Most Tanzania e-Visa rejections and delays are caused by a small set of recurring mistakes. Understanding these errors before you start your application can save you time, money (the $50 fee is non-refundable), and travel stress. Here are the top mistakes and exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Non-Compliant Passport Photo
The #1 cause of Tanzania e-Visa rejection.
Common photo errors:
- Gray or off-white background (must be pure white)
- Wearing glasses (not permitted)
- Wearing a hat or head covering (only for religious reasons)
- Photo taken more than 6 months ago
- Face too small in the frame (should be 70–80%)
- Shadows on face or background
- Too small in resolution (below 300×300px)
- Using a photo from another ID document
How to avoid: Take a new photo specifically for this application at a professional pharmacy or passport photo studio. Specify "white background, digital copy for online application." See Tanzania e-Visa photo requirements.
Mistake 2: Name Does Not Match Passport
Entering your name slightly differently from your passport is a very common error:
- Using a nickname or shortened name (e.g., "Mike" when passport says "Michael")
- Omitting a middle name that appears on the passport
- Reversing first and last name
- Using a hyphen when the passport doesn't, or vice versa
- Capitalizing differently
How to avoid: Open your passport to the bio data page while completing the form. Copy your name character by character.
Mistake 3: Applying Through Third-Party Websites
Thousands of travelers pay $20–$150 extra in unnecessary service fees by applying through unofficial third-party websites instead of the official government portal.
How to avoid: Apply only at eservices.immigration.go.tz. See Tanzania e-Visa scam warning.
Mistake 4: Applying Too Late
Applying fewer than 10 business days before departure creates serious risk. Processing takes 3–10 business days, and problems that cause delays (photo issues, additional information requests) could eat into that window.
How to avoid: Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date. Apply 4 weeks if traveling in peak season (July–October or December–January).
Mistake 5: Passport Expiry Not Checked
Submitting an application with a passport that expires within 6 months of the Tanzania departure date will result in rejection.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date before applying. Ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to leave Tanzania.
Mistake 6: Travel Dates Inconsistent with Ticket
Entering a visa start date that does not match your actual flight booking, or putting your departure date before your arrival date.
How to avoid: Have your flight booking open while filling in the application. Enter dates that exactly match your travel itinerary.
Mistake 7: Blurry or Incomplete Passport Scan
Uploading a dark, blurry, or partially cropped passport scan. The MRZ lines at the bottom must be fully visible. The photo must be clearly recognizable.
How to avoid: Scan at 300 DPI on a flatbed scanner, or photograph the open passport lying completely flat under even, diffuse light. Check the image by zooming in before uploading.
Mistake 8: Missing or Incomplete Accommodation Details
Leaving accommodation fields blank, or entering just "Dar es Salaam" without a specific hotel address.
How to avoid: Have your hotel booking confirmation or safari itinerary open and copy the full address (street name, city) into the form.
Mistake 9: Not Printing the Approved e-Visa
Assuming a phone screen will be accepted at Tanzania immigration. Some officers require a physical printed copy and will not process a phone screen.
How to avoid: Print at least 2 copies of your Tanzania e-Visa PDF before departure. See Tanzania e-Visa download and print.
Mistake 10: Wrong Visa Type Selected
Choosing "Tourist Multiple Entry" when "Tourist Single Entry" is sufficient (and $50 cheaper), or choosing "Tourist Single Entry" when your itinerary requires exiting and re-entering Tanzania (e.g., Tanzania + Kenya circuit).
How to avoid: Read Tanzania visa types to determine which category fits your itinerary. Multiple entry is only needed if you plan to leave Tanzania and return within the same trip.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Before clicking "Submit" on your Tanzania e-Visa application:
- Name matches passport exactly (letter by letter)
- Passport expiry is 6+ months beyond departure date
- Passport photo: white background, JPEG, 300px+, no glasses, recent
- Passport scan: color, all text legible, no shadows/cropping
- Travel dates match actual flight bookings
- Accommodation address is complete (not just a city name)
- Correct visa type selected for your itinerary
- Applying on the official .go.tz portal
- All files under 2MB and in correct format
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time