How Many Pixels Is a 4x6 Passport Photo? Vietnam's 2026 Standard
If you are applying for a Vietnamese passport — especially online through the National Public Service Portal — the most common question is how many pixels a 4x6 passport photo must be and what resolution (DPI) the system accepts. This guide summarizes the official requirements set by Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security (Bộ Công an), and explains why you will see several different pixel numbers online.
Passport Photo Technical Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 4 x 6 cm (width × height ratio = 4 × 6) |
| Pixel size | 472 × 709 pixels (4 × 6 cm at 300 DPI, true 2:3 ratio) |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI (300 ppi) |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) — the portal lists JPEG 2000 (.jp2) but standard JPEG is accepted in practice |
| Background | Plain white, evenly lit, no shadows |
| Face proportion | Face occupies about 75% of the photo area |
| Eye position | Eye-to-top distance ≈ 2/3 of the eye-to-bottom distance |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Pose | Facing forward, bare head, both ears visible, no glasses, neat attire |
Which Pixel Size Is Correct?
This is where most people get confused. A 4 × 6 cm photo has a 2:3 ratio, so the pixel count depends on the resolution (DPI):
- 472 × 709 pixels — the correct size of a 4 × 6 cm photo at 300 DPI (the minimum). 4 cm ≈ 472 px, 6 cm ≈ 709 px, a true 2:3 ratio.
- 629 × 944 pixels — still a 4 × 6 cm photo, but at 400 DPI, used when you want a sharper print file.
A simple rule so you never get it wrong
The original Bộ Công an rule states size 4 × 6 cm and a minimum resolution of 300 DPI — meaning 300 DPI is a floor, not a fixed number. Pixels = size (inches) × DPI, so a higher DPI means more pixels. For safe online submission, use 472 × 709 px at 300 DPI; for a sharper printed copy, use 400 DPI (629 × 944 px).
Why Passport Photos Get Rejected
- Resolution under 300 DPI: the photo is blurry and the system flags it automatically.
- Background not white enough: grey tint, shadows, or details outside the face area.
- Wrong face ratio: the face is too small or too large versus the 75% target.
- Glasses, tilted head, expression: you must face forward with a neutral expression, no open-mouth smile.
How to Create a Compliant 4x6 Passport Photo
You do not need a photo studio. Use a photo you already took on your phone and process it online:
- Upload your portrait to the edit passport photo online tool — it auto-frames to 4x6, replaces the background with white, and validates against ICAO 9303.
- If you only need an accurate crop, use the crop 4x6 passport photo tool to position eyes and face ratio automatically.
- Download the compliant file, then submit it to the public service portal or print it at any shop.
See also: how to take a passport photo at home and how to apply for a passport online via the public service portal.
Create a Compliant Passport Photo Now
Upload from your phone — AI auto-frames to 4x6, replaces the background with white, and checks ICAO compliance in about 60 seconds.
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This article reflects regulations in effect as of June 2026, based on guidance from Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security (Bộ Công an) and the National Public Service Portal. Requirements may change. Verify the latest information at the Ministry of Public Security public service portal (dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn) before applying.