If you are preparing your visa application, one of the first things you’ll need to get right is the Vietnam visa photo requirements. Many travelers underestimate this small detail, but submitting an incorrect photo can cause delays, extra fees, or even rejection of your application. As a visa consultant at Tân Văn Lang, I’ve helped thousands of clients handle their visa paperwork smoothly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about photo size, specifications, and rules for both embassy visas and Vietnam E-visas – so you can save time and avoid mistakes.
Official photo requirements for Vietnam visa at the embassy
When applying for a visa directly at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you will be asked to provide printed photos that meet specific rules. These requirements are standardized and apply to all applicants, regardless of nationality or visa type (tourist, business, or other categories).
Key embassy photo rules:
- Standard size: 4×6 cm (Vietnamese standard) or 2×2 inches.
- Must be taken within the last 6 months.
- Printed in color on photo paper.
- The background must be plain, light, and uniform (white or off-white is best).
- Full-face, straight-on view with neutral expression.
- No head coverings unless for religious or medical purposes.
- Glasses are not recommended unless required for medical reasons.
- No shadows, glare, or red-eye.
Tip from experience: At Tân Văn Lang, we often advise clients to prepare at least two identical copies of their photo, even if the embassy only requests one. Having an extra set avoids last-minute stress in case one photo is damaged or rejected.
Specific photo requirements for Vietnam E-visa (online application)
If you choose the online Vietnam E-visa (valid for up to 90 days), you must upload two digital photos during the application process:
- Portrait photo (your personal photo).
- Passport bio-page photo.
Both must meet strict technical guidelines to be accepted by the Vietnam Immigration Department system.
Portrait photo (digital photo for E-visa):
- Format: .JPG
- Size: 4×6 cm or 2×2 inches, minimum 350×350 pixels
- Maximum file size: 1024 KB
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Must be in focus, clear, and in color
- Plain background (preferably white) with good contrast
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No glasses unless medically required (no tinted or reflective lenses)
- No hats, scarves, or face coverings unless religious/medical
- Should capture head, shoulders, and upper body
Passport page photo (digital scan):
- Format: .JPG
- Must show full details of the bio page (no cropped or hidden parts)
- Clear, high-resolution image
- Maximum file size: 2048 KB
Many travelers are surprised that even a small blur or shadow can trigger a rejection. At Tân Văn Lang, we help clients check and adjust their digital photos before submission to prevent unnecessary delays.
Comparison: Photo requirements for E-visa vs. Embassy visa
Criteria | E-visa (Online Application) | Embassy Visa |
---|---|---|
Photo type | Digital upload (portrait + passport page) | Printed photo (portrait only) |
Format | JPG | Printed on photo paper |
Size | 4×6 cm / 2×2 in, 350×350 pixels minimum | 4×6 cm / 2×2 in |
File size | Portrait: ≤1024 KB; Passport page: ≤2048 KB | Not applicable |
Quantity | 1 portrait + 1 passport page scan | 2 identical printed photos |
Background | Plain, light (white preferred) | Plain, light |
Glasses | Not recommended; must not cause glare | Not recommended |
Common mistakes to avoid when taking and submitting your visa photo
From our consulting experience, these are the errors I see most often:
- Using old photos (older than 6 months).
- Shadows on background or uneven lighting.
- Smiling too broadly or showing teeth.
- Wearing tinted glasses or sunglasses.
- Uploading low-resolution, blurry images.
- Cropping passport bio-page photos incorrectly.
Remember: even a small error may cause delays. Double-check everything before submission.
Where to get a professional Vietnam visa photo taken
If you’re unsure about taking your own photo, the safest option is to use a professional photo service:
- Photo studios near your local Vietnamese embassy/consulate usually know the correct format.
- Airport photo booths in Vietnam also offer quick photos if you forgot to prepare (costs around USD $2).
- Visa agencies like Tân Văn Lang can review and retouch your digital photo before uploading, ensuring compliance with official standards.
How to correctly upload your digital photo for the E-visa application
When submitting your online application:
- Make sure your photo is saved in .JPG format.
- Keep file size within the limits (≤1024 KB for portrait, ≤2048 KB for passport).
- Avoid renaming files with special characters – simple names like photo.jpg work best.
- Preview the uploaded image before final submission to check clarity.
At Tân Văn Lang, we guide clients step-by-step through the upload process to reduce the risk of rejection.
What to do if your visa photo is rejected
Don’t panic-photo rejection is common and not the end of your application. If the Vietnam Immigration Department notifies you:
- Retake your photo immediately with correct specifications.
- Re-upload within the timeframe given.
- For urgent cases, contact a visa consultant to expedite adjustments.
If you are arriving with a visa approval letter but forgot your printed photos, you can take new ones directly at the airport for a small fee.
Photo requirements for children and infants
Yes, even babies need their own visa photo. Taking a compliant photo for kids can be tricky, but here are proven tips:
- No one else (parents, hands, toys) can appear in the picture.
- Place the child on a white sheet to create a plain background.
- Ensure the baby’s eyes are open if possible.
- Neutral facial expression—no smiles or pacifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the exact size for a Vietnam visa photo?
The accepted size is 4×6 cm or 2×2 inches (digital minimum: 350×350 pixels).
Can I wear glasses in my Vietnam visa photo?
Not recommended. Glasses with glare or tinted lenses will be rejected.
Does the photo for the E-visa need to be the same as my passport photo?
No, but it must follow the same technical standards.
Can I smile in my visa photo?
No. A neutral expression with mouth closed is required.
What are the file size and format requirements for the E-visa photo?
Portrait photo: JPG, ≤1024 KB. Passport bio page: JPG, ≤2048 KB.
Is a rejected photo a common reason for visa denial?
Yes, incorrect photos are one of the top reasons for delays or denial.
Do I need to print the photo for the E-visa application?
No. For E-visa, only digital uploads are required. Printed photos are necessary for embassy visas or visa on arrival. But for Chinese nationals, you must print two 4×6 photos to stick on the visa.
Getting your visa photo right the first time saves you stress, money, and time. As a consultant at Tân Văn Lang, I’ve seen how small errors – like a shadow behind your head or an oversized file – can delay entire trips.
If you want professional assistance, our team can:
- Check your digital photos before submission.
- Retouch to meet exact Vietnam visa application photo standards.
- Guide you on how to take your own compliant photos at home.
A correct visa photo is the first step toward a smooth entry into Vietnam. Don’t leave it to chance – prepare carefully or let the experts help.