Vietnam | Socialist Republic of Vietnam

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Guidelines for Vietnam Passport / Visa Photo Requirements

Vietnam has specific requirements for passport and visa photos that must be followed in order to avoid any delays or issues with your application. The guidelines are designed to ensure that the photo accurately represents the individual and can be used for identification purposes. 

These requirements include specific dimensions, background colors, and even facial expressions. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Vietnam passport and visa photo requirements to help you prepare for your application process.

Required Photo Dimensions and Composition

When submitting a passport orvisa application for Vietnam, it is important to ensure that the photo meets the following requirements:

  • The photo must be 35mm x 45mm in size.
  • The head in the photo should be centered and take up approximately 70-80% of the photo.
  • The photo should be taken against a plain white background.
  • The person in the photo should be facing forward with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
  • The photo should be taken within the last 6 months.
  • Photo Sample
  • Format

    Photo Sample

    Minimum allowable size

  • Format

    Photo Sample

    Maximum allowable size

Make sure to follow these guidelines closely to avoid any delays or issues with your passport or visa application.

Background Color and Lighting Requirements

When taking your passport or visa photo for Vietnam, it is important to pay attention to the background color and lighting to ensure that your photo meets the requirements. 

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • The background color should be white or off-white.
  • The lighting should be even and not too bright or too dark.
  • Avoid shadows or reflections in the photo.
  • The photo should be clear and in focus.
  • Make sure that your face is well-lit and not obscured by shadows.
  • Avoid wearing hats or head coverings that obscure your face, unless worn for religious reasons.

Clothing and Facial Expression Guidelines

When taking your passport or visa photo for Vietnam, it is important to follow these clothing and facial expression guidelines:

  1. Clothing: Wear plain colored clothing, preferably in darker shades such as black, navy, or dark gray. Avoid wearing clothing with patterns or logos that could obscure your face.
  2. Hair: Keep your hair away from your face and ears to ensure that your features are clearly visible. Avoid wearing hats or headbands that could cast shadows on your face.
  3. Glasses: If you wear glasses, make sure that there is no glare or reflection on the lenses. Remove any tinted glasses or sunglasses for the photo.
  4. Facial Expression: Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes looking directly at the camera. Avoid smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.

Remember that your passport or visa photo is a formal representation of yourself that will be used for identification purposes. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your photo meets the requirements and is accepted by the Vietnamese authorities.

Acceptable visa photos

Passport photo is required to get visa online. One or two newly photographs of the applicant (not more than 6 month old). On your photo, we need to be able to identify you clearly.

If your photo does not meet all of requirements, Vietnam Immigration will not be able to process your visa application until we receive an acceptable photo.

Please meets all of technical requirements of passport photos required at Vietnam airport

1. Professional photography


We advise to use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Whilst it is not a requirement, but for the best results.

2. Paper applications

Paper application photos need to be 35mm wide and 45mm high.

Photo should meet specific requirements and specifications as regards of their oldness, quality, format, and background.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to passport and visa photos for Vietnam, there are some common mistakes that applicants make. Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that your application is processed smoothly and without delay. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  1. Wearing Glasses: Glasses are not allowed in passport and visa photos for Vietnam. Remove your glasses before taking your photo to avoid any issues.
  2. Incorrect Background Color: The background of your photo should be white. Avoid using any other colors or patterns as they may not meet the requirements.
  3. Wrong Facial Expression: Your face should be neutral and expressionless in the photo. Avoid smiling or making any other facial expressions that could distort your features.
  4. Improper Lighting: The lighting in the photo should be even and not too bright or too dark. Avoid shadows or glare that could obscure your face.
  5. Incorrect Dimensions: Your photo must be 4x6 cm. Avoid submitting photos that are too small or too large.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of having your passport or visa application approved without any issues.

Tips for Taking a Good Passport/Visa Photo

Taking a good passport/visa photo can be a bit challenging, but it is essential to ensure that your application is not rejected due to an inadequate photo. Here are some tips to help you take a good passport/visa photo:

  1. Find a well-lit area with a plain, light-colored background to avoid shadows or glares on your face.
  2. Wear clothing that contrasts with the background and avoid busy patterns or prints.
  3. Keep your facial expression neutral, with your mouth closed and eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
  4. Make sure your entire face, including both ears, is visible in the photo.
  5. Use a high-quality camera or smartphone to capture the photo, ensuring that the image is clear and in focus.
  6. Take several shots and choose the best one to use for your application.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of taking a good passport/visa photo that meets the requirements set by the Vietnamese government.

Photo Printing and Submission Requirements

When it comes to submitting your passport or visa application, it's important to ensure that your photo meets the specific printing and submission requirements. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Photos should be printed on high-quality photo paper and in color.
  • The photo should be clear and in focus, with no marks or smudges.
  • The size of the photo should be as specified by the Vietnamese authorities.
  • Only one photo should be submitted with each application.
  • Photos can be submitted in person or via mail, depending on the application method.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your passport or visa application is not delayed due to photo-related issues.

FAQ

Q: What size should my passport/visa photo be?
The photo size for Vietnamese passport and visa applications is 4cm x 6cm.

Q: What should I wear in my passport/visa photo?
Clothing should be simple and without patterns or logos. Avoid wearing hats or glasses, unless they are necessary for medical reasons.

Q: What background color should I use for my passport/visa photo?
The background should be plain white or light blue.

Q: Can I smile in my passport/visa photo?
No, a neutral facial expression is required in the photo.

Q: Can I take my own passport/visa photo?
Yes, you can take your own photo as long as it meets all the requirements specified by the Vietnamese authorities.

Q: How many photos do I need to submit with my application?
Only one photo is required for each application.

Q: Can I submit digital photos?
No, only printed photos are accepted for Vietnamese passport and visa applications.