The Laos eVisa requires a 40 × 60 mm photo (JPEG/PNG, max 2 MB, white background) and a passport scan showing the full bio-data page with readable MRZ code. Both files are uploaded digitally; no printed photos needed for the eVisa application. Your photograph must comply with the ICAO Doc 9303 standard, be in full colour and taken within the last 6 months.
This guide reflects the Laos eVisa photo requirements as of September 2026. This is an independent information portal for travellers and is not affiliated with the Lao government. Always verify current requirements on laoevisa.gov.la before applying.
Quick-Reference Summary: Laos eVisa Photo Specifications
The Laos eVisa photo specifications require 40 × 60 mm, JPEG or PNG, plain white background, minimum 300 dpi, maximum 2 MB, full colour (sRGB, 24-bit).
| Parameter | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 40 × 60 mm (4×6 cm) | Per ICAO Doc 9303 standard |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) | PDF not accepted for photo |
| Background | Plain white | No patterns, no colours |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 dpi | At 300 dpi = 472 × 709 px |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB | Compress if necessary |
| Colour mode | Full colour (RGB/sRGB, 24-bit) | No black-and-white, no sepia |
Laos eVisa Photo Size & Digital Upload Specifications
Laos eVisa photo requirements mandate dimensions of 40 × 60 mm with a ~2:3 aspect ratio, equating to 472 × 709 px at 300 dpi. The face must occupy 60-80% of the frame. This differs from the standard 35 × 45 mm UK passport photo.
| Document Type | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laos eVisa (digital upload) | 40 × 60 mm (4×6 cm) | Per ICAO standard |
| Laos visa on arrival (printed) | 40 × 60 mm (4×6 cm) | 2 printed copies required |
| UK passport photo (comparison) | 35 × 45 mm | Different standard; do not use for eVisa |
| Specification | Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| File formats | JPEG (.jpg), PNG (.png) | Other formats fail to upload |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB | Files over 2 MB rejected by the portal |
| Minimum resolution | 300 dpi | Below 300 dpi, image appears blurry when zoomed |
| Pixel dimensions | 472 × 709 px (at 300 dpi) | Matches 40×60 mm physical size |
| Colour mode | RGB / sRGB, 24-bit | CMYK causes colour distortion on screen |
Pre-Upload Checklist:
- Format: JPEG or PNG only
- File size: under 2 MB (use compression tools if needed)
- Resolution: at least 300 dpi
- Colour mode: RGB/sRGB 24-bit (check via image properties)
- Dimensions: 40×60 mm or 472×709 px
How to check specs: Mac (Preview > Tools > Adjust Size); Windows (right-click > Properties > Details); online tools like PIXresizer or iLoveIMG.
ICAO Standard Explained: Why 4×6 cm Matters
ICAO Document 9303 governs machine-readable travel document photo standards. The Laos eVisa adopts a 40×60 mm format compliant with these biometric guidelines. This differs from the 35×45 mm UK passport photo standard; do not confuse the two when preparing your Laos eVisa photo specifications.
Background, Lighting & Pose Rules for Laos eVisa Photos
Laos eVisa photo requirements mandate a plain white background with no patterns, colours, or textures. Shadows on the face or background are not permitted; use even illumination from both sides. The photograph must be in full colour (RGB/sRGB, 24-bit), taken within the last 6 months.
Facial composition and pose rules for the Laos eVisa photo specifications:
- Face proportion: occupy 60-80% of the frame, from hairline to chin
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- Position: directly facing the camera (front-facing), camera at eye level
- Distance: 3-7 feet from camera recommended
Glasses, Headwear & Accessories: What’s Allowed?
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Prescription glasses (no glare on lenses, frames don’t cover eyes) | Sunglasses (strictly prohibited) |
| Religious head coverings (turban, hijab; face fully visible from hairline to chin) | Hats, caps, beanies |
| Hearing aids | Headbands covering forehead |
| Minimal jewellery (not covering face) | Large accessories obscuring face |
Non-compliant images will be rejected by the upload system on the Laos eVisa portal at laoevisa.gov.la.
Passport Scan Guidelines for Laos eVisa
Laos eVisa passport scan requirements: full-colour scan of the bio-data page at minimum 300 dpi (recommended 600 dpi), two-line MRZ code fully readable, no cropping. Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, or PDF, max 2 MB.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| What to scan | Bio-data page (personal details, photo, MRZ code) |
| Accepted formats | JPEG, PNG, or PDF |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB |
| Minimum resolution | 300 dpi (recommended 600 dpi) |
| Colour mode | Colour scan (sRGB), not black-and-white |
| MRZ visibility | Machine Readable Zone at bottom must be fully readable |
Scan the bio-data page only
The page with your photo, name, and MRZ code.
