Vietnam E-Visa Photo Requirements: A Guide to Avoid Rejection (2025)

Did you know? The #1 reason for Vietnam e-visa rejection is an incorrect photo. A simple mistake with the background, size, or lighting can delay your entire trip.
This guide will show you exactly how to get your visa photo and passport scan right the first time. Follow our simple checklist to avoid rejection and get your application approved fast.

Official E-Visa Photo Requirements: The Ultimate Checklist

1. Your Portrait Photo (Your Face)

  • ✅ Background: Plain white or light grey.

  • ✅ Expression: Neutral, face forward, eyes open.

  • ❌ Glasses: No sunglasses or tinted glasses. Regular glasses are okay only if there is no glare.

  • ❌ Editing: No filters, social media edits, or AI alterations.

Passport Data Page (also required)

2. Your Passport Data Page Scan

  • ✅ Clarity: All text, your photo, and the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ lines at the bottom) must be 100% readable.

  • ❌ Obstructions: No fingers, clips, or shadows covering any part of the page.

 

DIY Guide: How to Take a Perfect Visa Photo with Your Phone

  1. Find a White Wall: Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall.

  2. Face the Light: Stand facing a window during the day for soft, natural light. Avoid harsh overhead lights that create shadows.

  3. Get Help or Use a Timer: Ask someone to take the photo or prop your phone up. Keep the phone at eye level.

  4. Frame Your Shot: Make sure your head and the tops of your shoulders are in the frame. Leave some space above your head.

  5. Check and Save: Take a few shots. Choose the one that is sharpest, has no shadows, and meets all the rules. Save it as a JPG.

Common Mistakes (and quick fixes)

  • ❌ Smiling/tilting head → ✅ Neutral face, head straight

  • ❌ Dark/patterned background → ✅ Plain white/light wall

  • ❌ Glare or tinted glasses → ✅ Remove/adjust glasses or lighting

  • ❌ Blurry/low resolution → ✅ Retake with better light and steady phone

  • ❌ Over-edited/filtered image → ✅ Natural, unedited photo

  • ❌ File too large → ✅ Export or compress under 2 MB (keep clarity)

FAQs

1) Can I use my existing passport photo?
Yes—if it meets all specs (size, background, lighting, and file size).

2) Do I need to crop my photo?
Upload a correctly sized portrait image to avoid auto-cropping errors.

3) Can I take the photo myself?
Yes. Many applicants successfully use smartphone photos when they follow the checklist above.

4) Are religious head coverings allowed?
Yes, but your entire face (forehead, cheeks, chin, eyes) must remain visible.

5) Can children/infants have support in the photo?
Yes, but there must be no hands or objects visible; use a plain light sheet behind the head.

Quick Pre-Submit Audit (1-minute)

  • File type = JPG/PNG, size < 2 MB, portrait orientation

  • Background = plain white/light, no shadows

  • Face = centered, neutral, eyes visible, no glare

  • Glasses/headwear = compliant with visibility rules

  • Passport data page scan = readable, no glare, full page

Why Apply with VietnamEntryVisa.com

Worried Your Photo Isn’t Right? Let Us Check It for Free.
Applying with VietnamEntryVisa.com isn’t just about faster processing. It’s about peace of mind.

  • Free Pre-Submission Check: Our visa experts will manually review your photo and passport scan before we submit your application. If there’s a problem, we’ll tell you exactly how to fix it.

  • This simple step is why our approval rate is over 99.8%.
    [START YOUR ERROR-FREE APPLICATION →]

Ready to Apply?

Ensure your photo and passport scan meet the specs, then submit online.
Start your application → Apply for Vietnam E-Visa Now