Tanzanian Entry Pass Photo Requirements and Size Guide
Prepare your photo for a Tanzanian entry pass, student pass, or dependant pass using exact official details and practical home steps.
Official Size and Authority Guidelines
The cited pass forms include a field for an attached photo[1][2]. They do not specify its size, and the Tanzania Immigration Services Department publishes no single official size for these applications. A 35×45 mm crop (about 1.38×1.77 inches) is a practical fallback, not an official requirement.
Confirm photo requirements with the issuing office before submitting. The cited forms have a field for an attached photo[1][2]. The forms alone do not establish how online pass processing handles photo submissions.
Background and Lighting Rules
The official pass forms contain a photo-affix field, but do not specify a photo size or background[1][2]. Because the guidelines do not list a required background color, a plain, neutral light-colored background is standard practice for clear visibility.
Good lighting helps make sure your face is clearly visible without heavy shadows. Face a bright window to get even natural light on your face. Avoid using a direct flash that creates harsh shadows on the wall behind you or shiny spots on your skin.
Head Height, Glasses, and Headwear
The head height is not set by the authority in the official application rules for these passes[1][2]. Center your head in the frame so that your face is clearly visible from your chin to the top of your head.
The official rules leave glasses and headwear unspecified for these pass forms[1][2]. If you choose to wear glasses, make sure there is no glare on the lenses and that your eyes are fully visible. If you wear head coverings for religious or medical reasons, ensure your face from your chin to the top of your forehead remains unobstructed.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your pass photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask someone else to take the picture instead of trying to take a selfie. A selfie often distorts facial proportions because the camera is held too close.
Keep the camera at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. Look straight into the camera lens with a neutral facial expression and keep your mouth closed. Stand up straight and relax your shoulders.
Preparing Your Photo with the Tool Above
Once you take your photo, you need to crop it to the correct 35×45 mm dimensions. You can use the tool above to crop your passport, visa, and ID photos directly in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device, keeping your personal files private.
The tool also helps you make a photo sheet that you can print as an ordinary 4×6-inch photo at a local kiosk. This gives you physical copies to affix to your paper application forms while keeping the digital file ready for online submissions.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Applications often face delays if the attached photo does not match the application field or lacks clarity. Blurry images, poor lighting, and heavy shadows around the eyes or neck are frequent reasons for rejection by office staff.
Always check that your printed photo fits the physical space on the form correctly without needing to fold or cut off parts of your face. If you submit a digital file, check that the image format is clear and sharp before you upload it to the portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for a Tanzanian entry pass?
Does the authority specify a background color?
Can I submit my photo online?
Are glasses and headwear allowed in the photo?
How can I print my photo at home?
You can arrange a cropped image on a 4×6-inch photo sheet and print it at a photo kiosk.