Vietnamese Passport
Photo Requirements
Australia 2025
Vietnamese national in Australia renewing your passport? COVA has three rules many applicants get wrong - the photo must be 4×6cm (larger than most countries), both ears must be visible, and renewal requires an in-person visit to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. No online-only option.
Quick Reference - COVA 2025
Official source
Photo dimensions4 × 6 cm (40 × 60 mm)
Head height (chin–crown)28–36 mm
BackgroundPure white
Photo recencyWithin 6 months
ExpressionNeutral - no smile
GlassesNot permitted
Both ears visibleRequired - distinctive rule
Number of photos2 identical printed photos
Application methodIn-person embassy/consulate
Processing time5–15 business days
40mm
60mm
Larger than most passports. Vietnamese passport photos are 4×6cm - larger than Australian (35×45mm) and UK (35×45mm) photos. Photos printed at the wrong size are rejected at the embassy counter. Always specify 4×6cm when ordering.
What's in this guide
4×6cm - larger than Australian and UK photos
Vietnamese passport photos are 4cm × 6cm (40×60mm) - significantly larger than the 35×45mm used for Australian and UK passports. Photos printed at the wrong size are rejected at the embassy counter. Always confirm the 4×6cm size when ordering.
Both ears must be visible - unique COVA requirement
COVA requires both ears to be clearly visible in Vietnamese passport photos. This is a distinctive requirement not enforced by most other countries. Style hair away from the face and ears before taking your photo. Earrings are permitted but must not obscure the ear outline.
PassPhoto produces COVA-compliant 4×6cm prints
Select Vietnam, upload your photo. We apply the correct white background, COVA-compliant head height and 4×6cm print size before expert review. Delivered digitally or 1–2 days printed - ready for your embassy appointment.
Real results
Your photo, compliant.
Drag the slider to see exactly how we turn an everyday selfie into a COVA-compliant 4×6cm photo - white background, both ears visible, no glasses.
Common mistakes
COVA-ready
Before
After
4 × 6cm · White background · Both ears · No glasses
Original photo
PassPhoto result
Wrong size (35×45mm)
Ears not visible
Correct 4×6cm
Both ears visible
Drag to compare · Touch-friendly
Photo size
4 × 6 cm
Background
Pure white
Both ears
Required
Official specifications
The exact COVA numbers - verified.
These are the official requirements from Vietnam's Department of Immigration (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh - COVA) for Vietnamese passport applications submitted from Australia.
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo dimensions | 4cm wide × 6cm high (40 × 60mm) Larger than most international standards | This is the most distinctive Vietnamese requirement. Significantly larger than Australian (35×45mm) and UK (35×45mm) photos. Head (chin to crown) should measure 28–36mm, filling approximately 70–80% of the photo height. | VN Specific |
Background colour | Pure white Plain, uniform, no shadows | Pure white is required - unlike the UK which uses light grey. The background must be completely uniform with no patterns, textures, gradients or shadows. This aligns with most other countries' requirements (China, Japan, India, Australia). | Required |
Head height | 28–36 mm Chin to crown | Head must be centred, facing directly forward. The face should fill 70–80% of the photo area. Head must not be tilted or turned to the side. Both eyes should appear approximately one-third down from the top of the photo. | Required |
Photo recency | Within 6 months Standard international rule | Photos must have been taken within the 6 months prior to your embassy appointment. Unlike the UK's strict 1-month requirement, the 6-month window is more forgiving - but photos older than 6 months will be rejected without exception. | Required |
Ears | Both ears must be visible Unique COVA requirement | Both ears must be clearly visible - this is a distinctive Vietnamese requirement not enforced by most other countries. Style hair away from the face and ears. Earrings are permitted but must not conceal the ear outline. | VN Specific |
Expression | Neutral - no smile Mouth gently closed | A natural, neutral expression is required. Mouth must be gently closed - no smile, no frown. Both eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera. COVA is slightly less stringent than HMPO (UK) - a very slight natural relaxed expression is generally acceptable. | Required |
