Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Background & Examples

Applying for a Vietnam visa in 2025? One of the most common reasons applications get delayed or rejected is incorrect visa photos. Whether you’re applying for a Vietnam e-visa, Visa on Arrival, or a traditional visa, your photo must follow strict standards.

This guide explains Vietnam visa photo requirements in a simple and clear way — including size, background, technical specs, and real examples — to help you avoid errors and get approved faster.

Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements at a Glance

Below is a quick overview of the essential rules for Vietnam visa photos.

Required size (4×6 cm vs digital upload)

  • Vietnam e-visa: Digital photo required for online submission.

  • Visa on Arrival (VOA): Two printed photos sized 4×6 cm (or 2×2 inches accepted in most airports).

  • Embassy visa: Usually requires 4×6 cm printed photos.

Accepted file formats

  • JPEG or JPG is the official recommended format for e-visas.

  • PNG is sometimes accepted but not guaranteed.

When a physical photo is required

You need printed photos if:

  • Applying for Visa on Arrival

  • Submitting documents at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate

  • Using certain urgent visa-on-arrival services

More details: /arrival-procedure-vietnam-airport/

Vietnam e-Visa Photo Size & Technical Specs

For online e-visa applications, exact photo specifications matter.

Exact pixel size (for online upload)

Vietnam’s e-visa system accepts a portrait photo with:

  • Minimum size: 400×600 pixels

  • Recommended: 600×900 or 720×960 pixels

  • Aspect ratio: 2:3 portrait orientation

See full guide: /vietnam-evisa-photo-requirements/

File size limit

  • Maximum file size: 2MB

  • The system may reject larger files or compressed low-quality images.
    Requirements for Vietnam Visa Photos

Facial ratio (eye line, head height)

For a correct biometric portrait:

  • Head height should cover 70–80% of the photo

  • Eyes must be between 1.0–1.4 inches from the bottom of the image

  • Face must be centered and clearly visible

Background Requirements

Color background rules

  • Background must be solid white

  • No textures, shadows, or gradients

  • Light gray may be accepted but is not recommended

Shadows, lighting & clarity

  • No shadows on the face or background

  • Even lighting on both sides of the face

  • High resolution, no pixelation or blur

  • No reflections from glasses

Clothing guidelines (no uniforms, no hats)

  • Avoid uniforms or camouflage clothing

  • No hats, caps, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)

  • Avoid white shirts on white backgrounds (low contrast)

Acceptable vs Unacceptable Photos (With Descriptions)

Good examples

✔ Clear, sharp, well-lit image
✔ Solid white background
✔ Neutral expression, mouth closed
✔ Eyes open and looking directly at the camera
✔ No accessories blocking the face

Rejection examples

✘ Glare or reflections on glasses
✘ Tilted head or selfie angles
✘ Hair covering the eyes
✘ Filters, beauty apps, or skin-smoothing
✘ Shadow on background
✘ Incorrect size or wrong orientation

Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements for Children & Babies

Special rules for infants

  • Babies can lay on a white sheet; parents must not appear in the photo

  • Eyes should be open (newborns are sometimes accepted if not fully open)

  • Head must be centered and visible

Tips for taking photos of toddlers

  • Use natural daylight near a window

  • Place the child against a plain background

  • Take multiple shots to ensure a neutral expression

Digital vs printed photos for children

  • E-visas: Digital JPEG upload

  • VOA/Embassy: Bring two printed 4×6 cm photos

How to Take Your Vietnam Visa Photo at Home

DIY lighting setup

  • Use two lights (left and right) to avoid shadows

  • Stand 0.5–1m away from the wall

  • Avoid strong overhead lights that cause shadows under the chin

Smartphone camera tips

  • Use the rear camera (better quality than the selfie camera)

  • Shoot in portrait orientation

  • Avoid wide-angle distortion

  • Clean the lens before shooting

Editing rules (what’s allowed, what’s forbidden)

Allowed:

  • Cropping

  • Adjusting brightness and contrast

  • Minor background cleanup

Forbidden:

  • Changing facial features

  • Filters, smoothing, whitening

  • Removing wrinkles or reshaping face

  • Altering skin tone

Common Mistakes That Lead to Photo Rejection

Wrong background

Textured, colored, or non-solid backgrounds are not accepted.

Glass reflections

If wearing glasses:

  • Avoid tilt

  • Use soft lighting

  • Anti-reflective coating helps

Filters or beauty apps

Any AI filter or beautification = automatic rejection.

Incorrect cropping

Face must be centered with proper head height.

See common upload issues: /vietnam-visa-application-errors/

Photo Requirements for Visa on Arrival (If Applicable)

Printed photos needed at airport

  • Most airports require two (2) printed 4×6 cm photos

  • If unavailable, airport services can take new photos for you

Cost of taking photos at airport

  • Typically $3–$5 USD per photo

  • Some airports may charge higher for urgent processing

Emergency options

If you arrive without photos:

FAQs (Photos & Uploading Issues)

1. Can I smile in my Vietnam visa photo?
A slight natural smile is fine, but no teeth and no exaggerated expressions.

2. Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if the frames do not cover your eyes and there is no glare.

3. Can I upload a selfie for my e-visa?
No — selfies are usually rejected due to angle distortion.

4. Do I need a printed photo for Vietnam e-visa?
No, e-visas require a digital upload only.

5. Does Vietnam accept a 2×2 inch photo?
For VOA, 2×2 inches is accepted if you don’t have 4×6 cm photos.

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