Photo requirements for the Vietnam e-Visa

One of the most important things to think about before arriving to Vietnam is to apply for the right type of Vietnam visa. Usually, most people prefer the e-Visa. However, this is only eligible for 81 countries in the world so it is important to see if you meet the requirements before you start applying. The e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows visitors going to Vietnam to stay in the country for up to 30 days, on a single-entry visa. The application only takes a few minutes to fill in and once it has been approved of, it will be sent as a PDF via email.

If you are eligible for the e-Visa, there are a few visa requirements you need to comply with. The passport photo for example, is one of them. The passport photo requirements are:

• The photo’s format and weight
• The photo’s quality and clarity
• The applicant’s facial expression
• No glasses, scarves, or other

Minors traveling with their parents or guardians must also submit photos in order to obtain a visa for Vietnam. Special photo specifications for children apply.

Photo-requirements

Photo specifications for Vietnam visa

In the application, it will state that you need to submit “passport-sized” photos. This may have different meanings for citizens of different countries. In order to avoid any confusion and ensure that your visa application will not be rejected, make sure that your photo complies with the Vietnam visa photo requirements:

• Size: 4x6cm (2×2 inches).
• Format: JPG, GIF.
• Weight: No more than 2 MB.
• Color: Filters will not be accepted. Black and white is allowed.
• Background: Choose a plain and bright background. White is preferable.
• Lighting: The visa picture should not present forms of glare (like the one caused by a flash) that can make the photo unclear. Lighting should be kept even to avoid shadows.
• Position: Face the camera and relax your shoulders.
• Facial expression: Don’t smile and try to keep a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
• Eyes and glasses: Your eyes should be visible and kept open, looking directly at the camera. This means that glasses are only allowed if they leave your eyes visible. Tinted lenses are not allowed.
• Attire: White clothing should be avoided as it’s likely to blend with the background.
• Scarves and other head accessories: Only scarves and head accessories worn for religious or medical reasons are allowed.
• Hair: Applicants with long haircuts can keep their hair down as long as it doesn’t cover the face.
• Beard: Applicants who normally wear a beard should keep it for the Vietnamese visa photo.
• Recency: The visa photo should be taken no longer than 6 months prior to applying for the Vietnam visa.

Each applicant needs to submit 2 photos. If you are unsure of how to take the photos, you can go to a professional photographer and give him the above instructions. You can also use a photo editing program in order to reduce the size and weight of your photo for example.

Photo requirements for children

If you are traveling to Vietnam with children, they will need to submit their own visa application. As part of the application, children will also have to submit visa photos. Here are the following requirements for children’s visa photos:

• Only the child can be in the picture. Parents and siblings should not appear in the photo used to apply for a Vietnam visa for minors.
• Toys, bottles, pacifiers, and other objects should not be included in the picture.
• If possible, the minor should stand or sit up with their eyes open. In the case of newborn babies or toddlers, parents can lay the child on a white sheet to provide a solid background.
• Rules on lighting, photo size, attire, etc. that apply to adults should also be followed for children.

Photo requirements for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival

If you are not eligible for the e-Visa, you may apply for the Visa on Arrival. Although it can be a longer process, it is still a good alternative. If you choose to apply for this type of visa, you must remember to take two photos with you as you travel, along with your passport, travel documents and enough cash to pay for the visa application fee. You may pay with USD or VND. The same photo requirements apply for both the Visa on Arrival and the e-Visa. You are required a photo to attach on the Vietnamese visa application form (NA1) when you arrive for pick up your visa.

Make sure that you print physical copies of your photos, preferably on glossy photo paper, and present them to the immigration officers when you arrive to Vietnam.