Introduction
If you’re applying for a Vietnam e-Visa and you’re not sure whether your photo will pass, you’re not alone. Photo rejection is one of the most common reasons Australian applicants need to amend or restart their application — and it’s almost always avoidable.
Vietnam’s e-Visa photo requirements are clear and consistent. Once you understand what’s required and what to avoid, getting it right is straightforward.
If you’re still confirming whether you need a visa or which type applies to you, start with our Vietnam Visa for Australians guide first. If you’re concerned about approval timing, see our Vietnam Visa Processing Time for Australians article.
This guide focuses specifically on photo and passport scan compliance — and how to avoid preventable delays.
Do Australians Need a Separate Photo for a Vietnam e-Visa?
Yes. When applying through the official Vietnamese immigration portal, you must upload two separate images:
- A recent portrait photo (your face photo)
- A scan of your Australian passport biographical page (the page showing your photo and personal details)
These are distinct uploads with different requirements. The passport scan does not replace the portrait photo, and both must meet their own specifications.
This guide explains the portrait requirements in detail and outlines what is needed for the passport bio page scan.
Vietnam e-Visa Photo Requirements
Size and Framing
The portrait photo must show your face clearly and prominently.
- Head size: Your head should fill most of the frame — approximately 70–80% of the image height
- Full face visible: From the top of your hair to just below your chin
- Centred: Your face should be centred horizontally
- No background objects or other people
The image should be cropped so that your face is large and clear — not a distant photo with excessive background space.
Background
- Plain white or very light off-white background
- No patterns, gradients, or visible shadows
- The background should contrast clearly with your face and hair
If you have light hair or pale skin, ensure the background is distinctly white so your facial outline remains clear.
Expression and Appearance
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smiling
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Looking directly at the camera
- No sunglasses or tinted lenses
- Glasses are best removed to eliminate glare risk
- No hats, caps, or head coverings (religious coverings are permitted if the full face remains visible)
- Hair must not cover your eyes or obscure facial features
Photo Recency
- The image must be taken within the last 6 months
- It must reflect your current appearance
Avoid reusing older photos, even if they technically meet the framing rules.
Format
- Portrait image must be in JPEG or JPG format
- Colour photo only (black and white is not accepted)
- Image must be sharp and evenly lit
Blurry, dark, overexposed, or heavily filtered images are likely to be rejected.
Passport Bio Page Scan Requirements
The passport bio page is the page inside your Australian passport that contains:
- Your photograph
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Expiry date
This upload has separate requirements.
- Scan the full page — do not crop edges
- Entire page must be visible and legible
- All text must be sharp and readable
- No glare or reflections
- Lay passport flat and photograph directly from above
- Save and upload as JPEG or JPG format
Avoid photographing the passport at an angle, as this can distort text and cause rejection.
Common Bio Page Scan Mistakes
- Cropping the edges of the page
- Glare from overhead lighting
- Fingers visible while holding the passport
- Photographing at an angle
- Uploading only the passport photo portion rather than the full page
The full bio page must be visible in one clean image.
Digital Upload Rules
File Format
Both uploads must be in .jpg or .jpeg format.
Phones (especially iPhones) may default to HEIC format. Convert the image to JPEG before uploading if required.
File Size
The portal sets maximum upload limits for each file. These limits are displayed during the application process and may change over time.
If your image is extremely large, reduce the file size slightly. Avoid over-compressing to the point where the image becomes blurry or pixelated.
Resolution and Clarity
Rather than targeting exact pixel dimensions, focus on these practical checks:
- Your face is sharp and recognisable
- Text on the passport page is fully readable
- No pixelation when zoomed in
Most modern smartphones produce more than adequate image quality.
Cropping
- Portrait image should be close to square
- Your face should dominate the frame
- Do not upload wide landscape photos with a small face in the centre
Proper cropping significantly reduces rejection risk.
