Tanzania e-Visa Photo Requirements: Complete Specifications

The Tanzania e-Visa passport photo is the most common reason for application delays and rejections. A non-compliant photo can result in your application being put on hold or rejected outright. This guide covers every specification in detail so you get it right the first time.

Tanzania e-Visa Photo Specifications

Background Requirements

The background must be white or off-white. This is a strict requirement. Rejections frequently occur due to:

• Gray or cream backgrounds (too dark)
• Patterned or textured backgrounds
• Outdoor backgrounds
• Shadows cast on the background by the subject

How to achieve a white background:

• Use a professional passport photo studio (recommended)
• Take the photo against a white wall in good natural light
• Use a passport photo app that digitally replaces the background (ensure the replacement is truly white, not light gray)

Photo Composition Requirements

Head position: Look directly at the camera. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to either side.

Face size: Your face should fill 70–80% of the photo frame. Too far away (face too small) and too close (face cropped) are both common rejections.

Shoulders: Both shoulders should be visible in the lower portion of the frame.

Expression: Neutral expression with your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, or open your mouth.

Eyes: Both eyes must be fully open and clearly visible. Looking directly at the camera lens.

What Is NOT Permitted

• Glasses of any kind — including prescription glasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses, or clear frames
• Hats or caps — no baseball caps, beanies, or decorative headwear
• Head coverings — allowed only for verified religious reasons (hijab, turban, etc.) but the face must be fully visible
• Other people or objects in the background
• Shadows — on your face or on the background
• Uniforms — avoid wearing any uniform that could be confused with military or law enforcement
• Filters or digital editing — no beauty filters, skin smoothing, contrast enhancement
• Photos from IDs, passports, or other official documents — take a new photo

How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

1. Choose a white wall or hang a white sheet as your backdrop
2. Good lighting: Natural light from a window is ideal. Avoid harsh direct sunlight that creates shadows. Two soft light sources (one on each side) eliminate facial shadows.
3. Camera position: Set your camera or phone at eye level on a stable surface (tripod or stack of books). Do not hold the phone above or below eye level.
4. Distance: Stand approximately 1–1.5 meters from the camera.
5. Check frame: Review the shot — your head should fill about 70% of the frame with some space above your head.
6. Take multiple shots and choose the clearest, most evenly lit one.
7. Export as JPEG — ensure the file is under 2MB.

Professional Photo Options

For the most reliable result, use a professional service:

• Passport photo studios at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens in the US; Boots, Snappy Snaps in the UK)
• Post offices in many countries offer passport photos
• Dedicated photo studios

When asking for a photo, specify "white background, digital copy in JPEG format for online application." The printed version is not needed for the online application — only the digital file.

Photo Apps

Several apps can help produce compliant photos:

• Passport Photo Maker (iOS/Android)
• AI Passport Photo (iOS/Android)
• Persofoto (online)
• IDPhoto4You (online)

Be cautious: auto-generated backgrounds may appear slightly gray rather than white. Always verify the background is truly white before uploading.

Common Photo Rejection Reasons (and Fixes)

Frequently Asked Questions