Tajikistan Visa Photo Requirements (2026)
Tajikistan operates a three-tier visa system in 2026: visa-free access for select CIS nationals, an electronic visa (e-visa) system through the official portal at evisa.tj for most OECD and ASEAN nationals, and embassy-issued visas for all other nationalities. Importantly, the photo requirements differ between the Tajikistan passport and the Tajikistan e-visa โ the e-visa uses a larger photo format. This guide covers all official photo requirements for both visa types to help ensure your application is accepted without delays.
Tajikistan E-Visa Photo Size โ Important Difference
Unlike the passport photo, the Tajikistan e-visa photo has a different, larger format: 50 mm ร 60 mm (5 cm ร 6 cm), equivalent to approximately 1.97 ร 2.36 inches. At 600 DPI this corresponds to 1181 ร 1417 pixels. This is a critical distinction โ submitting a 35ร45 mm passport-format photo for the e-visa application may result in rejection at the evisa.tj portal. The digital file must be in JPEG format with a maximum file size of 240 KB and a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Only one photo needs to be uploaded for the online e-visa application.
Embassy Visa Photo Size
For applicants applying for a Tajikistan visa in person at a Tajikistan embassy or consulate abroad, the standard 35 mm ร 45 mm passport-format photo applies. Four printed photos are typically required alongside the completed visa application form and supporting documents including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and (for some nationalities) an invitation letter or confirmed itinerary.
Background Requirements
For both e-visa and embassy visa applications, the background must be plain white โ uniform, smooth, and entirely free of patterns, gradients, textures, shadows, or any other objects. The applicant's clothing must contrast clearly with the white background. Off-white, cream, grey, or any colored background will result in the photo being rejected. Ensure the background is evenly and uniformly lit to prevent shadows forming behind the subject.
Head Size and Facial Framing
The face โ from the forehead edge to the bottom of the chin โ must occupy 70% to 80% of the total image height. For the e-visa 50ร60 mm format, the minimum head height is 45 mm within the 60 mm frame, with the top of the head positioned a minimum of 3.6 mm from the top edge of the photo. The head must be centered, straight, and looking directly forward. The full face from chin to crown must be visible within the frame with no cropping at any edge. The top of the shoulders must be visible at the bottom of the image.
Facial Expression and Eyes
A neutral, relaxed facial expression is required โ mouth closed, no smiling, no frowning, no raised eyebrows. Both eyes must be fully open, clearly visible, and looking directly at the camera. Eyes must not be squinted, partially closed, or obscured by hair or accessories. Red-eye is not permitted โ use diffused or off-camera lighting during the shoot to prevent red-eye rather than applying digital corrections afterward.
Photo Quality and Technical Standards
The photo must be in full color with natural, accurate skin tone representation. The image must be sharp, in focus, and free from blur, pixelation, or graininess. No digital retouching, beauty filters, brightness adjustments, or color corrections are permitted. Lighting must be uniform across the entire face โ no harsh shadows on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead, and no reflective glare from direct flash. For the online e-visa upload, use JPEG format, ensure a minimum resolution of 300 DPI, and keep the file size under 240 KB.
Clothing and Accessories
Wear your regular, everyday clothing for the visa photo. Clothing must clearly contrast with the white background โ avoid all-white or very light-colored tops that may blend into the background. Uniforms or attire resembling official, military, or government dress are not permitted. Glasses must be removed for the photo. Headwear is not permitted except for verified religious or cultural reasons, in which case the full face from chin to forehead must remain clearly visible with no shadows cast on any facial feature. Beards are acceptable if they represent the applicant's natural everyday appearance.
How to Apply for the Tajikistan E-Visa in 2026
The Tajikistan e-visa is applied for entirely online through the official portal at evisa.tj. The application requires uploading a compliant face photo (50ร60 mm, JPEG, under 240 KB) and a scanned color copy of the passport data page. The processing fee is approximately USD 30 base fee plus USD 20 processing fee. Standard processing takes 1 to 3 working days. The e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, with a maximum stay of 60 days. Applicants are advised to print two copies of the approved e-visa to present at the border. The e-visa is accepted at all airports and designated land border crossings. Note: travelers intending to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) โ including the Pamir Highway โ must also obtain a separate GBAO permit, which can be added to the e-visa application for an additional USD 20โ30.
Photo Recency
Visa photos must have been taken within the last six months of the application date. This applies to both e-visa digital uploads and physical photos submitted at embassies. The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance at the time of application.
Common Reasons for Tajikistan Visa Photo Rejection
Frequent rejection reasons include: using a 35ร45 mm photo for the e-visa instead of the required 50ร60 mm format, file size exceeding 240 KB, non-JPEG file format, colored or non-white background, shadows on the face or background, wearing glasses, red-eye, digital retouching or filters, head tilted or not centered, photo older than six months, and clothing color blending into the white background.
Quick Compliance Checklist
Before submitting your Tajikistan visa application, verify: โ E-visa photo is 50ร60 mm (not 35ร45 mm) โ Embassy visa photo is 35ร45 mm โ Background is plain white, no shadows โ Head occupies 70โ80% of image height โ Face centered, straight, looking forward โ Both eyes open, no red-eye โ Neutral expression, mouth closed โ Glasses removed โ No non-religious headwear โ Full color, no retouching or filters โ Photo taken within 6 months โ JPEG format, under 240 KB, min 300 DPI for e-visa upload