Glasses | Not permitted In line with ICAO biometric standards | Glasses of any kind are not permitted - prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses must all be removed. This aligns with ICAO biometric standards followed by most countries. No documented exceptions for medical necessity in standard cases. | Not Allowed |
Number of photos | 2 identical printed photos For all embassy applications | Two identical printed photos at 4×6cm are required for all embassy applications. Both photos must be from the same session with identical clothing and appearance. Photo-quality glossy or matte paper - no inkjet home printing. | Required |
Head coverings | Religious/medical only | Religious head coverings (hijabs, etc.) are permitted. The full face from chin to forehead and both sides of the face must remain visible. No shadows from the covering on the face. | Conditional |
Application method | In-person at embassy/consulate No fully online option from Australia | All Vietnamese passport renewals from Australia require an in-person appointment at the Vietnamese Embassy (Canberra), Consulate-General Sydney, or Consulate-General Melbourne. Postal applications are generally not accepted. | VN Specific |
Digital editing | Not permitted | No retouching, beauty filters, skin smoothing or AI enhancement. Background may be professionally applied by a compliant photo service. Face must be natural and unedited. | Not Allowed |
Detailed requirements
Every COVA rule, explained clearly.
These requirements apply to all Vietnamese passport applications submitted at the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra or the Consulate-Generals in Sydney and Melbourne.
4 × 6cm - Not 35 × 45mm
Vietnamese passport photos must be exactly 4cm wide × 6cm high. This is significantly larger than Australian, UK, and most other countries' standard 35×45mm format. Standard Australian photo services print at 35×45mm and will not automatically produce the 4×6cm format COVA requires. Photos printed at the wrong size are rejected at the embassy counter without exception.
Always confirm 4×6cm (40×60mm) when ordering photos. PassPhoto automatically prints at the correct 4×6cm format for every Vietnamese order - not the Australian standard size.
Pure White Background
Vietnamese passport photos require a pure white background - completely plain, uniform and free of shadows. This differs from the UK (which requires light grey). The background must show no patterns, textures or gradients. A plain white wall in good natural light produces the best results. Avoid shadows behind the head, which is a common cause of rejection.
Unlike the UK, pure white is correct for Vietnam. If you've recently had photos made for your UK passport (light grey background), those same photos are not compliant for a Vietnamese passport.
Both Ears Must Be Visible
This is a distinctive COVA requirement not enforced by most other countries. Both ears must be clearly visible in the photo. Style your hair away from the face and ears - long hair should be pulled back or worn behind the ears. Earrings are permitted but should not obscure the ear outline. This requirement is checked at the embassy counter and is a surprisingly common reason for rejection among Vietnamese passport applicants in Australia.
Tie back long hair before taking the photo, or ensure it is styled clearly behind both ears. Both ears must be fully visible in the final photo - not just partially visible.
Neutral Expression - No Smile
A natural, neutral expression is required. Mouth must be gently closed with no smile. Both eyes must be fully open, looking directly at the camera. Vietnamese COVA standards are slightly less stringent than HMPO (UK) - a completely flat, blank expression is required by UK standards, while COVA permits a natural relaxed neutral expression provided it is not a smile.
Relax your face naturally without attempting to smile. Eyes fully open, mouth gently closed. A slight natural relaxation of the face is acceptable - what is not acceptable is any intentional smile or strained expression.
No Glasses
All glasses must be removed for Vietnamese passport photos. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, fashion frames and all other eyewear. This is in line with ICAO biometric standards adopted by most countries. Unlike the UK which made this change in November 2022, COVA has maintained this standard as part of its biometric passport requirements.
Remove all eyewear before taking your Vietnamese passport photo. If you wear glasses daily, take them off for the session - your vision does not need to be perfect for the few seconds of the photo.
