You are about to apply for a visa to Vietnam but not sure about how to take a correct photo. What are the requirements, size, guidelines, specifications, and rules for Vietnam visa photos?
For a Vietnam eVisa, you upload a portrait photo and an image of your passport data page online. If you have been approved to receive a visa at a port of entry, you may need a printed photo for the visa application form.
Take a look at our guide below.
1. Do I Need Photo for Vietnam Visa?
Yes. No matter whether you apply for an eVisa for Vietnam, or a visa on arrival, you need to attach photo(s). However, the Vietnam visa photo requirements in each case are different.
Below you will find the detailed requirements for Vietnam evisa photo and Vietnam visa on arrival photo that you need to follow. Failure to follow those requirements may result in an additional charge for taking photo right at the airport (visa on arrival) or a delay in your visa processing (evisa).
2. Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements & Size
You will find here the photo requirements for Vietnam evisa and visa on arrival.
2.1 Vietnam eVisa photo size & requirements
Please note that when applying for an eVisa for Vietnam online, you need to upload 2 types of photo, which are portrait photo and passport page photo. Prepare both digital images before starting your application on the official Vietnam eVisa portal. Once you upload the passport image, check any personal details that the system reads from it. Correct errors before submitting the form.
They both need to meet the following requirements:
2.1.1 Vietnam eVisa portrait photo requirements
Your portrait photo for evisa application must meet the following requirements:
- Be 4 x 6 cm (standard size of Vietnamese photography) or 2 x 2 inches in .jpg format with maximum file size of 1024Kb
- Be taken within the last 6 months
- Be clear and in focus, in color and unaltered by computer software
- Contain no other objects or people
- Be taken against a plain white background
- Be in clear contrast to the background
- Have no ‘red eye’
- Capture your head, shoulders and upper body
- Show you with:
- facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
- a plain expression and your mouth closed
- your eyes open and visible
- no hair in front of your eyes
- no head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
- nothing covering your face
- no shadows on your face or behind you
If your appearance has changed since you last took an ID photo, use a new photo that looks like you now. When you upload it, follow the file format and size limit displayed on the current application form. These technical limits can differ from figures shown in older guides.
Do not wear glasses in your photo (this is one of the most common Vietnam evisa mistakes).

2.1.2 Vietnam evisa passport photo requirements
Your passport page photo for Vietnam evisa application must meet the following conditions:
- Be clear and of high quality, in .jpg format
- All four edges of the page are visible
- Show full information on your passport page
- Have no part missed, cut or hidden
- Have a maximum file size of 2048Kb

👉Get started for Vietnam evisa here.
2.2 Vietnam Visa on arrival photo requirements
To get a visa on arrival, you are required to prepare 2 portrait photo to submit upon landing for visa stamping. Review and follow the rules and guidelines below to make sure your photos are qualified:
- The photos size should be 4 x 6 cm (standard Vietnam photography size) or 2 x 2 inches.
- The photos should be identical, taken within the past 06 months.
- The photos must be in color, printed on bond paper or professional photo paper.
- They must be full face, front view with a solid, plain bright background.
- A hat or headgear must be kept out unless it must be worn for religious purposes.
- The outfit with the exception of religious attire should not be worn.
- Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons.
- In some exceptional cases, consistent objects like prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar items are still accepted.
- No smile. Just keep a neutral expression.
Please prepare 02 photos as styled following Vietnam visa requirements and guidelines above to avoid any hassle at Vietnam airport.
👉 Check next steps to apply for a visa on arrival
👉Get started for Vietnam visa on arrival here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Like adults, children need their own photo to get a visa for Vietnam. It can be a bit trickier photographing kids, especially newborns, infants, and babies which’s why we have some recommendations for you:
- No one else can be in the picture. Having parents or someone else in the photo is the number one issue and cause of rejection for infant photos.
- Keep toys, pacifiers, bottles, and other objects out of the picture.
- Place a white sheet behind the baby if laying him down or sitting in a chair. By this way, the background is solid white and mothering else is visible.
- Do your best to square up the face of the baby and snap the picture with his eyes open.
In case you do not have time to prepare 2 photos in advance, you can get them directly at the photo store of Vietnam airport. It costs around US $2.
Yes. It is the same for both types of visa for Vietnam and for citizens of all countries.
No. Sunglasses and hats are not allowed in the visa photo, except for religious or ethnic headwear that does not cover the face. Your face should be fully visible in the photo.