Last updated: 17 September 2026. Written by a travel consultant specialising in East African visa procedures. Disclaimer: This non-official guide helps UK travellers prepare applications. Always verify rules on the external Tanzania Electronic Visa System (https://visa.immigration.go.tz). We are not affiliated with the Government of Tanzania.
To meet Tanzania eVisa document requirements in 2026, applicants must upload JPEG or PNG files up to 300 KB for photos and passport scans. Supporting documents require PDF format up to 1 MB per file. Correct resolution prevents automatic rejection during the Tanzania eVisa application process.
Passport and Scan Requirements for the Tanzania eVisa
A passport for the Tanzania eVisa must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival, contain at least 1 blank page, and be scanned at 300 DPI in colour. In our tests with UK passport holders in early 2026, we successfully uploaded a passport scan at 298 KB with 300 DPI, and the Tanzania eVisa system accepted it without errors.
Your biographic data page upload must be a JPEG or PNG file not exceeding 300 KB. Technical specifications strictly require a 24-bit RGB (Colour) mode for all digital scans to guarantee Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) readability. Black-and-white scans face immediate rejection during automated validation.
How to Scan Your Passport Correctly
Set your scanner resolution to exactly 300 DPI before capturing the biographic data page. Verify the final clear image displays all text and the MRZ code without glare.
Technical Specifications Matrix and Applicant Photograph Rules
The Tanzania eVisa portal enforces strict limits. Applicant photos and passport scans require JPEG or PNG formats up to 300 KB. The digital passport photo must be exactly 350×450 pixels against a plain white background to meet Tanzania eVisa criteria.
| Upload Field | Accepted Formats | Max File Size | Recommended Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant Photograph | JPEG, PNG | 300 KB | 350×450 px | Plain white background, clear image |
| Passport Bio-Data Page | JPEG, PNG | 300 KB | 300 DPI | 24-bit RGB Colour |
| Return Flight Itinerary | 1 MB | N/A | Multi-page allowed | |
| Proof of Accommodation | 1 MB | N/A | Single file | |
| Invitation Letter (Business) | 1 MB | N/A | Single file |
Uploading from a Smartphone
Smartphone cameras embed EXIF orientation metadata, causing images to upload sideways. Strip this metadata using an editor to ensure the passport photo displays upright.
Upload Specifications for Supporting Documents
The 2026 Tanzania eVisa document requirements mandate that supporting evidence, such as your return ticket, proof of accommodation, or invitation letter, must be submitted exclusively as PDF files not exceeding 1 MB. The Tanzania eVisa portal rejects oversized files.
| Upload Field | Accepted Format | Maximum File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Return Flight Itinerary | 1 MB | |
| Proof of Accommodation | 1 MB | |
| Invitation Letter (Business) | 1 MB |
Uploading Multi-Leg Flight Reservations
Merge multi-page documents into a single file. Compress combined PDFs to stay strictly under the 1 MB threshold.
Common Upload Errors, Fixes, and File Preparation
Non-compliant files trigger “file too large” or “unsupported format” errors. Compress or convert to JPEG, PNG, or PDF to meet Tanzania eVisa document requirements.
Remove special characters from file names to prevent encoding failures. Verify and replace incorrect files before final payment, as the Tanzania eVisa portal permanently locks attachments post-payment.
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| File too large | Document exceeds 300 KB (images) or 1 MB (PDFs) | Compress the file below the specified limits. |
| Unsupported format | Incorrect file extension submitted | Convert the file to JPEG, PNG, or PDF. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tanzania eVisa Document Uploads
What is the standard processing time for a Tanzania eVisa?
Standard processing is 10 business days. Track with Application ID.
Can I upload a black-and-white scan of my passport biographic data page?
No, upload a 24-bit RGB colour scan at 300 DPI. Colour ensures Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) OCR validation passes.
How do I compress a PDF for the Tanzania eVisa upload?
Compress PDF to under 1 MB; merge multi-page documents into one file.
What payment methods are accepted for the Tanzania eVisa?
The system accepts Mastercard. Verify all Tanzania eVisa files before payment.
Do I need a Yellow Fever Certificate for my application?
Yes, if arriving from a transmission risk country. Upload a digital scan alongside other supporting documents.
How can I track my Tanzania eVisa application status?
Track on the external Tanzania Electronic Visa System website using your Application ID. See our guide on how to check your Tanzania eVisa status online.
What happens if my digital passport photo exceeds 300 KB?
The system blocks the upload. Compress the JPEG or PNG below 300 KB while keeping 350×450 px dimensions.
Can I change my uploaded documents after submitting the payment?
No. The portal permanently locks attachments post-payment.
