Vietnam E-Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Background, and Quality Guide

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Key Takeaways

• Vietnam E-Visa photo must be 4×6 cm, JPG/JPEG/GIF, under 1 MB, color, and recent within 6 months.
• Passport data page image needs to be clear, under 2 MB, full page visible with ICAO lines.
• Children’s photos have special size rules; whites background, no glasses or hats except for religion.

Applying for a Vietnam E-Visa in 2025 requires careful attention to detail, especially when it comes to photo requirements. The Vietnamese government has set very clear rules for both the portrait photo and the passport data page image that you must upload with your application. If you don’t follow these rules exactly, your application could be delayed or even rejected. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, explain the Vietnam E-Visa photo requirements for 2025 in simple terms, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Vietnam E-Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Background, and Quality Guide

Why Photo Requirements Matter for Your Vietnam E-Visa

The photo you upload with your Vietnam E-Visa application is one of the most important parts of your submission. Immigration officers use this photo to confirm your identity and make sure your documents are real. If your photo doesn’t meet the official requirements, your application could be refused, and you might have to start over. That’s why it’s so important to get your photo right the first time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Portrait Photo

Before you start your Vietnam E-Visa application, you’ll need a digital portrait photo. This is a photo of your face, similar to a passport photo. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

1.1. Check the Size and Format

Photo size: 4 x 6 centimeters (cm) or 2 x 2 inches. This is the standard size for Vietnamese visa photos.
File format: Only JPG, JPEG, or GIF files are accepted. Do not use PNG or PDF files.
File size: The photo must be no larger than 1024 KB (1 MB). Some sources say up to 2 MB is allowed, but it’s safest to keep it under 1 MB.
Resolution: At least 300 dots per inch (dpi) for clear quality.
Color: The photo must be in color. Black and white photos are not accepted.
Recency: The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

Time estimate: 10-15 minutes if you already have a suitable photo, or 1-2 days if you need to visit a photo studio.

1.2. Position Your Head and Face Correctly

Face size: Your face should fill about 70-80% of the photo area (32-36 mm from chin to top of head, not counting hair).
Eye position: The distance from your eyes to the top of the photo should be about two-thirds of the distance from your eyes to the bottom.
Head direction: Look straight at the camera. Both ears should be visible.
Expression: Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed. No smiling or laughing.
Eyes: Keep your eyes open and make sure no hair covers them.
Head angle: Keep your head straight—don’t tilt or turn it.

Time estimate: 5 minutes during the photo session.

1.3. Set Up the Background and Lighting

Background: Use a plain white background with no patterns or textures.
Lighting: Make sure your face is evenly lit. There should be no shadows on your face or the background.
No reflections: Avoid any light reflections, shadows, or red eyes.
Contrast: Your face should stand out clearly from the background.
Skin tone: The photo should show your natural skin color with a neutral color balance.

Time estimate: 5-10 minutes to set up lighting and background.

1.4. Dress and Accessory Rules

Clothing: Wear normal, everyday clothes. Uniforms are not allowed.
Head coverings: No hats or head coverings, unless you wear them for religious reasons.
Glasses: Do not wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses.
Other people: Only you should be in the photo—no other people or objects.
Shoulders: Your upper body and shoulders should be visible.

Time estimate: 2-3 minutes to check your appearance.

Step 2: Prepare Your Passport Data Page Image

You must also upload a digital image of your passport’s main page (the one with your photo and personal details).

2.1. Scan or Photograph the Passport Page

Image quality: The image must be clear and high-quality. All text and numbers must be easy to read.
File size: The image must be no larger than 2048 KB (2 MB).
Coverage: The image must show the entire page, including the lines with “<<<<” at the bottom (these are called ICAO lines).
Format: Use JPG, JPEG, or GIF format.

Time estimate: 5-10 minutes to scan or photograph and check the file.

Step 3: Special Photo Rules for Children

If you’re applying for a Vietnam E-Visa for a child under 10 years old, there are some special rules:

Face size: The child’s face should fill 50-80% of the photo area (22-36 mm from chin to top of head, not counting hair).
Minimum and maximum: The photo will be rejected if the face is less than 17 mm or more than 40 mm tall.
Infants: For babies and very young children, some rules are relaxed. The face should still be facing forward, but small changes in expression or head position are usually allowed.

Tip: For infants, lay the baby on a plain white sheet and take the photo from above.

Time estimate: 10-20 minutes, depending on the child’s cooperation.

Step 4: Upload Your Photos to the Official Portal

Once your photos are ready, you’ll upload them as part of your Vietnam E-Visa application. The official government portals are:

Important: Only use these official websites to apply for your Vietnam E-Visa.

4.1. Start Your Application

Go to the official portal.
Fill in your personal details as requested.
When prompted, upload your portrait photo and passport data page image.