Lighting - Uniform, No Shadows
Lighting must be uniform across your face and the white background. Shadows behind the head, under the chin or beside the nose are a common cause of rejection. Use natural window light on an overcast day for the most consistent shadow-free results. If using indoor lighting, use two balanced sources - one on each side - to eliminate shadows. The white background is particularly unforgiving of shadows compared to grey backgrounds.
Stand at least 1 metre away from the background wall. Use diffused natural light - avoid direct sunlight (harsh shadows) or a single overhead light (chin/nose shadows). Two balanced light sources are ideal for indoor photography.
Clothing & Appearance
There are no specific clothing colour restrictions, but avoid wearing white or very light-coloured tops that blend with the white background, making the shoulder/clothing boundary hard to detect. Uniforms are not permitted. Everyday civilian clothing is required. Avoid excessive jewellery that obscures the face or neck. Make-up is permitted but should be natural.
Wear clearly contrasting clothing - dark navy, charcoal, green or similar tones contrast well against a white background and ensure good automated detection at the consulate's processing system.
Children & Babies
Children's Vietnamese passport photos must follow the same 4×6cm format and white background requirement. For babies, the eyes should be open if possible but allowances are made for very young infants. Children do not need to maintain a strictly neutral expression. No toys, dummies, hands or other objects should be visible in the photo. For babies, photograph lying on a plain white sheet to achieve the correct background naturally.
Vietnamese children living in Australia with an Australian passport still need a separate Vietnamese passport. The 4×6cm format applies even to children's photos - ensure you don't order at the standard Australian 35×45mm size.
2 Printed Photos Required - No Digital Upload
Unlike the UK (which accepts digital uploads via the online portal), Vietnamese passport applications from Australia require two physically printed 4×6cm photos. These are handed to the consular officer at the counter during your appointment. Photos must be printed on photo-quality paper - glossy or matte. Inkjet home prints are not accepted. Both photos must be from the same session with identical clothing, expression and appearance.
PassPhoto provides professional 4×6cm prints on photo-quality paper ready to present at the embassy counter. Same-day digital delivery is also available if you prefer to print locally - though for embassy submissions, professional prints are strongly recommended.
No online option - must attend in person
Vietnamese passport renewal requires visiting the embassy.
Unlike the UK (fully online) or Australia (post office or online), Vietnamese passport renewals from Australia require an in-person visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra, or the Vietnamese Consulate-General in Sydney or Melbourne. You must bring your photos, completed forms, and supporting documents in person - postal applications are not accepted for most applicants.
Book an appointment in advance
All three Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Australia require appointments for passport services. Walk-ins are not accepted. Book via the embassy or consulate website at least 2–4 weeks in advance - appointment slots fill quickly, especially around Tết (Lunar New Year).
Bring everything - no second chances on the day
Vietnamese consular staff check your photos and documents at the counter. If your photos do not meet the 4×6cm specification or any COVA requirement, you will need to reschedule your appointment. Prepare your PassPhoto prints in advance.
Processing takes 5–15 business days
Standard passport processing takes 5–15 business days from submission at the consulate. During peak periods (Tết, July–August) this can extend to 3–4 weeks. An express service is available at some consulates for an additional fee. Your passport is collected from the consulate or returned by registered post.
Passport Renewal Method - Country Comparison
Vietnam
In-person embassy
United Kingdom
Fully online
Australia
Post office / online
China
In-person consulate
India
Online + post
Japan
In-person consulate
South Korea
Online + in-person
Philippines
In-person consulate
Side by side comparison
Vietnamese vs Australian passport photos -
key differences.
Vietnamese and Australian passport photos share the same white background, but differ in photo size, ear visibility, application method and number of prints required.
