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Vietnam Passport Photo Guide

When applying for a Vietnam passport, it's important to know the specifications for the passport photo. The photo should be 4x6 cm in size and taken in color against a white background. The applicant's head should be straight and facing forward, with the eyes open and mouth closed. The face should occupy around 70-80% of the photo, with the top of the head and chin visible. For full specifications, continue reading.

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Here are the full rules for a Vietnam passport photo:1

Size and Dimensions2

  • Passport photo: 4 x 6 cm (standard Vietnamese photo size).
  • Visa photo: 4 x 6 cm (preferred) or 3 cm x 4 cm (also accepted).

Image Quality

  • Color: Recent color photo (no black and white or filters).
  • Resolution: High enough to ensure clarity when printed (no pixelation).
  • Finish: Printed on high-quality photo paper with a matte or glossy finish (avoid shiny surfaces).

Style and Composition

  • Background: Plain white colored background.
  • Pose: Head and shoulders facing directly at the camera, centered in the frame.
  • Expression: Neutral expression, closed mouth, eyes open and visible.
  • Headwear: Not allowed, except for religious purposes (with prior approval).
  • Glasses: Acceptable if they don’t obscure your eyes (clear lenses, non-reflective frames).
  • Clothing: Plain clothing with contrasting colors from the background (avoid white).
  • Hair: Style your hair to keep it off your face and eyes.

Click the photo to view the infographic on the full-size Vietnam passport photo size.

Additional Requirements

  • Photo age: Taken within the last six (6) months.
  • Quantity: Three (3) identical photos are required.

Visas for Future Passport Photo Service

Use the Visas for Future passport photo service to get a Vietnam passport photo that’ll work for your application. Simply take a photo of yourself using our guidelines, send it in, and we’ll edit it. We’ll send you your passport photos by post with free shipping. We deliver to Canada, the EU, the US, and the UK. For individuals outside of those countries, we can deliver your passport photos to your inbox, which you can print at home.


How it works

Take a photo.
We verify your photo.
Passport photos are delivered by post or email.

How to take your passport photo

Here’s how you can take passport photos at home to ensure that they’ll be high quality:

1.) Stand .5 meters or 2 feet from the wall. This ensures that there’s no shadow on your portrait.

2.) Place the camera 2 meters or 6 feet away from the subject. This will prevent distortion and give you a prettier picture!

3.) Have the camera on the same level as the subject’s face.

4.) Use plenty of lighting. Natural light is preferred but plenty of light in general is the best. Make sure it is even and doesn’t leave a shadow.


Benefits of using an online passport photo service

There are many choices when it comes to getting a passport photo but here are reasons why you should go with an online agent:

  1. You don’t have to leave your house.
  2. We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
  3. We validate your photo – we check your passport photo to make sure it is in order.
  4. Save money with bulk orders – you can order many passport photos and save.

Why choose us

Visas for Future is a convenient service that can help you with your passport photo needs. Here are six reasons why you should choose Visas for Future for your passport photo services:

  • Expertise: Our experts ensure that your passport photo meets the official requirements of your destination country.
  • Convenience: You can upload your own photo or take one with your smartphone, and we will crop, resize, and enhance it to create a perfect biometric photo.
  • Support: We’re visa and passport photo experts. You can ask us travel questions, which will make your trip-planning process easier.
  • Speed: Your photos are shipped within a day!
  • Unlimited retakes: You can also take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the result.

Additional specifications for Vietnam passport photos

Facial features

  • Eyes: Both eyes must be open and fully visible, looking directly at the camera. No red-eye effect is allowed.
  • Mouth: Closed, with a neutral expression. No smiling, frowning, or pouting.
  • Facial expression: Neutral expression, as if you are looking straight ahead without showing any emotion.

Jewelry and accessories

  • Jewelry: No jewelry or accessories are allowed except for small, simple earrings that don’t cover your ears.
  • Headwear: Not allowed, except for religious purposes, with prior approval from the Vietnamese authorities. The headwear should not cover any part of your face.

Glasses

  • Frames: Glasses are acceptable if they do not obscure your eyes or cast shadows on your face. Clear lenses and non-reflective frames are highly recommended.
  • Prescription: If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear them in your photo. However, make sure they are clean and free of scratches.

Background and framing

  • Background: The background should be plain, white colored, and free of shadows or patterns. Avoid busy backgrounds that might distract from your face.
  • Framing: Your head and shoulders should be centered in the frame, with enough space above your head (at least 2-3 cm). Don’t tilt your head or pose at an angle.

Digital manipulation

  • Photos must not be digitally altered in any way that changes your appearance. This includes editing features like your eyes, nose, mouth, or skin tone. Minor adjustments like brightness or contrast are acceptable, but avoid anything that significantly alters your natural look.

Photo submission

  • Photos must be submitted in printed format on high-quality photo paper. Don’t submit digital photos or photos printed on regular paper.

Guidelines for Vietnam passport photos for minors and infants

While the general specifications for Vietnamese passport photos remain the same for all ages, there are some nuances to consider for minors and infants due to their unique challenges in presenting themselves for a proper photo.

Newborns and infants (up to one (1) year old)

  • Positioning: Due to the infant’s inability to hold their head up, a parent or guardian can hold the infant upright while supporting the head from behind and ensuring the face is fully visible. Alternatively, the infant can lie on their back on a plain white cloth with their head slightly elevated to show both eyes open.
  • Expression: Naturally, infants won’t exhibit a neutral expression. Be patient and capture a photo of their face relaxed and their eyes open. Don’t force any expressions.
  • Headwear: Not recommended unless medically necessary. If used, the headwear shouldn’t obscure any facial features.

