Vietnam eVisa Photo & Passport Requirements (2026 Guide)

Last updated: September 11, 2026 · Written by the GoVietVisa processing team

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 — and once you submit, you can't edit. Here's exactly what's required.

"File has script tag, please try again" — What It Means and the 60-Second Fix

We see this several times a week, and it is almost never the applicant's fault. The eVisa portal runs every upload through a security filter that looks for anything script-like inside the file; some image editors and phone exports write XMP/EXIF blocks that trip it. That is also why the same person can upload two passports fine and then get stuck on the third — the third photo simply came from a different app.

Three things that reliably clear it: (1) the screenshot-and-crop trick above; (2) opening the image in a basic editor (Paint on Windows, Preview on Mac) and using "Save as" / "Export" to a fresh JPG, which drops the metadata; (3) for a passport scan that was saved as PDF, open the PDF, screenshot the page, save as JPG. What does not help: renaming the file, compressing it, or trying a different browser — the file is the problem, so the same file will fail everywhere.

A related 2026 change: the portal now runs an anti-spoofing check on the passport data page and returns "Low quality passport data page" if it thinks the image is a photo of a screen, a photocopy, or heavily edited. If you hit that one, re-photograph the physical passport under daylight, flat on a table, all four corners visible, no filters — a scan from a flatbed scanner passes most reliably. If both errors keep coming back and your flight is close, message us on WhatsApp with the photos and we will tell you within minutes which one is failing and why.

Vietnam eVisa Portrait Photo Requirements

The portrait is a passport-style photo of your face that must meet these specs:

• Size: 4x6 cm (about 1.6 x 2.4 inches — note this is not the square 2x2 US passport format).
• Background: plain white, no pattern, texture, or shadow.
• Color: color only — 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 — 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 — 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

Getting the photo right the first time matters even more if you're short on time — a rejected photo can cost you a day. If your flight is close, see your urgent and rush eVisa options so a small fix doesn't derail your trip.

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 — 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 40–50 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size photo do I need for a Vietnam eVisa?

A 4x6 cm (about 1.6 x 2.4 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 — 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 does "File has script tag, please try again" mean on the Vietnam eVisa site?

The portal's security filter has rejected your image file because of hidden metadata or embedded data, usually from an iPhone export or a photo-editing app. Take a screenshot of the photo, crop it, and upload the screenshot as a new JPG — the error clears immediately. It is not a problem with your application.

What are the passport scan requirements?

A clear, full scan of the information page with all four corners and the machine-readable lines visible — JPG, under 2MB, no glare or cropping. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond entry.

This guide is for general information. Vietnam visa rules can change — always verify current requirements at the official portal (evisa.gov.vn). GoVietVisa is a private visa assistance service, not the official government portal.