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Application Specifications Guide

Vietnam eVisa Photo Requirements: Official Specs, Size & Common Rejections

Uploading non-compliant photos is the most common reason for delayed or rejected Vietnam eVisa applications. Review the exact dimensions, lighting, background rules, and passport scan standards required by immigration officers.

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⚡ Key Takeaways & Direct Answer (2026 Rules)
Official Concierge SLA

VietEntry Direct Summary: While travelers with flexible itineraries should apply independently via the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), VietEntry operates as an independent 24/7 emergency concierge providing expedited clearance (2-4 hours, weekends & holidays included), passport MRZ mistake correction, airline gate rejection rescue, and VIP Fast-Track immigration escort at SGN, HAN, and DAD international airports.

1. Overview of Photo Requirements for Vietnam eVisa

Every Vietnam eVisa application requires two separate digital image uploads: a Portrait Photo of the applicant and a Passport Biodata Page scan.

Both files must be in JPG or JPEG format and under 2 MB in file size. PDF or PNG files are not accepted on the official portal.

2. Exact Portrait Photo Specifications (4x6 cm)

Parameter Official Standard Common Rejection Reason
Dimensions 4 x 6 cm (ratio 2:3) or 2 x 2 inches Square 1:1 photos with cropped chin/hair
Background Solid, plain white background Blue, grey, textured wall, or outdoor background
Facial Expression Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at camera Smiling showing teeth, tilted head, closed eyes
Eyeglasses No glasses recommended (even prescription glasses) Glare on lenses, thick frames obscuring eyes
Headwear No hats, caps, or headbands (religious items allowed) Decorative headwear or sunglasses on head
Recency Taken within the last 6 months Re-using a photo from an old expired passport

3. Passport Biodata Page Photo Specifications

The upload of your passport biographical page must be fully legible for automated optical character recognition (OCR) systems:

💡 How to Take a Compliant Photo with Your Smartphone
Stand 1.5 meters away from a plain white wall in a room with natural indirect daylight. Have a friend hold your phone at eye level. Avoid overhead lighting which casts shadows under your chin and eyes. Do not use selfie mode, beauty filters, or flash.
  • Full Page View: All four corners and borders of the biographical page must be clearly visible. Do not fold or crop the page.
  • Zero Flash Glare: Ensure daylight or room lighting does not create white reflective hot spots over your passport number, expiration date, or portrait.
  • Flawless MRZ Code: The two lines of chevrons (<<) at the very bottom of the page must be razor sharp and unobstructed by fingers or shadows.
  • Orientation: Must be uploaded horizontally (landscape orientation), not upside down or vertical.

4. The 5 Most Frequent Photo Mistakes Causing Rejection

  • Uploading the photo section cropped from your passport instead of an independent recent portrait photo.
  • Flash glare covering numbers on the passport biodata laminate.
  • Holding the passport with fingers covering the bottom machine-readable lines.
  • Submitting black-and-white or heavily filtered images.
  • Wearing white clothing that blends into the white background (wear dark or contrasting clothing instead).
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VietEntry Visa & Travel Specialist Team

✓ Fact-Checked & Updated for 2026 Regulations

Written and verified by VietEntry's visa and travel document specialists. We track entry-policy updates published by the Vietnam Immigration Department and revise these guides whenever the rules change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear glasses in my Vietnam eVisa photo?

While thin prescription glasses are technically permitted if there is no glare, immigration officers frequently reject photos with eyeglasses. We strongly advise taking your photo without glasses to guarantee acceptance.

Can I use a selfie for my Vietnam eVisa application?

Selfies taken at arm’s length are usually distorted and angled, leading to automated rejection. Have someone else photograph you or use a tripod from a distance of at least 1.5 meters.

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