Common Vietnam Visa Photo Mistakes Australians Make
Portrait Photo Errors
- Coloured or patterned background
- Smiling or open mouth
- Wearing sunglasses or reflective glasses
- Hair covering the eyes
- Head tilted or not facing directly forward
- Using an outdated photo
- Uploading in the wrong file format
- Poor lighting or low image quality
Passport Bio Page Errors
- Photographing at an angle
- Glare over important text
- Cropping off page edges
- Fingers visible in frame
- Uploading a photocopy rather than the original page
Upload Errors
- Swapping the portrait and passport files
- Upload failing due to incorrect file type
- Submitting without confirming both images uploaded correctly
Always double-check both files before final submission.
Can You Use Your Australian Passport Photo?
Sometimes — but not always.
It May Work If:
- It was taken within the last 6 months
- It is available as a clear digital JPEG file
- The background meets Vietnam’s requirements
- The framing aligns with the guidance above
It May Not Work If:
- It is older than 6 months
- You only have a printed version and must rescan it
- The background differs slightly from plain white
- The framing ratio differs from Vietnam’s expectations
If there is any uncertainty, taking a new photo specifically for the e-Visa is the safest approach.
Taking a Compliant Photo at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
You do not need a professional photographer. A smartphone and proper setup is sufficient.
What You Need
- Smartphone or camera
- Plain white wall or sheet
- Even lighting from the front
Step 1: Background
Stand 30–50 cm in front of a white wall or sheet. Ensure no visible shadows.
Step 2: Lighting
Face a window or light source. Avoid backlighting. Ensure even illumination across your face.
Step 3: Camera Position
Have someone else take the photo at eye level. Avoid angled selfies.
Step 4: Appearance
- Neutral expression
- Eyes open
- Hair away from face
- No glasses or accessories
Step 5: Take Multiple Photos
Review sharpness, lighting, and framing carefully.
Step 6: Crop Properly
Crop so your face fills 70–80% of the image height. Keep the shape close to square.
Step 7: Convert to JPEG
If needed, convert HEIC or PNG files to JPEG before uploading.
Step 8: Check File Size
If very large, reduce size slightly while preserving clarity.
What Happens If Your Photo Is Rejected?
Photo rejection can delay processing, but it can usually be corrected.
If the Portal Requests Amendment
You may be prompted to re-upload a compliant image. Follow the instructions provided and correct only the specified issue.
If the Application Is Rejected
In many cases, submitting a new application restarts the processing timeline. This is why early application matters.
Before reapplying:
- Review the rejection notice carefully
- Correct the specific issue
- Compare your new image against the checklist below
Avoid submitting a duplicate application without addressing the original problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my Vietnam e-Visa photo?
Clear prescription glasses may be accepted, but glare risk makes removal the safest option.
Does the background have to be perfectly white?
It should be plain and very light. If unsure, retake the photo against a clearly white surface.
Can I use my iPhone?
Yes. Just ensure the file is saved or converted to JPEG format before upload.
Will a selfie work?
It can, if all requirements are met. However, selfies often introduce angle distortion. Having someone else take the photo reduces risk.
Do children need separate photos?
Yes. Each Australian applicant, including children, must upload their own portrait and passport scan.
What if text on my passport scan is hard to read?
Improve lighting and lay the passport flat. All text must be clearly legible.
Final Summary and Compliance Checklist
Review this checklist before submitting your e-Visa application.
Portrait Photo Checklist
- Plain white or very light background
- Face centred and filling 70–80% of image height
- Neutral expression
- Eyes visible, no sunglasses
- No hair obscuring face
- Taken within last 6 months
- Colour image
- Saved as JPEG
- Sharp and well-lit
Passport Bio Page Checklist
- Full page visible
- No glare or shadows
- Text clearly legible
- No fingers or objects visible
- Saved as JPEG
Before Submitting
- Portrait uploaded to correct field
- Passport scan uploaded to correct field
- Both uploads confirmed successful
Spending five extra minutes reviewing these requirements is far easier than restarting your application close to your travel date. Get the photo right, and one of the most common causes of e-Visa delays disappears.
This guide reflects general information about Vietnam’s e-Visa photo requirements as of 2026. Requirements may change. Always verify current specifications through the official Vietnamese immigration portal before applying.