Vietnamese Passport Photo (COVA)
Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh - 2025
Photo size4 × 6 cm (40 × 60mm)
Head height28–36 mm
BackgroundPure white
Photo recencyWithin 6 months
GlassesNot permitted
EarsBoth must be visible
Number of prints2 printed photos
Application methodIn-person embassy only
Australian Passport Photo
Australian Passport Office - 2025
Photo size35–40 × 45–50mmDifferent
Head height32–36mmDifferent
BackgroundSame White or light grey
Photo recencySame Within 6 months
GlassesSame Not permitted
EarsNot specifically requiredDifferent
Number of prints1–2 prints or digitalDifferent
Application methodPost office or onlineDifferent
Vietnam-specific consideration
Vietnamese-Australians & dual citizen photo requirements.
Many Vietnamese Australians hold or are eligible for both Vietnamese and Australian citizenship. The photo requirements for each passport are different - never use one country's photos for the other's application.
Vietnamese Passport Photo Requirements
4 × 6 cm (40 × 60mm) - larger format
Pure white background
Both ears must be clearly visible
No glasses of any kind
In-person embassy/consulate application
2 printed photos required - no digital upload
Australian Passport Photo Requirements
35–40 × 45–50mm - standard ICAO size
White or light grey background
Ears not specifically required to be visible
No glasses (since 2022)
Post office, AusPost or online
Digital or printed photos accepted
Important for Vietnamese-Australians
Vietnam does not officially recognise dual citizenship. Vietnamese nationals who have naturalised as Australians should be aware that entering Vietnam on an Australian passport may have immigration implications. Seek advice from the Vietnamese Embassy or a migration adviser if you are unsure about your status before applying for a Vietnamese passport while holding Australian citizenship.
This is legal immigration information - not legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra or a registered migration agent.
Never share photos between Vietnamese and Australian applications
Even though both countries use a white background, the size difference (4×6cm vs 35×45mm) means photos cannot be interchanged. Additionally, the "both ears visible" requirement for Vietnam means photos taken for your Australian passport may have hair partially covering the ears and would fail COVA review.
Renewing from Australia
Vietnamese passport renewal from Australia -
step by step.
All Vietnamese passport renewals require an in-person appointment at one of three Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Australia. Here is the complete process.
1
Take your photos - well before your appointment
Take two compliant photos: 4×6cm, white background, both ears visible, no glasses, neutral expression. Photos must be taken within 6 months of your appointment date. Order from PassPhoto - we print the exact 4×6cm format with COVA-compliant specifications. Allow time for delivery before your appointment.
PassPhoto delivers printed 4×6cm photos in 1–2 business days. Order at least a week before your embassy appointment to leave time for any reprints if needed.
2
Download and complete the application form
Download the Vietnamese passport renewal application form (Tờ khai đề nghị cấp hộ chiếu) from the embassy or consulate website. Complete in full, in Vietnamese or English as instructed. The form requires personal details, travel history and reason for renewal. Some consulates have online pre-registration systems - check the specific consulate website for Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra.
Complete the form in block capital letters using blue or black ink. Double-check all dates of birth, name spelling and passport numbers match your supporting documents exactly.
3
Book your appointment online
All three Vietnamese missions in Australia require appointments for passport services. Book online via the consulate website. Appointment slots are limited and fill quickly - book at least 2–4 weeks in advance. During peak periods (Tết/Lunar New Year, school holidays, July–August) book 6–8 weeks ahead. Walk-in applications are not accepted.
The Vietnamese Consulate Sydney and Melbourne have separate booking systems from the Embassy in Canberra. Use the mission closest to you - you do not need to apply at the mission in your state.
4
Gather all required documents
Bring all required documents to your appointment: completed application form, 2 × 4×6cm photos, current Vietnamese passport (and copy), Australian residency proof (visa or citizenship certificate), any name change documents if applicable, and the applicable fee in cash or as specified by the consulate. Requirements may vary - always check the specific consulate website before attending.
