Photo errors are one of the most common, and most avoidable, reasons a Vietnam e-visa application gets held up or returned. A wrong file format, a shadow across your face, or uploading the same image twice can add days to an approved trip.
The Vietnam Immigration Department sets clear, consistent specifications for the portrait photo required with every e-visa application. This guide covers all of them, from file format to facial expression, so you know exactly what to prepare before you start your application.
Vietnam E-Visa Photo Requirements at a Glance
Here is every core specification in one place. The sections below go into more detail on each one.
| Specification | Requirement |
| File format | JPG / JPEG only |
| Maximum file size | 1 MB |
| Recommended dimensions | 4 cm x 6 cm |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum |
| Color | Color only. No black and white or grayscale |
| Background | Plain white or very light. No shadows, patterns, or textures |
| Head size in frame | Fills 70-80% of the image |
| Expression | Neutral. Mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted, including prescription glasses |
| Head coverings | Not permitted. Religious headwear is an exception if the full face is visible |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
These specifications are set by the Vietnam Immigration Department and apply to all nationalities.
File Format and Size Rules
The e-visa portal accepts JPG and JPEG files only. PNG, PDF, and GIF are not accepted, even if the image itself is otherwise correct.
Here is what the portal requires:
- File format: JPG / JPEG only
- Maximum file size: 1 MB. Some sources cite 2 MB as the upper limit, but 1 MB is the safe target
- Minimum resolution: 300 DPI. Blurry or pixelated images will not pass review
- Color: Color photos only. Black-and-white or grayscale images are not accepted
- Photo age: Must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
Most smartphone cameras in good lighting produce files that easily meet these requirements. If your photo comes out over 1 MB, a free compression tool will reduce the file size without any visible loss of quality.
Here’s the free compression tool
Background Requirements
The background must be plain white or very light and uniformly toned. There should be no patterns, textures, furniture, objects, or other people visible behind the subject.
Specific things to avoid:
- Shadows falling across the background or the face
- Cream, off-white, or pale blue backgrounds that have a visible tone
- Patterned or textured walls
- Outdoor backgrounds or blurred backgrounds
Pro Tip: White is safer than gray. Some guidance documents mention light gray as acceptable, but the portal’s review system is calibrated for white. Using a plain white wall or white sheet removes any ambiguity. Natural daylight from a nearby window gives the cleanest, most even result. If you are using artificial lighting, position it on both sides of your face to avoid shadows.
How Your Face Must Appear
This is where most photo rejections originate. The requirements are specific:
- Head centered in the frame, looking directly at the camera
- Neutral expression, mouth closed. No smiling
- Both eyes fully open and clearly visible
- No glasses, including prescription glasses. Remove them before taking the photo
- No hats, caps, or headscarves. Religious or ethnic headwear is accepted as an exception, provided the full face from chin to forehead is visible
- Ears visible on both sides
- Head and shoulders only. No full-body shots
- Head fills 70-80% of the image
The Two-Photo Upload Rule
This is the detail that catches many first-time applicants off guard. The Vietnam e-visa portal asks for two separate photo uploads:
- Portrait photo: a current face photo meeting all the specifications above
- Passport bio-data page: a clear scan or photo of the personal information page in your passport
Do not upload your portrait photo twice. The portal’s review system will flag duplicate images and return the application.
Equally, do not use your existing passport photo as your portrait upload. Your passport photo and your e-visa portrait must be two separately taken images taken at different times.
Before you submit, run through this checklist:
- Portrait photo: full face, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Portrait photo: correct framing, neutral expression, no glasses
- Passport page: clear photo or scan of the data page
- Passport page: all text legible, no reflections, glare, or fingers in frame
- Both uploads: different images, not duplicates of each other
How to Take a Compliant E-Visa Photo at Home
You do not need a professional photographer. A smartphone and a white wall are all you need, provided you set it up correctly.
Lighting
- Stand facing a window with natural daylight coming in
- Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows across the face and background
- If using artificial lighting, position lamps on both sides of your face so the light is even
- Check that no shadow falls across your face or behind you on the wall
Background
- Stand 30 to 60 centimetres in front of a plain white wall
- That distance between you and the wall prevents shadows from appearing behind you
- A white bedsheet or large sheet of white paper also works as a background
Camera Position
- Camera should be at eye level, not above or below your face
- Use a timer, a tripod, or ask someone else to take the photo
- Selfies taken at arm’s length often distort facial proportions and may not frame your head correctly
Framing
- Head and shoulders in the shot, head centered in the frame
- Head should fill 70 to 80 percent of the frame
- Leave a small gap between the top of your head and the top of the image
- Both ears should be visible
After Taking the Photo
- Check: Is the background white and completely free of shadows?
