When applying for an e-visa to Vietnam, you will be required to submit biometric photographs to support your application. It is important to understand and adhere to the specific photo requirements set by the Vietnamese authorities. These requirements ensure that the submitted photos accurately represent the applicants and facilitate a smooth visa application process.
Do I Need to Submit Photos for Vietnam visa Application?
If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you need to submit your photograph for Vietnam visa application:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Greece
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Madagascar
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- North Macedonia
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
What Are the Requirements for a Vietnamese e-Visa Photos?
When taking a photo for a Vietnam e-visa, you must pay attention to the following specifics:
- Size.
- Format.
- Background color.
- Facial expression and head position.
- Attire and accessories.
- Accessories.
- Age.
- Photo Quality.
What Is the Size of a Vietnamese e-visa Photo?
The Vietnam e-visa photo must be 2×2 in and a maximum of 2MB
Your head position is also specified, and should be:
| Head Height (up to the top of the hair) | Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair |
|---|---|
| 40 mm | 6 mm |
Since the application for e-visas is entirely online, if submit a photo larger than the specified dimensions and size, it may not be uploaded, or the visa application will be rejected.
In What Format Can I Upload My Photo for a Vietnam e-visa Application?
The Vietnamese authorities have not specified a file format. However, you can upload your photos in either of these formats .pdf,.jpg,.gif,.bmp,.png.
What Color Should the Background of my Photo Be?
The background color of the Vietnam e-visa photo must be gray ( ). Having a plain background without patterns, designs, or distractions is important to ensure that the focus remains on the applicant’s face, facilitating proper identification.
Facial Expression and Head Position
When capturing your e-visa photo, it is essential to adhere to the following guidelines for head position and facial expression:
| Head Position | Facial Expression |
|---|---|
| Ensure that your head is directly facing the camera. | Maintain a neutral facial expression with a closed mouth. |
| Keep your face fully visible and centered within the frame. | Avoid smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions. |
| Avoid tilting or turning your head. | Keep both eyes open and visible in the photo. |
Am I Allowed to Wear Anything When Taking a Photo for a Vietnam e-visa Photo?
Here is a list of do’s and don’t’s regarding attire and accessories:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Wear your regular, everyday clothing. | Wear uniforms in the photo. |
| Opt for modest, form-fitting clothing that appropriately covers your shoulders and neckline. | Avoid wearing large or dangling earrings that may distract from your face. Opt for smaller, subtle earrings. |
| Wear religious attire that you wear as part of your daily routine. | Reflective or shiny jewelry pieces should be avoided, as they can cause glare or reflections that obscure facial features or draw attention away from your face. |
| Wear daily medically necessary accessories that don’t obstruct your facial features. | Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are unacceptable. |
| Wear blue, black, gray, or dark green. | Refrain from wearing hats or head coverings that obscure the hair or hairline. |
Note: For a hat or head covering worn for medical or religious reasons, a signed statement confirming its significance in recognized religious attire or a signed doctor’s statement on its daily medical necessity is required.
Am I Allowed to Wear Eyeglasses?
Eyeglasses are generally not allowed in visa photos unless there are rare medical reasons. If accepted for medical reasons:
- The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s).
- There must not be glare or shadows that obscure the eye(s).
- You must provide a document signed by your doctor.
Can I Reuse the Same Photo?
The e-visa photo should have been taken within the last six months to provide a recent and accurate representation of your current appearance. Submitting an up-to-date photo is crucial as it helps ensure that the visa authorities can easily identify and verify your identity during the application process.
However, even if taken within the past six months, your photo must accurately depict your current appearance. If your photo does not reflect your present appearance, you will be required to submit a new photo.
Changes requiring a new photo include:
- Undergoing significant facial surgery or trauma.
- Making substantial changes to facial piercings or tattoos.
- Experiencing significant weight fluctuations.
- Undergoing a process of gender transition.
Changes not requiring a new photo include:
- Growing a beard
- Dyeing your hair.
Photo Quality
When it comes to the quality of your e-visa photo, meeting the specific standards outlined by the Vietnam authorities is of utmost importance. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
- Resolution. The photo must have a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Insufficient resolution can result in a photo that appears pixelated, blurry, or lacks clarity, potentially causing complications during the visa application process.
- Clarity. The photo should be clear, sharp, and easily distinguishable, with all facial features and details visible. Avoid blurriness or fuzziness that compromises the photo’s quality.
- Focus. Ensure the entire photo, especially your face, is in focus, with no areas appearing blurry or out of focus.
- Color. The passport photo should be in color, accurately representing your natural skin tones and hair color. Avoid black and white or monochrome photos.
- Retouching. Do not alter or retouch your passport photo in any way. This includes removing blemishes, wrinkles, or other imperfections. Present your natural appearance without enhancements or modifications.
- Lighting. The photo should have even lighting, with no harsh shadows or glares on your face. Avoid using flash or excessive lighting that creates unflattering highlights or shadows.
How Many Photos Do the Authorities Need?
You only need to upload one photo for a Vietnamese e-visa application. Before uploading it, make sure to thoroughly review the photo specifications provided by the authorities to ensure it meets the required guidelines.
Should I Print Out the Photos?
You should not print out the photos, because the photo is submitted digitally as part of the online application process.
Can I Submit a Scanned Copy of a Physical Photo?
No, you cannot submit a scanned copy of a physical photo. The Vietnamese authorities require a digital photo that meets specific guidelines and technical requirements. This is because scanned copies may result in a loss of quality or alterations to the original image, which can impact the accuracy and reliability of the photo for identification purposes.
Requirements for Young Children and Babies
Meeting the specific requirements is crucial when applying for an e-visa for young children and babies. Here are the key requirements for capturing e-visa photos of young children and babies:
- The child’s face should be visible, with eyes open and free from obstructions.
- Newborns or infants unable to support their heads may have their eyes closed in the photo.
- The child should be the sole subject in the photo, without any other people or objects visible.
- If the child cannot sit upright on their own, a parent or guardian may provide support, ensuring that their hands are not visible in the photo.
- A plain white or off-white sheet or blanket is recommended as a backdrop to achieve a clean and uncluttered background.
- The child’s photo should meet the exact requirements for quality, clarity, and lighting as outlined for adult e-visa photos.
- General photo requirements, such as size, format, and background guidelines, also apply to young children and babies.
