Tanzania and Zanzibar eVisa Photo 2026: Requirements (45x35 mm)
In short. To apply for a Tanzania and Zanzibar eVisa in 2026, you need a 45x35 mm digital photo on a white background in JPEG/PNG format up to 300 KB.
- Since 2025, the visa on arrival has been suspended; an eVisa is mandatory for Tanzania and Zanzibar.
- The digital photo size must be 45x35 mm (or standard passport size).
- The file is accepted only in JPEG or PNG formats.
- The maximum photo file size is strictly limited to 300 KB.
- The background must be plain white or light, without shadows or foreign objects.
- Glasses are prohibited, except for confirmed medical reasons.
In 2026, to travel to Tanzania (including the island of Zanzibar), you must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) in advance through the official portal of the Tanzania Immigration Services Department. Since the visa on arrival option was suspended, correctly uploading digital documents has become a critical step. The most common reason for delays or rejections is the digital photo not meeting the system's strict technical requirements.
What has changed
The Tanzania eVisa system automatically checks uploaded files. If the photo does not meet the specified size or format parameters, the portal will not allow you to complete the application submission.
| Parameter | Tanzania eVisa Requirement (2026) |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 45x35 mm (or standard passport size 51x51 mm) |
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| File size | Maximum 300 KB |
| Background | Plain white or light, without shadows |
| Glasses | Prohibited (allowed only for medical reasons) |
| Facial expression | Neutral, mouth closed, looking straight at the camera |
Who this applies to
These rules apply to citizens of Ukraine and other foreigners planning a tourist, business, or transit trip to Tanzania or Zanzibar. The electronic visa is the same for both territories (mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar), so the document requirements are identical.
What to do now
- Take a fresh photo: Take a photo no earlier than 6 months before applying. The face should occupy 70-80% of the frame.
- Ensure proper lighting: Use even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background.
- Remove unnecessary accessories: Glasses, headwear (except for religious purposes), and massive jewelry must be removed.
- Prepare the file: Crop the photo to 45x35 mm and save it in JPEG or PNG format. Ensure the file size does not exceed 300 KB.
- Upload along with your passport: In addition to the photo, you will also need a scan of the passport's biometric page (also in JPEG/PNG format up to 300 KB) and a return ticket confirmation in PDF format (up to 1 MB).
Common mistakes
- Exceeding the file size limit: If the photo is larger than 300 KB, the portal will issue a technical error during upload.
- Incorrect background: Using a dark, colored, or textured background instead of pure white or light.
- Wearing glasses: Even prescription glasses without glare often cause the photo to be rejected by an immigration officer.
- Poor quality scan of a paper photo: Taking a picture of a printed photo with a phone creates glare and reduces quality, leading to rejection.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Is the photo from a Ukrainian passport suitable for a Tanzania visa?
- No, the photo must be taken no earlier than 6 months before applying and visually differ from the photo in your passport.
- What file size is required for uploading to the eVisa portal?
- The photo file must be in JPEG or PNG format and strictly not exceed 300 KB.
- Do I need a separate visa to travel to Zanzibar?
- No, the Tanzania electronic visa (eVisa) is valid for both the mainland part of the country and the island of Zanzibar.