- Check: Are both eyes clearly visible and open?
- Check: Is the image sharp and in focus, with no blurring?
- Check: Is the file saved as JPG or JPEG and under 1 MB?
- Check: Is your expression neutral and your mouth closed?
Common Reasons Vietnam E-Visa Photos Get Rejected
Most photo rejections come down to a small set of recurring mistakes. These are the ones to watch for:
- Wrong file format: submitting a PNG, PDF, or any format other than JPG/JPEG
- File too large: exceeding the 1 MB limit
- Duplicate upload: using the same image for both the portrait and the passport page upload
- Shadows: visible on the face, the background, or both
- Glasses: any type, including prescription lenses
- Low resolution: blurry, pixelated, or heavily compressed images
- Photo older than 6 months: does not reflect current appearance
- Head too small in frame: head occupies less than 70% of the image area
- Non-compliant background: coloured, patterned, textured, or with visible objects behind the subject
- Using the same passport photo: the system flags it as a duplicate when it matches the passport bio-data page scan
Photo Requirements for Children and Infants
The same background, file format, and size rules apply to children and infants. A few practical points are worth noting.
- For children under 10, the head should fill at least 50% of the frame rather than the 70 to 80% required for adults
- For infants: lay the baby on a white sheet or blanket to create a clean background. Both eyes should be open and the face clearly visible from the front
- No parent or carer should appear in the frame, even a hand holding the infant’s head should not be visible
- Natural light near a window usually gives the best result for young children, avoiding the harsh shadows that artificial flash can create
- Keep the infant calm and still for the moment of capture. Multiple attempts are normal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my existing passport photo for my Vietnam e-visa?
No. Your passport photo and your e-visa portrait must be two separately taken images. Uploading the same image for both the portrait and passport bio-data uploads will trigger a duplicate flag and return your application.
Does the background have to be exactly white?
White is the safest choice. A very light, neutral background may pass, but white eliminates any uncertainty. Avoid cream, off-white, light gray, or any background with a visible tone or texture.
Can I wear glasses in my Vietnam e-visa photo?
No. Glasses are not permitted in Vietnam e-visa photos, including prescription glasses. Remove them before taking the photo.
Can I take a selfie for my Vietnam e-visa photo?
Yes, provided it meets all the requirements: white background, correct framing, even lighting, neutral expression, no glasses. Selfies taken at arm’s length can distort proportions and may frame the head incorrectly. Using a timer and propping your phone at eye level gives more reliable results.
What happens if my photo is rejected?
The application is typically returned for correction, which adds processing time. Submitting a compliant photo from the start avoids the delay and keeps your application moving.
Is there a difference between the photo requirements for different visa types?
The portrait photo specifications described in this guide apply to the Vietnam e-visa, which is the standard electronic travel authorisation for most international visitors. For other visa types, check the requirements directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department. You can also find a comparison of visa options in the Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa guide on the evisas vietnam blog.
Getting Your Application Right the First Time
The photo requirements for the Vietnam e-visa are specific, but they are consistent and well-documented. Most rejections come from a handful of avoidable mistakes: wrong file format, shadows, glasses, or uploading the same image twice. Take a few minutes to get the photo right before starting your application and it will save time on the other end.
If you want a second set of eyes on your application before it goes in, evisas vietnam’s team reviews submissions to help catch errors before they reach the Vietnam Immigration Department. Human review at that stage reduces the risk of delays from technical issues that are easy to miss on your own.
Ready to apply? Start your Vietnam e-visa application with evisas vietnam. All final visa approvals are issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Further Reading
If you want to go deeper on related topics before you apply, these articles from the evisas vietnam blog cover the ground most travelers find useful:
- Vietnam’s 90-Day Multiple Entry E-Visa: How Does It Work? – A full breakdown of how unlimited re-entries work, the first port rule, hard boundaries, and common pitfalls specific to the multiple entry visa.
- Vietnam E-Visa: The Complete Guide (2026 Update) – Covers everything from eligibility and document requirements to processing times and what to check before you submit.
- Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa (2026): Which Is Better for Your Trip? – Useful if you haven’t fully settled on the e-visa route and want to compare your entry options side by side.
