Vietnam eVisa Photo & Passport Requirements (2026 Guide)
Last updated: June 2026 ยท Written by the GoVietVisa processing team
Quick answer: A Vietnam eVisa needs two images: a 4x6 cm (2x2 in) portrait photo on a plain white background โ color, recent, no glasses, neutral expression โ and a clear scan of your passport's information page showing all four corners. Both must be JPG files under 2MB. Bad photos are the number-one cause of delays and rejections, so this is worth getting right the first time.
From processing applications every day, photo and passport-scan errors are by far the most common reason an eVisa gets stuck on "pending" or returned. The rules aren't complicated, but the portal is strict and unforgiving โ and once you submit, you can't edit. Here's exactly what's required.
Vietnam eVisa Portrait Photo Requirements
The portrait is a passport-style photo of your face that must meet these specs:
- Size: 4x6 cm (equivalent to 2x2 inches).
- Background: plain white, no pattern, texture, or shadow.
- Color: color only โ no black-and-white.
- Recency: taken within the last 6 months.
- Expression: face the camera straight, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- No accessories: no glasses, sunglasses, hats, or anything covering the face.
- File: JPG/JPEG, under 2MB, sharp enough to clearly show your full face and the top of your shoulders. No filters.
Passport Bio-Page Scan Requirements
The second upload is a scan or clear photo of your passport's main information page. To pass the portal's automated check:
- Capture the entire page with all four corners visible โ do not crop the edges.
- Include the machine-readable lines (the two rows of code at the bottom). The system reads these automatically.
- No glare, no shadow, no blur โ lay the passport flat under even light.
- JPG file, under 2MB.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date.
The Two-Photo Rule Most Applicants Get Wrong
The portal asks for two separate images, and this trips up a surprising number of people. Your portrait photo and the photo inside your passport must be two different images. Do not reuse the picture from your passport as your portrait upload, and never upload the same file in both fields. The review system flags duplicate or mismatched images and returns the application, which costs you days. Treat them as two distinct files: one fresh face photo, one full passport-page scan.
Photo Mistakes That Cause Rejection
These are the errors we see send applications back most often:
- Cropping a tiny photo out of the passport page and using it as the portrait โ it comes out blurry.
- Shadows or uneven lighting on the background.
- Wearing glasses or a wide smile showing teeth.
- An old photo that no longer looks like you.
- A passport scan with a corner cut off or glare hiding the text.
- Wrong file type (PNG/PDF instead of JPG) or a file over 2MB.
How to Take a Compliant Photo with Your Phone
You don't need a studio. Stand facing a window with natural daylight on your face, with a plain white wall behind you. Avoid direct sun, which throws harsh shadows. Hold the phone at eye level about 40โ50 cm away, keep your head straight and centered, neutral expression, no glasses. Take a few shots, pick the sharpest, and crop lightly to a square so your head and the top of your shoulders fill the frame. Save it as a JPG under 2MB.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for a Vietnam eVisa?
A 4x6 cm (2x2 inch) passport-style portrait on a plain white background, in color, taken within six months, no glasses, JPG under 2MB.
Do I need to upload two photos?
Yes โ one current portrait and one passport bio-page scan, as two separate files. Don't upload the same image twice or reuse your passport photo as the portrait.
Can I take the photo with my phone?
Yes. A phone and a white wall in natural daylight work fine, as long as the image is sharp, evenly lit, and meets the specs above.
What are the passport scan requirements?
A clear, full scan of the information page with all four corners and the machine-readable lines visible โ JPG, under 2MB, no glare or cropping. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond entry.
Related guides
This guide is for general information. Vietnam visa rules can change โ always verify current requirements at the official portal (evisa.gov.vn). GoVietVisa is a private visa assistance service, not the official government portal.