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The Challenge
Vietnamese passport photos require 4×6cm (40×60mm) dimensions—larger than standard EU 35×45mm. Face must cover 70-80% of frame with ears and forehead fully visible. No glasses permitted. Professional studios charge 50,000-150,000 VND. One rejected photo = rebooking and delays at the Immigration Department.
Vietnamese passport photo requirements
Vietnam's Immigration Department requires 4×6cm (40×60mm) photos for all passport applications. This is the standard Vietnamese photography size—larger than EU 35×45mm and US 2×2 inch formats. Face must cover 70-80% of the photo height with approximately 6mm gap between the top of the head and the edge of the photo. Both ears and full forehead must be visible. White background is standard. No glasses are permitted under any circumstances for passport photos. Biometric capture (fingerprints and digital photo) is done in-person at the Immigration Department office, but compliant printed photos are required for the application.
Vietnamese passport photo checklist
- 4×6cm (40×60mm) dimensions—Vietnamese standard size
- Face covers 70-80% of photo height (chin to crown ~36mm)
- ~6mm gap between top of head and top edge of photo
- Both ears fully visible—no hair covering ears
- Full forehead visible—no hair covering forehead
- Plain white background with no shadows or patterns
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No glasses of any kind (including prescription)
- No hats, scarves, veins, or head accessories (except religious)
- Formal clothing recommended—collared shirt preferred
- Avoid white clothing (blends with background)
- Colour photo—black and white rejected
- Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
- No filters or digital retouching
- Printed on matte photo paper
Common rejection reasons
- Using 35×45mm EU size or 2×2 inch US size instead of required 4×6cm
- Ears not visible—hair covering one or both ears
- Forehead not visible—bangs or fringe covering forehead
- Wearing any type of glasses (Vietnam has zero tolerance for glasses in passport photos)
- Head accessories covering ears or forehead
- Face less than 70% of photo height (too much empty space)
- Shadows on face or background from uneven lighting
- White clothing blending with white background
- Photo older than 6 months
- Smiling or showing teeth
How to print Vietnamese passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at stationery shops and photo printing services across Vietnam.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 40×60mm (4×6cm). Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop or printing service. Specify '4×6cm ảnh thẻ' (ID photo). Most Vietnamese photo shops are very familiar with this size.
Good vs bad Vietnamese passport photo examples
Vietnam passport photo vs visa photo
Vietnam passport photos and visa photos use the same 4×6cm physical dimensions and identical appearance requirements. The key difference is that passport photos are for Vietnamese citizens applying at Immigration Department offices with in-person biometric capture, while visa photos are for foreigners applying through the eVisa portal (requiring digital upload) or at embassies. If you are a foreigner applying for a Vietnam eVisa, use the Vietnam Visa Photo tool which includes the digital export format required by the eVisa portal.
Taking passport photos of children in Vietnam
- Lay child on plain white sheet or blanket on a flat surface.
- Ensure only the child is visible—no hands, toys, or other people in frame.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash.
- Photograph from directly above with child's face centred.
- Infants under 3: open mouth is acceptable, relaxed expression rules.
- Children under 10: face can occupy 50-80% of frame (relaxed from 70-80%).
- Face height must be at least 17mm and no more than 40mm even for children.
- Both ears should still be visible where possible.
- Take multiple shots—10-20 attempts normal for young children.
Cost comparison in Vietnam
- Professional photo studio: 50,000-150,000 VND for passport photos
- Photo booth at Immigration office: 30,000-80,000 VND
- Street photo shops (tiệm chụp ảnh): 20,000-50,000 VND
- This tool: Free. Print at home or at print shop for 5,000-15,000 VND per sheet
- Savings: 15,000-135,000 VND per application
Official Vietnamese Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 4×6 cm (40×60 mm)
- Resolution
- 945×1417 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Coverage
- 70-80% of photo height (~36mm chin to crown)
- Top Gap
- ~6mm from top of photo to top of head
- Background
- White or light-coloured (white preferred)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper
- Valid For
- Vietnamese passport, passport renewal
Best Practices
- 4×6cm is the Vietnamese standard—do not use EU 35×45mm or US 2×2 inch for passport
- Both ears AND full forehead must be visible—tuck hair behind ears, pin back bangs
- No glasses at all—Vietnam has zero tolerance policy, no exceptions for passport photos
- Wear formal clothing with a collared shirt—avoid white which blends with background
- Face must cover 70-80% of photo with ~6mm gap at top
- Religious head coverings allowed but must not cover ears or forehead
- Print on matte paper—specify '4×6cm ảnh thẻ' at Vietnamese photo shops
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Vietnamese passport photo?
4×6cm (40×60mm). This is the standard Vietnamese photography size, larger than EU 35×45mm and US 2×2 inch. At 600 DPI, this is 945×1417 pixels.
Can I wear glasses in Vietnam passport photos?
No. Vietnam has a zero-tolerance policy on glasses for passport photos. All glasses must be removed, including prescription glasses. There is no medical exemption for passport photos.
Do ears need to be visible in Vietnamese passport photos?
Yes. Both ears and full forehead must be visible. Hair covering ears or forehead will cause rejection. Tuck hair behind ears and pin back bangs before taking the photo.
Can I use a 3×4cm photo instead of 4×6cm?
No. 3×4cm is not accepted for Vietnamese passport applications. The required size is strictly 4×6cm (40×60mm). You must retake the photo at the correct size.
What background colour for Vietnam passport photos?
White or light-coloured background. White is preferred and most commonly accepted. The background must be plain with no patterns, shadows, or objects.
Can I use the same photo for passport and visa?
The physical dimensions are the same (4×6cm). However, visa applications (eVisa) require a specific digital upload format. For passport applications, printed photos are submitted in-person. Use the Vietnam Visa Photo tool if you need the digital export.
How recent must Vietnam passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. The photo must reflect your current appearance. Drastic changes in appearance require a new photo.
What clothing should I wear?
Formal clothing is recommended—a collared shirt works best. Avoid white clothing which blends with the white background. No uniforms allowed.