Advice on the Vietnam Passport Photo Size

Want to check the rules on photos for Vietnam passport renewals or visa processing? 

If you’re Vietnamese and want to travel abroad, you will need to hold a passport with at least 6 month’s validity remaining to enter most countries around the globe. In many cases, you also require a Vietnam visa too.

If you are a citizen of another country planning a trip to Vietnam, you may be required to submit a passport photo as part of your visa application. 

When filling out any paperwork for your holidays, it is important to get it right the first time. You don’t want submitting the wrong size image to come in the way of you and your dream holiday.

The photo is an essential part of renewing or applying for travel documentation. It should be an up-to-date image that accurately represents your current appearance and follows government guidelines.

Below we will detail what these requirements are and other helpful information to help you get everything ready for your big trip. 

Vietnam is a traveller’s paradise so if you are heading to this part of Southeast Asia, you are in for a treat. Read on to find out more!

How Strict Are Passport Photo Rules for Vietnam?

The local government in Vietnam is not as strict as other nations when it comes to their policy on passport or visa photos. This is good news for travellers visiting here, as providing your documentation is up-to-date, you shouldn’t run into any problems when passing through border control.

For example, some nations have strict image rules that specify the amount of space there should be from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head in the photo. However, here this is not specified.

Regardless of this, it is important to follow general guidelines about passport photos to make sure your application can be processed quickly and you can get planning which sites you want to visit!

Vietnam Passport Photo Size

Wondering what size your picture needs to be for your Vietnam passport photo or to obtain your Visa on Arrival? 

The standard Vietnamese passport photo size is 4 x 6 cm (add dimensions in inches)

The Vietnam visa photo size is a bit more flexible. The image can either be 4 x 6 cm or 2 x 2  inches which is equal to 5.08 x 5.08 cm.

In terms of pixels, the dimensions and size are not specified in the guidelines. The image must be colour (RGB); a filtered or black and white image is not acceptable.

The image must be taken in the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. For example, if you normally don’t wear a beard, it is advised not to submit a snap where you have one. You must submit 2 copies of the image. If you are submitting physical copies then they should be printed on glossy paper.

Vietnam Passport Photo Requirements

Ensure that your photo has a solid background that is well lit and no shadows appear in the image.

Here are some additional requirements and guidance for applicants:

• Facial expression – should be neutral, relax your face and do not smile. 
• Head and eyes – look directly at the camera, keep your shoulders up and make sure your eyes are visible (glasses should only be worn if your eyes can be seen clearly).
• Clothing and headwear – avoid wearing white. Headgear is only accepted if it is worn for religious purposes. 
• Hair and accessories – hair can be worn down if it does not cover your face. Large hairpieces, hats and extravagant jewellery should not be worn.

Cost of a Passport Photo for a Vietnam VoA

Although the Vietnamese government might be more lenient than other countries when it comes to photo requirements, you still don’t want to make a mistake and run the risk of jeopardising your holiday. 

Some travellers might opt to get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) when they touch down at Ho Chi Minh Airport. If you do, you will need to have two passport photos at the ready. They will be glued to the entry and exit form for officials to check.

There are many options as to where you can get your images taken professionally. Many post offices offer this facility as well as local chemists.

Prices vary depending on where you go and what part of the world you are located in.

As an example, the cost of these photos in Walgreens drug stores in the US is 14.99 USD for two 2 x 2-inch photos.

It is often cheaper to buy them in bulk (remember you need 2 just for this application!) Passport photos are always handy to have ready for future applications. 

If you prefer to obtain your images from the comfort of your home, we will tell you how to do this in the next paragraph.

How to Get a Vietnam Passport Photo Online

There are a number of online sites that allow you to order passport photos with just a few clicks of a button. The best sites allow you to take as many shots as you want, and you only have to pay once you’ve taken an image that you’re happy with. 

Once you’ve taken the perfect snap (that fits government guidelines), you can download the digital image or choose to have the prints delivered to your home address.

How to Format a Passport Photo for Your Vietnam Visa

Got an almost perfect photo that you need to edit so it meets the requirements?

There are a variety of online tools that allow you to easily edit images with simple instructions on how to do so. Various free online editors allow you to easily align and crop images regardless of your level of knowledge. 

In case of doubt, it is best to go to a professional photo service so you know that your image is guaranteed to meet requirements and your application won’t be rejected.

Other Tips About Vietnam Passport Photos

Going on a family trip or need to renew your child’s passport? Getting your kids to sit down for 5 minutes so you can take their photos can be challenging. One useful trick to photograph infants that is used by professionals is to place a white sheet behind them. This ensures that the background is solid white and there aren’t any trappings of your daily life on show.

Want to learn more about the home of Hanoi,  Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay ahead of your trip? Check out our Visit Vietnam page.