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The Challenge
Tanzania requires 40×45mm passport photos with light blue background—different from white background used for visas. Head must cover 70-80% of frame with 4mm gap above crown. Professional services charge $15-25. Wrong background colour or dimensions = rejection and resubmission delays.
Tanzania passport photos use LIGHT BLUE background
- Passport: Light blue background—NOT white
- Visa: White background—different from passport
- Using white background for passport application may cause rejection
- Take photo against light blue backdrop or use background enhancement
Tanzania passport photo requirements
Tanzania passport photos must be 40×45mm with a light blue background—a requirement that distinguishes them from visa photos which use white. The head must cover 70-80% of the frame height, measured from chin to crown, with approximately 4mm of space between the top of the head and the upper edge of the photo. Photos must be in colour, taken within the last 6 months, with natural facial expression and eyes open. Both ears should ideally be visible with face squared directly to camera. Tanzania's Immigration Department processes passport applications at regional offices and embassies.
Tanzania passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 40×45mm dimensions (wider than standard EU 35×45mm format)
- Light blue background—not white, cream, or grey
- Head height 30-36mm (70-80% of frame height)
- 4mm gap between top of head and top edge of photo
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible, both ears showing
- No glasses (remove unless medical exemption with doctor's note)
- No hats or head coverings (except religious with signed statement)
- 945×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for printing
- Colour photo only—black and white not accepted
- No shadows on face or background
- No digital alterations, filters, or retouching
Common rejection reasons
- Using white background instead of required light blue for passport
- Using visa-sized photo (35×45mm) instead of passport size (40×45mm)
- Head size outside 70-80% range (too small or too large in frame)
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Head tilted, turned, or not facing camera directly
- Photo older than 6 months
- Black and white photo instead of colour
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Selfie photo—must be taken by another person
How to print Tanzania passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (matte or glossy both accepted by Tanzania immigration).
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 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 40×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Background: Ensure light blue background is visible in print—adjust screen brightness if previewing.
- Alternative: Print at local photo studio or printing service. Specify '40×45mm passport photo on photo paper'.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain light blue sheet or blanket on floor for correct background colour.
- Alternatively, use white sheet and rely on background enhancement to adjust to blue.
- Ensure only the child is visible in frame—no hands, toys, or supports.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting—avoid flash.
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
- Infants: eyes not being fully open is generally accepted.
- Face must occupy 70-80% of photo height—same as adults.
- Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for babies.
Tanzania passport vs visa photo differences
Tanzania passport application process
Tanzania passport applications can be submitted online through the Immigration Department website (immigration.go.tz) or in person at regional immigration offices, Immigration Headquarters, or Tanzanian embassies abroad. After filling the online form and paying, applicants must print and submit the form along with required attachments including passport photos to the nearest immigration office. Tanzania issues standard passports, diplomatic passports, service passports, and emergency travel documents. The current electronic passport features enhanced security.
Why light blue background?
Tanzania is one of several countries that requires a coloured background rather than white for passport photos. The light blue background provides consistent contrast and aids biometric processing for Tanzanian travel documents. This is a long-standing requirement specified by the High Commission of Tanzania. If photographing at home, use a light blue sheet, poster board, or fabric as backdrop. Avoid dark blue, navy, or sky blue—aim for a medium-light blue tone. Some photo studios outside Tanzania may not stock blue backdrops, so confirm availability before visiting.
Cost comparison: Professional vs DIY
- Professional photo studio in Dar es Salaam/Dodoma: TSh 5,000-15,000 ($2-6 USD)
- Photo studio abroad (UK/US/Europe): $15-25 for Tanzanian-specific format
- Embassy photo service: $10-20 depending on location
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or at any photo printing service
- Home printing cost: $0.30-0.60 per sheet of 4-6 photos
- Key savings abroad: Studios may charge premium for non-standard blue background
Official Tanzanian Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 40×45 mm
- Resolution
- 945×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 30-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
- Top Gap
- 4 mm from crown to top edge
- Background
- Light blue (passport-specific)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte or glossy photo paper
- Valid For
- Passport, national ID
Best Practices
- Tanzania passport photos require LIGHT BLUE background—not white. White is for visa photos only
- 40×45mm is wider than EU standard 35×45mm—verify dimensions before printing
- Head must cover 70-80% of frame height with 4mm gap above crown
- Both ears should be visible—face squared directly to camera, no tilting
- Remove glasses unless medically required with signed doctor's note
- Selfies are not acceptable—have someone else take the photo
- Print at 600 DPI for best quality acceptance
- When printing abroad, confirm studio has light blue backdrop—not all do
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Tanzania passport photos?
Tanzania passport photos must be 40×45mm (width × height). This is wider than the standard EU 35×45mm format. At 600 DPI, this equals 945×1063 pixels. Using incorrect dimensions will result in rejection.
What background colour for Tanzania passport photos?
Light blue background is required for Tanzania passport photos. This is different from visa photos which use white background. Using white background for a passport application may cause rejection. Use a light blue backdrop when photographing.
Can I use Tanzania passport photos for visa applications?
No. Passport photos are 40×45mm with light blue background. Visa photos are 35×45mm with white background. They are different sizes and different background colours—you need separate photos for each.
How recent must Tanzania passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months to accurately reflect current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
Can I wear glasses in Tanzania passport photos?
Prescription glasses are technically permitted if eyes remain fully visible with no glare. However, it is recommended to remove glasses to avoid complications. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never allowed.
How many passport photos do I need for Tanzania?
Typically 5 identical photos are required for passport applications. Print extra copies as backup. This tool generates sheets with multiple copies from a single photo.
Can I take a selfie for Tanzania passport photo?
No. Selfies are not acceptable. Have another person photograph you, ideally using a tripod for stability, at approximately 1 metre distance with the camera at head height.
What's the pixel size for Tanzania passport photos?
945×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This is calculated from the 40×45mm physical dimensions at 600 dots per inch resolution.