Tanzania Visa Photo (2×2 inch / 51×51 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Tanzania visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, e-Visa digital specs, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

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Tanzania Visa Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryTanzania (United Republic of)
Document TypeVisa (Tourist, Business, Work, Residence)
Photo Size2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size25–35 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo)
Background ColorPlain white
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital for e-VisaYes — JPEG format, max 500 KB
Digital Photo Size600 × 600 pixels minimum (recommended: 1200 × 1200 pixels)
Photo Paper TypeMatte or glossy
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
Quantity2 identical photos (embassy) / digital upload (e-Visa)
Applying for Tanzania e-Visa? You only need a digital photo for online submission. Upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help, and we'll ensure it meets the exact e-Visa digital specifications: JPEG format, 600×600 pixels minimum, under 500 KB.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 2×2 inch size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Tanzania Visa Photo Requirements

The Tanzania Immigration Department and Tanzanian embassies have specific requirements for visa photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
  • Your head (from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head) must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm)
  • Your eyes must be located between 1⅛ inches and 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Keep your mouth closed — no smiling with teeth showing
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear

Background

  • Use a plain white background
  • No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head
  • Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Tanzania visa photos. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Your eyes must be clearly visible without any obstruction or glare.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious purposes
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
  • The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background
  • Ensure your clothing does not obscure your face or neck

Digital Photo Requirements (e-Visa)

  • Format: JPEG/JPG
  • Resolution: at least 600 × 600 pixels
  • Maximum file size: 500 KB
  • Color: full color, 24-bit
  • Background: plain white
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How to Take a Tanzania Visa Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Tanzania visa photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

Taking visa photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.
Proper lighting setup for visa photo
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

Appropriate attire for visa photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.

Correct posing for visa photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, squinting, or exaggerated expressions.

Neutral facial expression for visa photo

Good and Bad Examples of Tanzania Visa Photos

Good and bad examples of visa photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Tanzania visa photo?

A Tanzania visa photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

Can I wear glasses in my Tanzania visa photo?

No. Glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses are not allowed in Tanzania visa photos. Your eyes must be clearly visible without any obstruction or glare.

Can I smile in my Tanzania visa photo?

No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open. No smiling, squinting, or exaggerated expressions.

Can I take my Tanzania visa photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your visa photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Tanzania visa photo requirements.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

How many visa photos do I need for Tanzania?

For embassy or consulate applications, you typically need 2 identical printed photos. For the Tanzania e-Visa online application, you only need to upload one digital photo in JPEG format.

What are the e-Visa digital photo requirements?

For the Tanzania e-Visa, your digital photo must be in JPEG format, at least 600×600 pixels, and not exceed 500 KB. The photo must be in color with a plain white background and taken within the last 6 months.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?

No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

If your visa photo doesn't meet the requirements, your visa application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit your application, saving you time and hassle.

Last updated: May 4, 2026