Toddlers (one (1) to three (3) years old)

  • Positioning: Encourage them to sit upright in a chair or stand against a plain background. Be patient and use distractions like toys or games to get their attention and keep them still.
  • Expression: Similar to infants, don’t try to force a neutral expression. Aim for a relaxed face with open eyes. You can gently guide their lips to close.
  • Headwear: Not recommended unless medically necessary. If used, the headwear shouldn’t obscure any facial features.

Children (four (4) to twelve (12) years old)

  • Positioning: Explain the importance of staying still and looking directly at the camera. Assist them in sitting or standing upright and ensure their whole head and shoulders are in the frame.
  • Expression: Encourage a neutral expression with closed lips. Gentle reminders are appropriate here.
  • Headwear: Not recommended unless medically necessary. If used, the headwear shouldn’t obscure any facial features.

Teenagers (13-18 years old)

  • Instructions: Treat them like adults and provide clear instructions on positioning and expression. They can follow the same guidelines as adults.
  • Expression: Guide them to maintain a neutral expression with closed lips.

Religious Exemptions for Vietnam Passport Photo

Headwear is generally not allowed in Vietnamese passport photos, regardless of religious attire. This policy aims to ensure clear facial identification for security purposes. However, on a case-by-case basis, individuals whose religious beliefs require them to cover their head.

Applying for Exemption

  • Contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country well in advance of your application.
  • Submit a formal request explaining your religious beliefs and the specific headwear you wish to wear in the photo.
  • Attach supporting documentation from a religious leader or organization verifying your adherence to the faith and the requirement for headwear.
  • The Embassy/Consulate will review your request and make a decision based on various factors, including the nature of your religion, the type of headwear, and its impact on facial identification.

Important points to remember

  • Obtaining an exemption is not guaranteed. Approval depends on individual circumstances and strict adherence to photo guidelines, even with headwear.
  • The headwear must be minimalistic and not obscure your facial features. It should be plain and have minimal adornments.
  • Photos with large headwear or veils that significantly cover your face are unlikely to be approved.
  • Be prepared to provide alternative photos without headwear if the exemption request is denied.

Alternatives to consider

  • Seek alternative headwear options that comply with the photo guidelines while still honoring your religious beliefs.
  • Explore possibilities of adjusting the headwear position to reveal more of your face while upholding religious requirements.
  • Consult with your religious leader for guidance and potential accommodation within your faith’s practices.

How do I print my Vietnam passport photo?

  1. Obtain and download: Use Visas for Future passport photo service
  2. Set up your printer: Choose the correct paper type (photo paper) and high-quality printing settings. Check for pre-set options for passport photos.
  3. Print the photo: Many printers allow printing multiple photos on a single page. Ensure proper alignment and margin settings.
  4. Cut the photo: Use a ruler and scissors to cut the photo to the exact dimensions (4×6 cm).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smile in a Vietnam visa photo?

No, you cannot smile in a Vietnam visa photo. This applies to both e-visa and traditional visa applications. The requirements for Vietnam visa photos are quite strict, and a neutral expression with closed lips is mandatory. Smiling, frowning, or any other expression that distorts your natural features are not allowed.

What is the correct photo for a passport?

Your Vietnamese passport photo requires strict adherence to size (4×6 cm), format (color, high resolution, matte/glossy finish), and pose (neutral expression, closed lips, head-on view). Plain light background, no headwear (except religious exemptions), and digital manipulation restrictions apply. Print on high-quality photo paper and write your name/date of birth on the back. Remember, even for minors and infants, these specifications are crucial for a smooth application process.

Why do passport photos get rejected?

1. Wrong size, blurry image, or bad background
2. Poor quality (blurry, pixelated, damaged)
3. Smiling, frowning, open mouth, or closed eyes
4. White clothing or distracting patterns
5. Edited appearance

Can I tie my hair for a passport photo?

Yes, you can usually tie your hair for a passport photo as long as the following conditions are met:
1. Full face visible: No hair covering forehead, ears, or jawline.
2. Simple hair ties: No distracting colors, patterns, or reflectiveness.
3. No shadows on the face: Hair shouldn’t cast shadows, especially around the eyes.
4. Check cultural/religious restrictions: If unsure, consult authorities or religious leaders.

What color shirt should I wear for passport photo?

1. Skip white: Blends with background. Choose darker colors.
2. Mind patterns: Avoid busy ones.
3. Dress professionally: Neat, modest attire.


  1. Vietnamese Embassy Organization in United Kingdom. (2020, May 15). The ONLY OFFICIAL Website for Vietnam Visa in the UK and Ireland. <https://vietnamembassy.org.uk/consular-services/vietnamese-passport-renewal-application-for-vietnamese-adopted-child-living-in-the-uk-or-in-the-republic-of-ireland/> []
  2. Vietnam Government Portal. (2020, December 31). Visa exemption. vietnam.gov.vn. <https://vietnam.gov.vn/visa-exemption-68946> []

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Apple Gajes
Written by

Apple is a skilled content writer of Visas For Future who had a bachelor's degree in Education. She does well at producing high-quality visa articles and continuously upgrading her skills by actively engaging herself to various courses and training opportunities. She also contributes to travel forms and visa fulfillment in Turkey and India. Committed to writing exceptional visa articles, she performs real visa orders and provides customer support quarterly to stay abreast of the visa processing process.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Glen Vidania
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Cite this article

MLA Style

Gajes, Apple. "Vietnam Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/passport-size-photo-for-vietnam-visa/. Accessed on 25 September 2023.

Chicago Style

Gajes, Apple. "Vietnam Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future. September 25, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/passport-size-photo-for-vietnam-visa/.

Published: 25 Sep 2023 0:57 UTC

Last modified: 24 Mar 2024 8:14 UTC

Reading time: 10 minutes

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