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The Challenge
Tanzania eVisa requires 35×45mm photos (different from 40×45mm passport format) with white background, uploaded as JPG under 500KB. The official immigration portal rejects non-compliant uploads. Wrong dimensions, file format, or file size = automatic eVisa rejection.
Tanzania visa photo is DIFFERENT from passport photo
- Visa: 35×45mm with WHITE background
- Passport: 40×45mm with LIGHT BLUE background
- Cannot use passport photo for visa application—dimensions and background differ
- eVisa upload: JPG/JPEG only, max 500KB file size
Tanzania eVisa photo requirements (official specifications)
The official Tanzania Immigration Services eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) specifies that visa photos must be coloured, with plain background, displaying full face from top of hair to bottom of chin. Maximum dimensions are 45mm height by 35mm width. Digital uploads must be JPG or JPEG format and must not exceed 500KB. These specifications apply to all visa types: ordinary (tourist), business, multiple entry, transit, and student visas. The photo must show the applicant facing the camera directly with natural expression and eyes open.
Tanzania visa photo requirements - will your eVisa be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions (NOT 40×45mm passport size)
- Plain white background, no shadows or patterns
- Head covers 70-80% of photo height from chin to crown
- Full face visible from top of hair to bottom of chin
- Taken within last 6 months
- Neutral, natural expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Face forward, head not tilted or rotated
- Both ears visible or both edges of face visible
- No glasses with dark or tinted lenses (prescription allowed if eyes visible)
- No hats or head coverings (except religious with signed statement)
- Digital format: JPG or JPEG file only
- File size ≤500 KB
- Colour photo—black and white rejected
- No digital alterations, filters, or retouching
- No selfies—photo must be taken by another person
Common eVisa photo rejection reasons
- Using 40×45mm passport photo instead of required 35×45mm visa format
- Blue background (passport format) instead of white
- File size exceeds 500KB limit
- File format not JPG/JPEG (PNG, PDF, BMP rejected for photo upload)
- Face too small—must cover 70-80% of frame height
- Shadows on face or background visible
- Head tilted or not facing camera directly
- Selfie photo submitted
- Black and white photo instead of colour
- Photo older than 6 months
How to upload photo to Tanzania eVisa portal
- Download single JPG file from this tool (already formatted to 827×1063px)
- Verify file size is under 500KB (tool auto-compresses to meet limit)
- Visit Tanzania Immigration Services website at immigration.go.tz
- Click 'e-services' then 'e-Visa Application Form'
- Log in or create account using your email
- Fill application form and upload photo when prompted
- System accepts JPG/JPEG files only—other formats will be rejected
- After uploading all documents, proceed to payment and submit
Tanzania visa types using this photo format
Tanzania issues six visa types, all using the same 35×45mm photo specification: Ordinary Visa ($50 USD, single entry, up to 90 days for tourism), Business Visa ($250 USD, single entry, up to 90 days), Multiple Entry Visa ($100 USD, 12-month validity, max 90 consecutive days per visit—required for US passport holders), Transit Visa ($30 USD, up to 7 days), Student Visa ($50-550 USD depending on duration), and Gratis Visa (diplomatic). One compliant photo works for all visa categories.
Tanzania visa photo vs passport photo comparison
US passport holders: Multiple Entry Visa required
US passport holders cannot obtain an Ordinary (single entry) Visa for Tanzania—they must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa at $100 USD, even for a single visit. This is due to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and the United States. The photo requirements are identical to other visa types: 35×45mm, white background, JPG ≤500KB. All other nationalities visiting for tourism apply for Ordinary Visa at $50 USD.