Make photocopies of all documents before attending. Some consulates require both originals and copies. Bring extra passport photos in case one is rejected - better to have spares than to miss your appointment.
5
Attend your appointment in person
Arrive at the consulate at least 15 minutes before your appointment. A consular officer will review your documents and photos at the counter. Your 4×6cm photos are checked for compliance at this point - if they do not meet COVA specifications you will need to reschedule. Pay the application fee. Receive a receipt and collection notice.
Dress conservatively for your appointment. Be prepared to confirm personal details verbally. If bringing children for their passports, both parents may need to attend - check the consulate's specific requirements.
6
Collect your new passport
Processing takes 5–15 business days for standard applications. Express processing is available at some consulates for an additional fee (approximately 5–7 business days). Collect in person or have your passport returned by registered post depending on the consulate's policy. Standard processing from application to collection is typically 2–4 weeks total including postal return.
Keep your collection receipt safe. Track your application via the consulate's tracking system if available. If travelling to Vietnam soon, mention this at the time of application - some consulates can accommodate urgent requests.
Documents required - standard renewal checklist
For a standard adult Vietnamese passport renewal from Australia: completed application form, 2 × 4×6cm passport photos, current Vietnamese passport (original + copy), proof of Australian residence (e.g. Australian visa or citizenship certificate), application fee. For first-time applications, lost passports, name changes, or children's passports, additional documents are required - check the relevant consulate website for the specific document list.
Quick reference
Do's & Don'ts for Vietnamese passport photos.
You MUST do this
Photo size exactly 4cm × 6cm (40 × 60mm)
Pure white background - plain and shadow-free
Both ears clearly visible - style hair away from ears
Take the photo within 6 months of your appointment
Neutral expression - no smile, mouth gently closed
Remove all glasses before taking the photo
Head height 28–36mm within the 4×6cm frame
2 identical printed photos on photo-quality paper
Uniform lighting - no shadows on face or background
Book your embassy/consulate appointment in advance
You must NEVER do this
Use Australian 35×45mm photos - must be 4×6cm
Have hair covering either ear
Wear glasses of any kind
Smile or have any non-neutral expression
Have shadows on your face or white background
Wear uniforms or camouflage
Use photos older than 6 months
Edit, filter or retouch the photo in any way
Submit photos printed on plain inkjet paper at home
Wear white clothing that blends with the white background
Avoid rejection
Why Vietnamese passport photos
get rejected in Australia.
Vietnamese consular officers check photos at the counter. These are the most common reasons Vietnamese Australians have their photos rejected at the appointment.
1
Wrong photo size - 35×45mm instead of 4×6cm
The single most common rejection cause for Vietnamese Australians. Standard Australian photo services (AusPost, Officeworks, chemist kiosks) automatically print at 35×45mm - the Australian passport format. Photos at the wrong size are immediately rejected at the embassy counter. Always order specifically for Vietnam at 4×6cm.
Order 4×6cm specifically
2
Ears not visible - hair over ears
COVA's requirement that both ears be clearly visible catches many applicants off guard. Long hair worn naturally over the ears - completely acceptable for Australian or UK passport photos - does not meet Vietnamese requirements. Hair must be styled behind both ears. This is the second most common rejection cause at Vietnamese consulates in Australia.
Style hair behind both ears
3
Glasses - any type
All glasses must be removed. Thin-framed prescription glasses, clear lenses, and reading glasses are all rejected. This rule applies universally - there are no documented exceptions for most standard applications. Consular officers will not accept photos with glasses regardless of how minimal the frames are.
Remove all glasses
4
Shadows on the white background
White backgrounds are much more unforgiving of shadows than grey or cream backgrounds. Even a subtle shadow behind the head or from the neck shows clearly on pure white. Home photos taken against a white wall with a single overhead light source or flash are the most common offender. The consular officer will reject photos where shadows are visible on the background.
