Vietnam eVisa Photo & Document Requirements

Last updated: July 2026

Your Vietnam eVisa photo and passport scan are the two documents that determine whether your application gets approved or rejected. The photo must be exactly 4×6 cm (40×60 mm), in JPEG format, with a plain white background, taken within the last six months. Your passport scan must be a clear, legible image of your data page with at least six months of remaining validity. Getting either of these wrong is the number one reason applications get denied.

This guide covers every photo and document requirement for the Vietnam eVisa in 2026, including exact dimensions, file formats, common mistakes, and what to do if your submission gets rejected. If you need the full application walkthrough, see our complete Vietnam eVisa guide.

Vietnam eVisa Photo Requirements

Your eVisa portrait photo must meet strict specifications. The Vietnamese immigration system uses automated checks to verify compliance, so even small deviations can trigger a rejection.

The photo must show your current appearance. If your passport photo was taken years ago and you look significantly different, the automated face-matching system on the eVisa portal may flag a discrepancy. Your portrait photo and the photo on your passport scan should clearly show the same person.

Passport Scan Requirements for Vietnam eVisa

In addition to your portrait photo, you must upload a scan of your passport’s data page. This is the page containing your photo, name, nationality, passport number, and expiry date.

• Format: JPEG or PDF
• Maximum file size: 2 MB
• Page required: The full data page spread (both sides visible if applicable)
• Legibility: All text must be clearly readable with no blur or distortion
• Glare: No light reflections on the laminated surface
• Cropping: The entire page must be visible with no edges cut off
• Color: Color scan preferred over black and white

Your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity from your intended entry date into Vietnam and at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. If your passport expires within six months, you need to renew it before applying for the eVisa.

A common mistake is uploading a blurry photo of the passport taken with a phone camera. If you use your phone, make sure the passport lies flat on a well-lit surface, avoid shadows, and ensure the entire page is in sharp focus.

Two Separate Uploads – Portrait Photo vs Passport Scan

One of the most common points of confusion is that the Vietnam eVisa portal requires two separate image uploads, and they must be different images:

1. Upload 1 – Portrait Photo: A new photo of yourself (like a passport photo) meeting all the specifications listed above.
2. Upload 2 – Passport Data Page: A scan or photo of your passport’s information page.

Uploading the same image for both fields will almost certainly result in rejection. The system expects a portrait photo for face-matching purposes and a passport scan for document verification. These serve different functions in the review process.

Many applicants mistakenly upload their passport photo page for the portrait field, thinking the system will extract their face from it. This does not work. You need a separate, freshly taken portrait photo that meets the 4×6 cm specifications.

File Format, Size & Technical Specifications

The eVisa portal enforces strict technical limits on uploaded files. Here is a quick reference:

If your photo file is too large, you can compress it using free online tools. Reduce the JPEG quality to 80–85% – this usually brings most photos under 2 MB without visible quality loss. Avoid compressing below 70% as the image may become pixelated and fail the clarity check.

For the passport scan, save at a resolution that keeps all text sharp. A 300 DPI scan of the open passport page typically produces a file between 500 KB and 1.5 MB, which is well within the limit.

Common Photo Mistakes That Cause eVisa Rejection

Incorrect photos are the number one reason for Vietnam eVisa rejection according to our rejection reasons guide. Here are the most frequent errors:

• Wrong dimensions: Submitting a square photo (like a US 2×2 passport photo) instead of the required 4×6 cm rectangle. The eVisa requires 40×60 mm, not 51×51 mm.
• Dark or colored background: The background must be plain white. Light gray, cream, or patterned backgrounds will be rejected.
• Wearing glasses: Even clear non-prescription glasses are not allowed. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo.
• Same photo for both uploads: Using your passport scan image as your portrait photo. These must be two different images.
• Photo too old: Using a photo taken more than six months ago. If your appearance has changed noticeably, take a new photo.
• Blurry or low resolution: Photos taken in poor lighting or with a low-quality camera. The image must be sharp and clear.
• Face too small or too large: Your face should occupy 70–80% of the photo area. Too much empty space around the head, or a cropped-in close-up, will both cause issues.
• Smiling or open mouth: The expression must be neutral with your mouth closed.

What To Do If Your Photo Is Rejected

If your eVisa photo is rejected, you can resubmit a corrected photo without starting a new application. Here is the process:

1. Check the rejection reason: The portal typically indicates which requirement was not met (e.g., “photo does not meet specifications”).
2. Identify the specific issue: Compare your photo against the specifications table above. The most common fix is resizing to the correct 4×6 cm dimensions.
3. Retake or resize the photo: If the issue is dimensions, crop your existing photo to 4×6 cm. If the issue is quality or background, retake the photo.
4. Re-upload immediately: Log back into the eVisa portal, navigate to your application, and upload the corrected file.
5. Monitor your application status: After resubmission, check your status regularly. You can learn how in our eVisa status check guide.

Do not wait too long to resubmit. Your application has a processing window, and delays in fixing the photo could push your approval past your intended travel date. If you need help with the overall application flow, see our eVisa application steps guide.

Complete Vietnam eVisa Document Checklist

Before you start your eVisa application, prepare these three items:

That is all you need. The Vietnam eVisa is entirely digital – no physical photos, no embassy visits, no paper documents. Everything is uploaded through the official evisa.gov.vn portal.

In addition to the documents, have these details ready:

• Your planned entry and exit dates
• Your intended entry point (airport or land border)
• A working email address for status notifications
• A payment method (credit or debit card) for the $25 USD fee

Photo Requirements for Children & Minors

Children and infants applying for their own Vietnam eVisa must meet the same photo specifications as adults:

• Dimensions: 4×6 cm, same as adult photos
• Background: Plain white
• Sole subject: The child must be the only person in the photo
• Eyes: Open and visible (for infants, eyes should be open if possible)
• Face: Fully visible, not obscured by blankets, toys, or hands
• Position: Facing the camera directly

For newborns and very young infants who cannot support their own head, you may lay them on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. Ensure even lighting with no shadows across the face. The same 70–80% face coverage rule applies.

Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own eVisa and their own set of documents. This includes newborn babies.

Frequently Asked Questions