Vietnam E-Visa Photo Rules: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong background

One of the most common Vietnam e-visa photo mistakes is submitting an image with a colored or patterned background.

Many applicants crop a casual photo taken at home, a café, or outdoors without realizing that Vietnam’s immigration system strictly requires a plain white background. Any shadows, objects, or patterns behind the subject can trigger an automatic rejection.

To avoid this:

• Use your most recent passport or ID photo if available
• If retaking, photograph against a blank white wall, ensure no shadows fall behind you
• Use an online Vietnam visa photo app to remove or replace the background if needed

Photo guidelines shown on the Vietnam e-visa application form

Poor lighting and shadows

Images with uneven lighting, dark shadows, or facial glare are frequently flagged by the immigration system. If the face is not clearly visible, identity verification cannot be completed.

To avoid this:

• Photograph in a well-lit room using natural light where possible
• Face the light source directly, avoid shooting with light behind you
• Skip harsh flash that creates overexposed spots on the skin

Incorrect photo size and format

Uploading a square-format photo, common in countries such as the US, is another frequent error. The Vietnam e-visa photo size must be portrait-style at 4×6 cm (approximately 40×60 mm), saved as a JPG file no larger than 2 MB.

To avoid this:

• Use a free online tool such as photogov.net/documents/vn-visa-photo to crop and resize to the correct specifications
• Check file size and dimensions before uploading, files exceeding 2 MB may cause processing issues

Wrong file format

Photos must be uploaded as JPG or JPEG files under 2 MB. Files in PNG, HEIC, or PDF format will not be accepted by the Vietnam visa application photo upload system.

To avoid this:

• Convert your image to JPG using a free tool such as iloveimg.com/convert-to-jpg
• Compress the file if it exceeds 2 MB before uploading

Wearing hats, glasses, or accessories

Despite being a well-known rule, a significant number of applicants still submit photos wearing sunglasses, caps, scarves, or accessories. Even clear prescription glasses can cause reflections that partially obscure the eyes. Vietnam e-visa photo rules require the full face to be unobstructed at all times.

To avoid this:

• Remove all headwear, eyewear, and accessories before taking the photo
• Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open
• Prescription glasses may be accepted if the eyes are fully visible with no lens glare, removing them entirely is the safer option

Photo requirements and standards applicants must follow for the Vietnam e-visa application

Using old or heavily edited photos

Submitting an outdated passport photo or an over-edited selfie with filters or beauty app effects is an easily avoidable mistake. If the photo does not closely match your current appearance or your passport bio page, immigration officers may question the validity of your application, resulting in a resubmission request or outright rejection.

To avoid this:

• Only submit photos taken within the last 6 months
• Avoid any filters or edits that alter your natural appearance

What happens if you submit a non‑compliant photo?

Any of the above errors can delay your Vietnam e-visa approval by several days or longer. In more serious cases the application may be rejected entirely, requiring a full resubmission and additional fee payment. All of these outcomes are entirely avoidable with a few minutes of preparation before submitting.

Quick tips to take a perfect photo for your vietnam e-visa application :

• White background, evenly lit with no shadows
• Photo size: 4×6 cm, JPG format, under 2 MB
• Full face visible,no hats, sunglasses, or accessories
• Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed
• Passport bio page: flat, sharp, fully visible, no glare or shadow

References

• Official Vietnam E-visa Photo Guidelines: evisa.gov.vn/instruction
• Issuance of E-visas at the Request of Foreigners – Vietnam Public Services Portal: dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn

Frequently asked questions