Vietnam eVisa Photo Requirements 2026 & Rejection Fixes

One bad portrait is among the fastest ways to delay a Vietnam eVisa. The online e-visa filing validates uploads electronically; blurry selfies and cropped passport booklet photos often trigger resubmissions or rejection. Get your photo right once—then start your application.

We are a private visa assistance service—not the Government of Vietnam. Photo rules are set by Vietnamese immigration's eVisa portal; we help you format files correctly before submission.

Already rejected? Jump to what to do after a photo or scan rejection.

What your eVisa portrait should look like

Think passport studio quality, not social media:

• Plain background — white or off-white; no patterns, furniture, or outdoor scenery.
• Full face forward — eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression.
• Even lighting — no harsh shadow on one cheek; no flash reflection on skin.
• No filters — beauty modes change skin tone and fail face-matching checks.
• Recent likeness — taken within the last six months if your appearance changed (haircut, beard, weight).

Size, ratio, and file format

Portal limits can change; success usually means:

If the system shows required pixels, match them exactly—do not guess from old blog screenshots.

Glasses, head coverings, and children

Glasses: Remove non-prescription frames. For prescription lenses, reduce glare or photograph without glasses if the portal allows.

Head coverings: Permitted for religious reasons when the full face remains visible from hairline to chin.

Children: Every child needs their own photo—never a shared selfie with a parent. Baby alone in frame; no toys blocking the face. Parents may support infants from behind a plain sheet—see Vietnam eVisa for minors and families.

Passport scan vs portrait photo (two different uploads)

Do not swap these files—it is a frequent cause of rejection. Airlines and immigration compare your live face to both images.

For a clean bio-page scan:

• Lay the passport flat on a dark surface and shoot straight-on, not at an angle
• Keep all four corners visible, with no fingers over the data
• Leave a margin below the MRZ (the two lines of chevrons)—tight crops cut it off
• Use colour, not a black-and-white filter

A blurry MRZ can delay approval even when the portrait is perfect.

Fixing common rejection messages

DIY photo setup in five minutes

1. Stand facing a plain white wall or sheet.
2. Ask someone to shoot at eye level—not from below.
3. Keep arms down; face fills roughly 70% of the frame.
4. Export once; zoom to confirm eyes and ears are sharp.
5. Upload on stable Wi‑Fi; re-check passport spelling on the form.

Photo or passport scan rejected: what to do next

Start with the exact wording of the rejection email or portal message. A portrait problem, an unreadable passport scan, a file-size error, and a face mismatch each need a different fix from the table above.

Immigration sent a resubmission request

• Fix only the issue named in the message
• Upload before the stated deadline—processing may pause until you respond
• Keep the same reference number; do not open a new application

Full rejection with no correction path

• Prepare the new portrait and passport scan before paying again
• Re-check name and passport number against the MRZ
• If your flight is soon, choose Urgent (3 days) or Super Urgent (1 day) when your arrival date allows—see /fees
• Contact support before paying twice

For refusals with other causes, see rejected eVisa: how to reapply. If your status has not moved for days, see eVisa stuck in processing.

Before you submit the full application

Cross-check name, date of birth, and passport number against the MRZ; if you spot an error after submitting, see wrong name or date of birth on your eVisa. Pair this guide with:

• Vietnam eVisa requirements guide
• Common eVisa application mistakes
• /check-requirement for nationality rules

Frequently asked questions

What size photo do I need?
Use the portal’s stated pixels—typically a tall portrait JPEG under the file-size limit.

Can I wear glasses?
Only if clear and glare-free; many travelers succeed without glasses.

Can I use my passport’s printed photo?
No for the portrait slot—submit a fresh digital headshot.

Why was my photo rejected?
Background, size, filters, glasses glare, mismatch with your passport, or portrait and scan files swapped—retake with plain backdrop and even light.

Do I need a new application if my photo is rejected?
Only after a full rejection. If immigration asks for corrections, upload new files under the same reference number.

How fast can I fix a rejected photo?
Usually the same day—retake, resize, and resubmit. If you must reapply close to departure, check whether Urgent or Super Urgent fits your arrival date.

Apply for your Vietnam eVisa when your portrait and passport scan are ready.