Vietnam e-Visa Photo Requirements for US Citizens
The Vietnam e-Visa requires a digital passport-style photo upload — no printed photo needed. Here is exactly what the portal accepts and the file size traps to avoid.
Common rejection: smartphone photos are too large (over 2MB)
Modern iPhones and Android phones take photos at 3–8MB — over the 2MB limit. The Vietnam e-Visa portal will reject them silently or show an upload error. Compress your JPEG to under 2MB before uploading. Also: HEIC files (iPhone default) must be converted to JPEG first.
Vietnam e-Visa Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG / JPG only — not PNG, HEIC, or PDF |
| File size | 10KB – 2MB |
| Background | Plain white (light blue also accepted) |
| Expression | Neutral — no smiling |
| Eyes | Open, looking at camera |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head position | Frontal — face centered, head straight |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Headwear | Not permitted (religious exceptions) |
File Size — The Four Scenarios
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How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal. Beware third-party sites that charge additional service fees for the same application.
You will need a clear scan or photo of your passport bio page. The information must be clearly legible with no glare or shadow.
Have a recent passport-style JPEG photo ready, compressed to under 2MB. White background, no glasses, neutral expression. HEIC files must be converted to JPEG first.
Fill in your personal details, travel dates, and entry points. The e-Visa fee is $25 USD (single or multiple entry). Pay by credit card.
Processing takes approximately 3 business days. Download and print your e-Visa approval letter. You must present it (printed or digital) at the Vietnamese port of entry.
Vietnam Visa Photo FAQ
What photo is needed for a Vietnam e-Visa?
The Vietnam e-Visa online application requires a digital photo upload. Requirements: recent passport-style photo (taken within 6 months), white or plain light background, face clearly visible and centered, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, no hat or head covering (except religious), JPEG or JPG format, file size typically 10KB–2MB. The photo must be frontal — not a side angle or selfie-style shot.
What file size is allowed for a Vietnam e-Visa photo?
The Vietnam e-Visa portal typically accepts JPEG photos between 10KB and 2MB. This is a common catch — smartphone photos taken on modern iPhones or Android phones are often 3–8MB (too large) and must be compressed before upload. Additionally, HEIC format (default on many iPhones) is not accepted — convert to JPEG first. Photos that are over-compressed below 10KB will also be rejected. Aim for a compressed JPEG in the 50–500KB range.
Can I use the same photo for both a Vietnam visa and a Vietnamese passport?
The Vietnam e-Visa requires a digital photo upload — typically any recent passport-style photo in JPEG format will work. Vietnamese passports (for Vietnamese nationals) require a physical 4×6cm printed photo. These are different products: the e-Visa photo is a digital upload for US citizens visiting Vietnam, while the 4×6cm photo is for Vietnamese nationals renewing their Vietnamese passport. See our Vietnamese passport photo page for more details on the 4×6cm format.
How long is a Vietnam e-Visa valid?
The Vietnam e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entry depending on the visa type. The e-Visa replaced the previous single-entry 30-day limit, making it much more useful for longer trips or travelers who want to cross into Laos or Cambodia and return to Vietnam. Processing typically takes 3 business days. Apply at the official Vietnam e-Visa portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn).
What is the difference between a Vietnam visa on arrival and an e-Visa?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival requires a pre-approved letter from a visa agency, payment of a stamping fee on arrival, and a physical photo (typically passport-style, 2×2 inch or 35×45mm). It is being phased out in favor of the e-Visa, which is fully online and does not require a physical photo or pre-arranged letter. Most travelers should use the e-Visa — it is simpler, fully digital, and accepted at all major international ports of entry in Vietnam.
What backgrounds are accepted for Vietnam e-Visa photos?
The Vietnam e-Visa portal requires a plain white or plain light-colored background. White is the safest choice. Unlike some other countries, Vietnam has at times listed plain light blue as acceptable, but white is universally accepted. The background must be uniform — no patterns, gradients, or other people. Shadows behind the head or on the background are common rejection reasons.
Can I take my own Vietnam e-Visa photo at home?
Yes — since the Vietnam e-Visa only requires a digital upload (not a printed photo), you can take your own photo at home with a smartphone. Use a white wall or white sheet as the background. Ensure the room is well-lit from the front (not from behind you). Take the photo at eye level, face the camera directly, maintain a neutral expression, and remove glasses. Then compress the JPEG to under 2MB before uploading.
Is the Vietnam e-Visa photo the same as the US passport photo?
The requirements are very similar: neutral expression, no glasses, white background, frontal view, recent photo. The main difference is format — the US passport requires a printed 2×2 inch photo, while the Vietnam e-Visa requires a digital JPEG upload with a specific file size (10KB–2MB). If you have a digital version of a compliant US passport photo, it should work for the Vietnam e-Visa portal as well.