Vietnam Visa Portrait photo rules
- Size and shape: passport-style, 4x6 cm proportions, head and top of shoulders
- Background: plain white or very light, no patterns or shadows
- Face: looking straight at the camera, eyes open, neutral expression, whole face visible
- No glasses, no hat or head covering (except for religious reasons, with the face fully visible)
- Recent (taken in the last 6 months), in colour, sharp and not edited
- File: a JPG photo; a phone photo against a white wall is fine
Passport scan rules
- The information page (the page with your photo), not the cover
- All four corners visible, nothing cut off
- The two lines of letters and chevrons at the bottom (MRZ) fully readable
- No glare from lights, no fingers over the text
- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
Photos that get refused
| Problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Selfie taken at arm's length, face tilted | Ask someone to take it from 1–1.5 m away at eye level |
| Glasses or reflection on glasses | Take the glasses off |
| Coloured or busy background | Stand in front of a white wall or door |
| Dark or blurry face | Face a window in daylight; avoid the flash |
| Passport scan with glare or cut-off MRZ | Lay the passport flat, switch off overhead lights, photograph from straight above |
| Using the passport photo cut out of the scan | Send a separate portrait photo |
Not sure your photo is OK?
Send it to me on WhatsApp before you apply. I check every photo and passport scan by hand, and I'll tell you within the hour if it needs to be taken again. It's free.
FAQ
What size photo do I need for a Vietnam e-visa?
A passport-style portrait with 4x6 cm proportions, showing your head and the top of your shoulders on a white background.
Can I wear glasses in my Vietnam e-visa photo?
No. Take glasses off for the portrait photo.
Can I use a photo taken with my phone?
Yes, if it is sharp, taken straight on against a white background, with good light and no filters.
Why was my Vietnam e-visa refused because of the photo?
Usually because the face is tilted, too dark, partly hidden, or the background is not plain. A passport scan with glare or a cut-off bottom line can also cause a refusal.
My e-visa was refused for a bad photo. What now?
Take a new photo following the rules above and apply again. If your flight is soon, choose an urgent option. Send me the photo first and I'll check it.
Related: Vietnam e-visa guide · Fix a mistake · Processing time