Tanzania e-Visa Rejection: Reasons, What to Do & How to Reapply

A Tanzania e-Visa rejection is disappointing but not necessarily the end of your travel plans. Most rejections are caused by fixable errors — incomplete documents, passport photo issues, or name mismatches. This guide explains the most common rejection reasons, what the rejection means for your fee, and how to reapply successfully.

Most Common Tanzania e-Visa Rejection Reasons

1. Non-Compliant Passport Photo

The most frequent cause of rejection. Common photo errors:

• Colored or non-white background — must be pure white or off-white
• Glasses worn — not permitted even with clear lenses
• Head covering (not for religious reasons)
• Low resolution — below 300×300 pixels
• Facial expression — smiling or mouth open
• Photo too old — must be taken within 6 months
• Face not centered or too small in the frame
• Digital filters or alterations

See Tanzania e-Visa photo requirements for compliant photo specifications.

2. Name Mismatch

Your name on the application must match your passport exactly:

• Including all middle names if they appear in your passport
• Exact spelling — no abbreviations
• Same order (first, middle, last name as on passport)
• Hyphenated names must be hyphenated consistently

3. Passport Validity Issues

• Passport expires within 6 months of your planned departure from Tanzania
• Incorrect expiry date entered on the application
• Fewer than 2 blank pages remaining

4. Incomplete or Missing Documents

• Missing return/onward ticket
• Missing accommodation proof
• No invitation letter (for hosted visits)
• Business visa: missing company invitation letter or registration certificate

5. Inconsistent Information

• Travel dates that don't match the uploaded ticket
• Accommodation address in a different city than your stated port of entry
• Purpose of visit conflicting with document evidence

6. Poor Document Quality

• Blurry, dark, or partially obscured passport scan
• Illegible text on the passport data page
• Documents that have been photographed at an angle

7. Prior Immigration Issues

• Previous overstay in Tanzania
• Previous deportation from Tanzania
• Active ban from entry

8. Incomplete Application Form

• Required fields left blank
• Placeholder text in required fields
• Emergency contact details missing

Is the Tanzania e-Visa Fee Refunded After Rejection?

No. The Tanzania e-Visa application fee is non-refundable in all circumstances, including rejection. If your application is rejected, you must pay the fee again when reapplying.

This makes careful preparation before submission essential. Review our Tanzania e-Visa common mistakes guide before applying.

What to Do When Your Tanzania e-Visa Is Rejected

Step 1: Read the rejection notification carefully

The rejection email or portal message should include a reason. Common stated reasons include "incomplete documentation," "photo non-compliant," or "additional information required."

Step 2: Identify the specific problem

Cross-reference the rejection reason with the requirements in our Tanzania e-Visa requirements guide.

Step 3: Gather corrected documents

Fix the specific issue:

• New passport photo taken by a professional
• Rescanned passport data page with better quality
• Correct travel dates or accommodation details
• Additional documents for business visa

Step 4: Submit a new application

You cannot appeal or amend a rejected application — you must submit a completely new application and pay the fee again.

Step 5: Apply with more time

After a rejection, factor in additional processing time. Apply even earlier than you would for a first application.

See the complete Tanzania e-Visa reapplication guide.

Can I Appeal a Tanzania e-Visa Rejection?

There is no formal appeals process for a Tanzania e-Visa rejection through the online portal. You may:

• Contact the Tanzania Immigration Department directly by email or phone (details on the official portal)
• If your nationality is eligible, attempt visa on arrival as an alternative
• If the trip is for a specific event, an authorized representative may be able to follow up on your behalf

For most travelers with correctable errors, reapplication after fixing the problem is the most practical path.

Tanzania e-Visa Rejection vs Additional Information Requested

Note the difference between:

• Rejected — final decision, cannot be reversed; must reapply
• Additional Information Required — your application is still under review, but immigration needs more documents or clarification from you

If your status shows "Additional Information Required," log in immediately and provide what is requested. This is not a rejection and can lead to approval once you respond.

Frequently Asked Questions