Save as JPEG, PNG, or PDF, max 2 MB
Keep the file under the 2 MB limit.
Ensure all four corners are visible
No edges cropped.
Confirm the MRZ code is fully legible
The two lines at the bottom must be readable.
Keep fingers away from the page
Eliminate glare or reflections.
Verify passport has at least 6 months validity
Beyond planned entry date; expiry date must be clearly visible on the scan.
A correct scan shows the entire bio-data page laid flat with all text, the passport photo, and the two-line MRZ code clearly legible. Black-and-white photocopies make the MRZ unreadable and will be rejected by the upload portal at laoevisa.gov.la.
Passport Validity & Document Requirements
A Laos eVisa passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned entry date into Laos, with the bio-data page intact and legible. The expiry date must be clearly visible on the scan.
Full required documents list: passport (colour scan of bio-data page) + digital photo (40×60 mm, JPEG/PNG) + completed online form + visa fee payment. For eligibility criteria, see our Laos eVisa eligibility guide; for the complete documents checklist, see our Laos eVisa required documents guide; for processing times and fees, see our Laos eVisa application guide.
Common Photo Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them
Frequent Laos eVisa photo rejections stem from incorrect dimensions, non-white backgrounds, glare on glasses, or photos older than 6 months.
| Error | Why Rejected | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong dimensions (e.g., 35×45 mm) | Laos eVisa photo requirements specify 40×60 mm (472×709 px at 300 dpi) | Crop or resize to exactly 40×60 mm |
| Non-white background | Specifications mandate a plain white background | Retake against a plain white wall |
| Shadows on face or background | Rules prohibit shadows entirely | Use even lighting from both sides; retake during daylight |
| Glare on glasses | Reflections obscure the eyes | Remove glasses or tilt head slightly to eliminate reflections |
| Photo older than 6 months | Must have been taken within the last 6 months | Take a new photo reflecting current appearance |
| Black-and-white or sepia | Must be in full colour (RGB/sRGB, 24-bit) | Retake in colour mode; convert CMYK to sRGB |
| Wrong format or file over 2 MB | Only JPEG or PNG under 2 MB accepted | Convert to JPEG or PNG; compress to under 2 MB |
If the portal rejects your photo, retrieve your application using your Application ID on laoevisa.gov.la, correct the image, and resubmit before your intended travel date.
FAQ
What are the exact photo dimensions for Laos eVisa?
Photo dimensions, file type, file size, resolution and colour mode are exactly as specified in the tables in the “Laos eVisa Photo Size & Digital Upload Specifications” section above: 40 × 60 mm (472 × 709 px at 300 dpi), JPEG or PNG, max 2 MB, sRGB 24-bit.
What file format is accepted for Laos eVisa photo?
Only JPEG (.jpg) and PNG (.png) in RGB/sRGB, 24-bit colour mode. PDF is not accepted for the photograph (but is accepted for the passport scan).
What background colour is required for Laos eVisa photo?
Plain white with no patterns or colours. Lighting must be even on both sides with no harsh shadows on the face or background. Full colour only; black-and-white or sepia images will be rejected.
What is the maximum file size for Laos eVisa photo?
Maximum 2 MB. If your file exceeds this limit, use compression tools before uploading. Minimum accepted resolution is 300 dpi.
What are the passport scan requirements for Laos eVisa?
Passport scan rules are listed as a 6-step checklist in the “Passport Scan Guidelines for Laos eVisa” section above: bio-data page, JPEG/PNG/PDF, max 2 MB, min 300 dpi (recommended 600 dpi), colour, MRZ readable, no cropping.
How recent must my Laos eVisa photo be?
Your Laos eVisa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must reflect your current appearance. This recency requirement is mandated by the Laos eVisa portal at laoevisa.gov.la.
Can children and infants have their own Laos eVisa?
Yes. Each traveller, including children and infants, requires a separate eVisa with their own compliant photo meeting the same 40 × 60 mm specifications. For babies, the eyes must be open and the face fully visible from hairline to chin.
Do I need printed photos for Laos eVisa?
No. The Laos eVisa is fully digital; no printed photos are required. However, if applying for a visa on arrival at the border instead, you may need 2 printed photos measuring 4 × 6 cm.
Laos eVisa photo requirements in 2026: Your photo must be 40 mm × 60 mm (4×6 cm) with a plain white background, in colour, taken within the last 6 months. Accepted digital formats are JPEG or PNG, maximum 2 MB, at least 300 dpi. Your passport scan must show the full bio-data page in colour with a readable MRZ code.