Taking visa photos of babies and children
- Every passport holder needs their own separate visa application—including minors
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor for white background
- Use natural window light—avoid flash which may startle baby
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame
- Face must cover 70-80% of frame height—same as adults
- Infants: slightly relaxed eye requirements but eyes should ideally be open
- Remove pacifiers, toys, bottles from frame—baby must be alone
- Take multiple shots—10-20 attempts normal for babies
Cost comparison: Professional vs DIY
- Photo studio in Dar es Salaam/Arusha: TSh 3,000-10,000 ($1-4 USD)
- Photo studio abroad (UK/US/Europe): $10-20 for visa photos
- Embassy photo service: $15-20 depending on location
- This tool: Free—download JPG and upload directly to eVisa portal
- Home printing (if physical copies needed): $0.30-0.60 per sheet
- Family savings: Each family member needs own visa and photo—costs multiply
eVisa processing time and tips
Tanzania eVisa applications are processed within 10 business days. Applicants receive a Visa Grant Notice by email, which must be printed and presented at the entry point. Note that a Visa Grant Notice is not final authority to enter—immigration officers at entry points may still verify eligibility. Applicants under the Referral Visa category should apply at least 2 months before travel. Visa on arrival is also available at official entry points for eligible nationalities but online application is recommended.
Official Tanzania Immigration Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face (70-80% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download JPG for eVisa Upload
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (width × height)
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Digital Format
- JPG or JPEG only
- File Size
- ≤500 KB
- Head Coverage
- 70-80% of photo height
- Background
- Plain white
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- eVisa, ordinary visa, business visa, transit visa, student visa, multiple entry visa
Best Practices
- Tanzania visa photo is 35×45mm with WHITE background—different from 40×45mm blue-background passport photo
- eVisa portal accepts JPG/JPEG only—PNG, PDF, BMP will be rejected
- File size must be under 500KB—tool auto-compresses to meet requirement
- Face must cover 70-80% of photo height from chin to crown
- US passport holders must apply for Multiple Entry Visa ($100)—not Ordinary Visa
- Every traveller including minors needs their own separate visa application and photo
- Remove glasses to avoid glare—prescription allowed but risky
- Apply at least 10 business days before travel—Referral category needs 2 months
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tanzania visa photo requirements?
Tanzania visa photos must be 35×45mm, white background, coloured, full face visible, natural expression, eyes open. Digital uploads must be JPG/JPEG format, maximum 500KB. Head must cover 70-80% of frame. Taken within 6 months.
Can I use my Tanzania passport photo for visa application?
No. Passport photos are 40×45mm with light blue background. Visa photos are 35×45mm with white background. Different dimensions and different background colours—separate photos required.
What file format for Tanzania eVisa photo?
JPG or JPEG only. The official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal explicitly requires JPG/JPEG format. PNG, PDF, BMP, and other formats are not accepted for photo upload.
What is the maximum file size for Tanzania eVisa photo?
500KB maximum as specified on the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa guidelines. This tool auto-compresses the photo to meet this limit while maintaining quality.
Do US citizens need a different visa for Tanzania?
Yes. US passport holders must apply for Multiple Entry Visa at $100 USD even for a single visit. They cannot obtain Ordinary (single entry) Visa. Photo requirements are the same as other visa types.
How long does Tanzania eVisa processing take?
Applications are processed within 10 business days. Referral category applicants should allow at least 2 months. Applicants receive Visa Grant Notice by email once approved.
Do children need their own Tanzania visa photo?
Yes. Every passport holder, including minors, must have their own separate visa application with their own photo. Children cannot be included on a parent's visa.
Can I wear glasses in Tanzania visa photos?
Prescription glasses are permitted if eyes remain fully visible with no glare. However, removing glasses is strongly recommended to avoid rejection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never allowed.
Is this photo valid for Tanzania visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival is available at official entry points but online application is recommended. If applying on arrival, bring printed copies of your 35×45mm photo. The digital version works for online eVisa applications.
What visa types does Tanzania offer?
Six types: Ordinary ($50, tourism, 90 days), Business ($250, 90 days), Multiple Entry ($100, 12 months), Transit ($30, 7 days), Student ($50-550), and Gratis (diplomatic). All use the same 35×45mm photo specification.