4.2. Automatic Verification

The system will automatically check your photos for size, format, and quality. If there’s a problem, you’ll usually get an error message right away.

Time estimate: 10-15 minutes to complete the upload and application.

Step 5: Check Your Email and Respond Quickly

After you submit your application, check your email often. If there’s a problem with your photos, the Vietnam E-Visa system will send you a message asking you to fix it.

Respond quickly: If you get an email about a photo problem, follow the instructions and upload a new photo as soon as possible.
Don’t ignore messages: Not responding could mean your application is denied.

Time estimate: Varies, but check your email at least once a day until your visa is approved.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many Vietnam E-Visa applications are delayed or rejected because of photo mistakes. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them:

Wrong size or format: Always double-check the photo size and file type before uploading.
Background not white: Even a light gray or patterned background can cause rejection.
Face too small or too large: Use the guidelines for face size in the photo.
Wearing glasses or hats: Remove all glasses and hats unless required for religious reasons.
Poor lighting or shadows: Make sure your face is evenly lit and there are no shadows.
Old photo: The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
Other people in the photo: Only you should appear in the photo.

Troubleshooting Photo Problems

If your photo is rejected, here’s what you can do:

Check the rejection reason: The email or portal message will usually tell you what’s wrong.
Take a new photo: Fix the problem (like changing the background or removing glasses) and take a new photo.
Resize or reformat: Use free online tools to adjust the size or format if needed.
Ask a professional: If you’re not sure, visit a photo studio and explain you need a Vietnam E-Visa photo.

Checklist Summary: Vietnam E-Visa Photo Requirements for 2025

Before you submit your application, use this checklist to make sure your photos meet all the requirements:

Portrait Photo:
– [ ] Size is 4 x 6 cm or 2 x 2 inches
– [ ] File is JPG, JPEG, or GIF
– [ ] File size is under 1024 KB (1 MB)
– [ ] Resolution is at least 300 dpi
– [ ] Photo is in color and taken within the last 6 months
– [ ] Face fills 70-80% of the photo area
– [ ] Looking straight at the camera, both ears visible
– [ ] Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling
– [ ] Eyes open, no hair covering eyes
– [ ] Head straight, no tilt
– [ ] Plain white background, no shadows
– [ ] No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
– [ ] Only you in the photo, shoulders visible

Passport Data Page:
– [ ] Clear, high-quality image
– [ ] File size under 2048 KB (2 MB)
– [ ] Entire page visible, including ICAO lines
– [ ] JPG, JPEG, or GIF format

For Children:
– [ ] Face fills 50-80% of the photo area
– [ ] For infants, face is facing forward

Recent Policy Updates for 2025

As of March 2025, Vietnam has extended visa exemptions for citizens of 12 countries until March 14, 2028. In January 2025, citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland were also granted visa exemptions under a tourism program. However, these changes do not affect the Vietnam E-Visa photo requirements for 2025. All applicants must still follow the same photo rules.

For the most current information on visa exemptions and requirements, visit the official Vietnam Immigration Department website.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Application

Use a professional photo studio: They know the rules and can help you get the right photo.
Check your files: Make sure your digital files meet all size and format rules before uploading.
Keep copies: Save your photo and passport image in case you need to upload them again.
Stay updated: Rules can change, so always check the official website before applying.
Ask for help: If you’re not sure, contact the Vietnam E-Visa support team through the official portal.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Getting your Vietnam E-Visa photo requirements right in 2025 is not hard if you follow these clear steps. Take your time to prepare your photos, double-check every detail, and use the checklist before submitting your application. This will help you avoid delays and make your travel plans to Vietnam 🇻🇳 go smoothly.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, many applicants face problems because of simple photo mistakes. By following these guidelines, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and increase your chances of a quick approval.

Next steps:
1. Prepare your portrait photo and passport data page image according to the rules above.
2. Visit the official Vietnam E-Visa portal to start your application.
3. Upload your documents, check your email for updates, and respond quickly if needed.

With careful preparation, you’ll be ready to enjoy your trip to Vietnam 🇻🇳 without any visa hassles. Safe travels!

Learn Today

Vietnam E-Visa → An electronic visa allowing travelers to enter Vietnam through an online application process.
Portrait Photo → A headshot photo showing your face, used to verify your identity on visa applications.
ICAO Lines → Special machine-readable lines at the bottom of passport pages used for automated identity checks.
Resolution → The clarity of an image measured in dots per inch (dpi), essential for photo quality.
Official Portal → The authorized government websites where applicants submit their Vietnam E-Visa applications.

This Article in a Nutshell

Applying for a Vietnam E-Visa in 2025 demands precise photo criteria. Follow official size, format, and background rules to avoid delays or rejection. Prepare your portrait and passport images carefully, use official portals, and respond promptly to emails for a smooth visa approval process.
— By VisaVerge.com