Stand 1m from wall, even lighting
5
Any expression other than neutral
A smile or any non-neutral expression is grounds for rejection. Vietnamese consular standards require a completely neutral expression with mouth closed. Many applicants who prepare their own home photos relax into a slight smile without realising it. Review your photos on a large screen before printing.
Strictly neutral expression
6
Photos older than 6 months
Photos taken more than 6 months before your appointment date will be rejected. Unlike the UK's strict 1-month requirement, Vietnam's 6-month window is more forgiving. However, if you had photos taken 7 months ago, they will not be accepted. Check the date on your photos before attending your appointment.
Photos within 6 months
7
Home inkjet prints
Vietnamese passport photos must be printed on professional photo-quality paper - glossy or matte. Home inkjet prints on standard office paper are rejected. The print quality is checked by the consular officer. Photos that are pixelated, blurry, low-contrast or printed on non-photo paper will not be accepted. Use a professional photo service for all embassy submissions.
Professional photo paper only
8
Light grey background - intended for UK photos
Vietnamese Australians who also hold UK residency and have recently renewed their British passport may have spare photos with a light grey background - the correct colour for HMPO but wrong for Vietnam (which requires pure white). Always confirm which country each set of photos is for before attending your appointment.
Pure white for Vietnam
Photography guide
How to take a COVA-compliant
Vietnamese passport photo at home.
Follow these steps for a compliant Vietnamese passport photo. The critical differences from an Australian passport photo: ears must be visible, background must be genuinely pure white (not grey), and the size must be 4×6cm.
1
Style hair behind both ears - tie it back if needed
Before doing anything else, ensure both ears are clearly visible. Pull long hair back into a bun, ponytail, or style it clearly behind both ears. This is the step most people forget. Check in a mirror that both ears are fully visible - not partially - from a front-facing view. If earrings are large, ensure they do not overlap the ear outline itself.
Vietnam first step: Ear visibility is the first thing COVA checks and the most commonly overlooked requirement for Vietnamese passport photos taken in Australia. Do this before setting up your background.
2
Set up a pure white background
Use a plain white wall, hang white fabric, or use white poster board. White backgrounds show shadows very clearly - stand at least 1 metre from the background. Use two light sources on either side for even lighting. Natural overcast daylight through a window is ideal. Avoid direct flash from the camera as it creates harsh shadows on the white background.
White background tip: Unlike the UK (where you want a slight grey tone), Vietnam needs genuinely pure white. Check the background in your camera preview - it should look clean and bright white with no shadow gradient behind your head.
3
Remove glasses and choose your clothing
Remove all glasses. Wear clothing that contrasts clearly with the white background - dark navy, dark green, charcoal, or black all work well. Avoid white or very light-coloured tops. Avoid uniforms. Minimal accessories - earrings are fine, large necklaces or scarves that obscure the neck area should be avoided. Check there are no stray hairs across the face before taking shots.
Vietnam clothing tip: Darker clothing against white creates the clearest shoulder boundary for automated processing. Navy and charcoal are the most reliable choices.
4
Eliminate all shadows - two lights at 45°
Pure white backgrounds amplify shadows more than grey or cream. Use two balanced light sources - one on each side at roughly 45° - or shoot facing a large window on an overcast day. Check carefully for shadows behind the head, under the chin, beside the nose and on the background wall. Take a test photo and review on a large screen before your final shots.
Shadow elimination: Stand well clear of the background (1m+). Overcast window light is the most forgiving. Avoid single flash or overhead lights. Review the background in the photo - it should be perfectly even white with no darker areas.
5
Disable phone enhancements - neutral expression
Turn off Portrait Mode, Beauty/Skin Smooth, Smart HDR and all AI enhancements. Look directly at the camera lens - neutral expression, mouth gently closed, both eyes fully open. Slightly more forgiving than UK photos - a completely blank stare is not required, but any hint of a smile is unacceptable. Check ears are still visible in the final framing.
