), not landscape.
• Pose: Face the camera directly, with your head centered and eyes open. Keep a neutral facial expression (no smiling or frowning), and mouth closed.

Photo Composition Guidelines:

• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 40 mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of your hair: 6 mm

These measurements ensure your face is properly framed and visible for identification purposes.

Important Note: Since the Vietnam e-visa application is done online, if your digital photo exceeds the file size or doesn’t meet the exact dimensions, the system may fail to upload the file or reject it automatically. Always double-check before submitting.

2.2 What File Format Is Accepted?

When applying for a Vietnam e-visa, submitting the correct file format for your documents is crucial to ensure a smooth approval process. One of the most important requirements is uploading your portrait photo and passport information page in an accepted format. In this section, we’ll clarify which file formats are officially accepted for Vietnam’s e-visa application and provide tips to help you prepare your files correctly.

You can upload your visa photo in any of the following digital formats:

• .jpg (JPEG – most commonly used)
• .png
• .bmp
• .gif
• .pdf

Make sure the file is clear, high-resolution, and does not exceed 2MB in size.

2.3 What Background Is Required?

• Color: Plain gray background is required.
• The background should be uniform, with no patterns, shadows, or textures.
• Avoid taking photos in front of walls with decorations or items in the background

The goal is to ensure that the applicant’s face is the only focus in the image, without distractions.

2.4 How Recent Should the Photo Be?

• Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• Avoid reusing old passport photos, especially if your hairstyle, facial features, or appearance have changed.

Submitting an outdated photo can lead to visa denial, as immigration officials rely on biometric accuracy to identify applicants.

2.5 Can I Use Filters or Edit the Photo?

No. Strictly no filters or edits are allowed.

• Do not use any form of beauty filters, skin smoothing tools, or background blur.
• Avoid photos edited with apps like FaceTune, Snapchat, or Instagram.
• Do not use selfies taken on mobile apps with front cameras, as they often distort facial proportions or lighting.

Your photo must reflect your natural, unaltered appearance.

2.6 What Should I Wear in the Photo?

• Wear regular everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms, unless it’s for religious purposes.
• Do not wear hats, caps, or sunglasses.
• Head coverings for religious reasons are allowed, as long as your entire face is clearly visible from forehead to chin and from ear to ear.
• Avoid reflective glasses or heavily tinted lenses.

The key is that your face must be fully visible and unobstructed

3. Photo Requirements for Young Children and Babies

Each child, regardless of age, must have their own e-visa and provide a separate photo.

Here’s how to take an acceptable photo for infants and young children:

• Only the child should appear in the photo – no parents, hands, toys, or objects like pacifiers or bottles.
• The child’s face must be fully visible, looking forward with eyes open (for newborns, slight leniency may apply).
• Use a plain background:
  • For babies, lay them on a white sheet or blanket.
  • For older children, have them sit or stand against a blank wall.
• The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
• The photo must meet the same technical and format standards as adult photos.

Although photographing babies can be tricky, it’s important to get a clear, distraction-free photo for visa approval.

4. Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Photo Rejection

To avoid unnecessary delays or rejections, double-check that your photo does not include the following common errors:

• The photo is cropped too tightly, cutting off the forehead, chin, or parts of the head.
• The background includes shadows, objects, or patterned walls.
• The file size exceeds 2MB, which prevents the system from accepting your upload.
• You used a selfie, or the photo was taken with a mobile app using filters or enhancements.
• You are wearing hats, reflective glasses, or headphones in the photo.
• The image is blurred, pixelated, or low resolution.

Even one small mistake can cause significant delays in processing your visa, especially when applying online.

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6. Conclusion

Getting your visa photo right might sound simple, but in reality, it’s one of the top reasons why many visa applications are delayed or rejected.

Make sure to strictly follow the official guidelines ,  double-check the photo size, format, background, and avoid using any filters or editing tools. Once you have a valid photo ready, you’re already one step closer to your exciting journey to Vietnam!

If you encounter any issues while preparing your visa photo or need help with the e-visa process, feel free to contact VM Travel – Vietnam Local Tour Operator for fast and reliable assistance.