Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Dimensions, Background and eVisa Upload Rules
Vietnam visa photo size, background, recency and eVisa upload requirements, including the correct 4×6cm proportions.
Quick answer: A Vietnam visa photo must be 4cm × 6cm (40×60mm), taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background, neutral expression, and no glasses or head covering (unless religious). For the eVisa, the digital upload must typically be under 2MB in JPEG format, with correct pixel dimensions matching the physical size at 300 DPI (roughly 472×709px).
Whether you're applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival, at an embassy, or through the eVisa portal, the photo requirements are consistent — but the eVisa's digital upload has a few extra technical specs that paper applications don't.
Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Spec |
|---|---|
| Print size | 4cm × 6cm (40×60mm) |
| Digital dimensions (eVisa) | ~472 × 709 px at 300 DPI (confirm current portal spec before uploading) |
| File format (eVisa) | JPEG |
| File size (eVisa) | Typically under 2MB |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, front-facing |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Why You'll See Different Sizes Quoted Elsewhere
Search around and you'll find Vietnam visa photo guides citing 4×6cm, 2×2 inches (5.08×5.08cm), and even 35×45mm as "the" required size — three genuinely different dimensions, all presented as definitive. Cross-checking against the official eVisa application guide at evisa.gov.vn confirms 4×6cm (472×709px at 300 DPI) is the correct government standard; 2×2in is sometimes accepted informally by certain agents or visa-on-arrival processors but isn't the portal's own spec, and 35×45mm appears to be conflated from other countries' passport photo standards. If a source doesn't say which nationality, visa type, or application channel its number applies to, treat 4×6cm as the safe default for the eVisa.
eVisa Upload: What's Different From a Paper Photo
The Vietnam eVisa portal requires a digital scan or photo file, not a physical print — but it still needs to match the same 4×6cm proportions when scaled. Common upload issues include:
- Uploading a photo cropped to a different aspect ratio (e.g. a square or US 2×2in crop) instead of the taller 4×6cm ratio
- File size exceeding the portal's cap after using a high-resolution scan
- Background not reading as pure white due to scanner shadows or lighting
Full Requirements Checklist
- Size: 4cm × 6cm
- Background: plain white, no shadows or patterns
- Colour: full colour photo
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, facing camera directly
- Head coverings: only for religious purposes, facial features fully visible
- Recency: within 6 months
- Quality: no filters, heavy retouching, or visible pixelation
Common Rejection Reasons
- Wrong aspect ratio (submitting a square or 2×2in-style crop instead of 4×6cm proportions)
- Background with shadows, tint, or texture instead of pure white
- Glasses worn in the photo
- File exceeding the eVisa portal's size cap
- Photo older than 6 months or visibly different from current appearance
FAQ
Is the Vietnam visa photo size the same for eVisa and paper applications? The physical proportions (4×6cm) are the same, but the eVisa requires a digital file meeting specific pixel and file-size limits, while paper applications need a physical print.
Can I wear glasses in a Vietnam visa photo? No, glasses are not permitted under standard requirements.
Why does my eVisa photo keep getting rejected on upload? The most common cause is an incorrect aspect ratio — uploading a square or differently-proportioned crop instead of matching the 4×6cm (roughly 2:3) ratio the portal expects.
How recent does my Vietnam visa photo need to be? Taken within the last 6 months, and it should reasonably resemble your current appearance.
Can I use a passport photo I already have for other countries? Only if it matches Vietnam's specific 4×6cm proportions and background requirements — photos sized for other countries (like the 2×2in US standard) will have the wrong aspect ratio.
Upload a Compliant Photo the First Time
Because the Vietnam eVisa's aspect ratio (4×6cm) differs from more commonly known formats like the US 2×2in standard, reusing an old passport photo is one of the most common upload failures. photoomni crops and resizes your photo to the exact 4×6cm proportions and correct pixel dimensions for the eVisa portal, checking background and file size at the same time — so your upload clears on the first try.