Final check before uploading: Both ears visible - No glasses - Neutral expression - White background shadow-free - No phone beauty filters - Hair away from face
6
Upload to PassPhoto - we print the correct 4×6cm format
Upload to PassPhoto and select Vietnam. We apply the correct white background if needed, resize to exactly 4×6cm with the correct 28–36mm head height, and print on professional photo-quality paper. Expert human review checks all COVA requirements including ear visibility, expression and shadow detection before your prints are produced.
Why PassPhoto for Vietnamese photos: The 4×6cm size and both-ears requirement are where most Vietnamese Australians go wrong. PassPhoto applies COVA specifications to every Vietnamese order - including the exact print size that standard Australian photo services don't produce.
Vietnamese missions in Australia
Where to submit your Vietnamese passport application.
All Vietnamese passport renewals must be submitted in person at one of three Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Australia. Appointments are required at all three.
Sydney
Vietnamese Consulate-General
Address
489 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028
Phone
+61 2 9327 2539
Passport services
Passport renewals, first-time applications, emergency travel documents - by appointment
Appointments
Book online via the consulate website - advance booking essential, especially during Tết period
Serves
NSW, QLD, NT and surrounding areas
Melbourne
Vietnamese Consulate-General
Address
293 Camberwell Road, Camberwell VIC 3124
Phone
+61 3 9882 5088
Passport services
Passport renewals, first-time applications, children's passports - by appointment
Appointments
Book online via the consulate website - 2–4 weeks in advance recommended for standard periods
Serves
VIC, TAS, SA, WA and surrounding areas
Canberra
Vietnamese Embassy
Address
6 Timbarra Crescent, O'Malley ACT 2606
Phone
+61 2 6286 6059
Passport services
Full consular services - passport renewals, first-time passports, emergency documents
PassPhoto tip
Order your COVA-compliant 4×6cm prints from PassPhoto before booking your appointment - allow 1–2 days for print delivery
Serves
ACT, and all states where no consulate is available
COVA 4×6cm Compliant
Exact 4×6cm format, white background, head height 28–36mm and all COVA 2025 standards applied.
Both Ears Checked
Every Vietnamese order is reviewed by a human expert for ear visibility - the most commonly missed requirement.
Embassy Acceptance Guarantee
Free reprint if the embassy rejects your photo for any compliance reason. We stand behind every order.
1–2 Day Print Delivery
Professional 4×6cm prints on photo-quality paper, delivered to your door before your embassy appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Vietnamese passport photo questions answered.
4cm wide × 6cm high (40×60mm). This is larger than most countries including Australia (35×45mm) and the UK (35×45mm). Vietnamese passport photos are approximately 27% taller and 14% wider than the standard Australian format. Standard Australian photo services (AusPost, Officeworks) will not automatically produce this format - always specify 4×6cm and confirm before ordering.
Pure white - not grey. COVA requires a completely plain white background with no shadows, patterns or gradients. This is the opposite to the UK (which requires light grey or cream). If you have spare photos from a UK passport renewal, they will not be compliant for a Vietnamese passport - the grey background is incorrect.
Yes - both ears must be clearly visible. This is a distinctive COVA requirement not enforced by most other countries. Hair must be styled away from the face and ears. Earrings are permitted but must not obscure the ear outline. This is the second most common cause of rejection at Vietnamese consulates in Australia after wrong photo size.
No. All glasses must be removed. Prescription glasses, reading glasses, clear frames and sunglasses are all not permitted. This aligns with ICAO biometric standards followed by most countries. Remove all eyewear before taking your Vietnamese passport photo. There are no documented exceptions for standard cases.
Vietnamese passport renewals from Australia must be done in person - there is no fully online option. Book an appointment at the Vietnamese Consulate-General in Sydney (Double Bay) or Melbourne (Camberwell), or the Embassy in Canberra. Bring two 4×6cm COVA-compliant photos, completed application form, current Vietnamese passport, Australian residence proof and the application fee. Processing takes 5–15 business days. Allow 4–8 weeks total when including appointment wait times.
Within 6 months of your embassy appointment. Unlike the UK's strict 1-month rule, Vietnam allows 6 months - the standard international window. However, photos older than 6 months will be rejected at the counter. The photo must accurately represent your current appearance - significant changes in appearance since the photo was taken may also cause issues.
No. Vietnamese passport photos (4×6cm, white background, both ears visible) and Australian passport photos (35–45mm, white or light grey background, ears not required) have different size and composition requirements. A photo compliant for Vietnam is too large and has incorrect proportions for an Australian application. Always order separate photos meeting each country's exact specifications.
Two identical printed photos. Both photos must be 4×6cm, taken in the same session, with identical clothing and appearance. They are submitted to the consular officer at the counter during your appointment. Unlike the UK (which accepts a digital upload), Vietnamese passport applications from Australia always require physically printed photos. Use professional photo-quality printing - no home inkjet prints.
For a standard renewal: 2 × 4×6cm passport photos (COVA-compliant), completed application form, current Vietnamese passport (original + photocopy), proof of Australian residence (visa or citizenship certificate), and the applicable fee (check the consulate website for current fees and accepted payment methods). Bring extra photos as a backup. For first-time applications, children's passports or lost passport replacements, additional documents are required - check the specific consulate website.
If the consular officer rejects your photos, you will need to obtain new compliant photos and reschedule your appointment. Common reasons: wrong size (35×45mm instead of 4×6cm), ears not visible, glasses, shadows on the white background, or expression issues. You may not be able to get same-day reprints and rebook - plan to reschedule for a future date. If you ordered through PassPhoto and our photos caused the rejection, contact us immediately - we will reprint and redeliver at no cost under our acceptance guarantee.
Understanding Vietnamese Passport Photo Requirements in Australia
Australia is home to one of the largest Vietnamese diaspora communities in the world, with over 300,000 Vietnamese-born residents. For this community, renewing a Vietnamese passport while living in Australia involves requirements that differ significantly from the Australian passport process - most notably the photo size, the in-person application requirement, and the distinctive rule that both ears must be visible. Requirements are published by Vietnam's Department of Immigration (COVA)xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn and are enforced at the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate-Generals in Sydney and Melbourne.
The photo size difference is the most practically significant issue. Vietnamese passport photos must be 4cm × 6cm (40×60mm) - larger than the 35×45mm standard used by Australia, the UK, and most ICAO-member countries. Standard Australian photo services at AusPost, Officeworks, and chemist kiosks automatically print at 35×45mm. Vietnamese Australians who do not specifically request the 4×6cm format arrive at the embassy with photos that are immediately rejected at the counter, requiring a new appointment.
The ear visibility requirement is the other commonly overlooked rule. COVA specifications require that both ears be clearly visible in the passport photo - a requirement shared with South Korea but not enforced by Australia or the UK. Vietnamese Australians with long hair who have their photos taken in the standard Australian style may arrive at the embassy with photos where one or both ears are obscured. The consular officer will reject these on the spot.
The renewal process requires attending in person at the Vietnamese Consulate-General in Sydney (Double Bay), Melbourne (Camberwell), or the Embassy in Canberra. Appointments must be booked in advance. Processing takes 5–15 business days. PassPhoto's Vietnamese passport photo service produces 4×6cm COVA-compliant photos, checks that both ears are visible, and delivers two professional prints Australia-wide in 1–2 business days - ready for your embassy appointment.
PassPhoto is an independent service - not affiliated with COVA or the Vietnamese Government. All requirements are sourced from official COVA publications at xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn - verified September 2025.
Get your COVA-compliant
Vietnamese passport photo today.
4×6cm format, pure white background, both ears checked by a human expert. Delivered in 1–2 business days - ready for your embassy appointment.