Why the Formatting Problem with Online Uzbekistan Visa Application Happens (And How to Fix It)
Formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application typically occur when your photo doesn’t meet strict technical requirements. Here’s what you need to know immediately:
Quick Fix Checklist:
- Photo dimensions: 35×45 mm (413×531 pixels)
- Resolution: 300 DPI
- File size: Under 1 MB
- Format: JPG only
- Background: Solid white, no shadows
- Avoid these form fields: “Surname changed,” “Name changed,” and “Citizenship of other states” (they often trigger system errors)
The Uzbekistan e-visa system rejects photos that don’t comply with ICAO standards, but it won’t tell you which requirement you missed, creating a frustrating guessing game. Some travelers report over 100 failed attempts before succeeding.
Beyond photos, users face blank dropdown menus, unresponsive support channels, and an official email inbox that is often full. This leaves travelers with imminent departure dates scrambling for solutions.
I’m Nariman Huseynov, and through visato.uz, I’ve helped thousands of travelers solve the formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application over the past five years. I’ve seen every technical glitch and know how to fix them.
This guide will walk you through each formatting requirement, show you which form fields to avoid, and provide backup solutions when the official portal fails.
The Ultimate Guide to Fixing E-Visa Photo Errors
If you’ve received the “Photo does not comply with ICAO standards” error, you’re not alone. This is the single biggest obstacle in the application process. The system never specifies which requirement failed, leaving you to guess. However, once you understand the exact specifications, this formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application becomes manageable. Let’s walk through each requirement.
Step 1: Achieve a Solid White Background
Your photo needs a pure, solid white background with no shadows or reflections. Even a slightly off-white shade will trigger rejection. The easiest solution is using an online background removal tool; a search for “remove photo background free” will yield many options. These tools create a transparent background that you can fill with pure white (RGB 255, 255, 255). If you have photo editing software like GIMP or Photoshop, you can manually remove the background. When taking a new photo, stand away from a white wall with even, frontal lighting to minimize shadows.
Step 2: Resize Your Photo to the Exact Dimensions
Your photo must be exactly 35×45 mm, which is 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. Standard editing tools can make this tricky. Specialized passport photo apps are the best solution. The Passport Photo app for iPhone and similar Android apps like “Passport Size photo editor” have pre-programmed settings for Uzbekistan’s requirements. Simply select the country or input the 35×45 mm dimensions, and the app will format it correctly.
Step 3: Verify and Set the Photo Resolution to 300 DPI
The e-visa system requires a resolution of 300 DPI exactly. Smartphone photos often default to a lower resolution. The simplest method is to use an online tool like convert.town. Upload your image, set the target to 300 DPI, and download the converted file in seconds. While desktop software can also modify DPI, online tools are more user-friendly.
Step 4: Compress the File to Under 1MB
Your final photo file must be under 1 MB. High-resolution photos can easily exceed this limit. Use a compression tool to reduce the file size without losing quality. Tiny JPG is an excellent solution; simply drag your photo onto the site, and it will compress the file intelligently while maintaining visual quality. Always check your file size before uploading.
Step 5: Ensure the File is a JPG
The final requirement is the file format. Your photo must be a JPG (or JPEG) file. Other formats like PNG will be rejected. If your file isn’t a JPG, use a free online tool like PNG to JPG or Cloud Convert to convert it. When saving from any photo editor, always ensure you select “JPEG” or “JPG” as the file type.
Following these five steps eliminates the photo upload formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application. Taking ten extra minutes to get it right can save hours of troubleshooting.
Navigating the Common Formatting Problem with Online Uzbekistan Visa Application
The photo upload is the main obstacle, but the formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application extends to other parts of the process, from passport scans to malfunctioning form fields. Let’s walk through these potential pitfalls.
Passport Scan Requirements
Your passport scan needs to be crystal clear. Every piece of information on your passport’s main biographical page must be sharp and readable, with no glare or obstructions. The file size limit is 500 KB. Use a compression tool like Tiny JPG if your scan is too large. Scan only the main page with your photo and personal details, and save it as a JPG file.
Avoiding System Errors on the Application Form
The application form has known quirks that can derail your submission. Based on our experience, you should handle certain fields with care.
The “Surname changed” and “Name changed” tick boxes are notorious troublemakers. Our advice is to leave them unchecked, even if you have legitimately changed your name, as they frequently trigger system errors.
Similarly, if you hold dual citizenship, ignore the “Citizenship of other states” tick box. Checking it is another common trigger for errors. Dual citizens do not need to provide this information when entering Uzbekistan on an e-visa.
If you encounter blank dropdown menus or greyed-out fields, this is a known bug. Try clearing your browser cache or switching to a different browser (Google Chrome is often reliable). Sometimes, waiting a few hours and trying again can resolve these temporary glitches.
What Information to Prepare Before You Start
To avoid a formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application, gather everything you need before you begin. This will streamline the process and help prevent mistakes. Have the following ready:
- Passport details: Full name, passport number, issue and expiry dates, place of issue, and nationality.
- Travel dates: Your planned arrival and departure dates (must be within the next three months).
- Accommodation address: The name and full address of your first accommodation in Uzbekistan.
- Digital documents: Your formatted digital photo and a clear passport scan (JPG, under 500 KB).
- Payment method: A Visa card, as it’s the only accepted option on the official portal.
From Application to Approval: The E-Visa Process
You’ve prepared your documents and know which fields to avoid. Now it’s time to submit your application through the official portal at e-visa.gov.uz. Here’s what to expect, from payment to receiving your approved visa.
Costs and Accepted Payment Methods
The Uzbekistan e-visa fees depend on the number of entries. A single-entry visa costs 20 USD, a double-entry visa is 35 USD, and a multiple-entry visa is 50 USD. The system only accepts Visa cards for payment, not Mastercard or American Express. Be prepared for a small processing fee (around $3.75) to be added.
Account Activation and Final Submission
After filling out the form, you’ll receive an email to activate your account. This is a crucial step. The activation link is only valid for 12 hours, so click it as soon as possible. If you miss this window, you may have to start the application over.
Once your account is activated, you’ll proceed to payment. Enter your Visa card details carefully and don’t close the browser window while the payment processes. The system can take a minute or two, and closing the window prematurely can cause errors. After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your application code. Save this email.
Receiving Your E-Visa and What to Do Next
The official processing time is three working days, and many travelers receive their visa within this timeframe. When your visa is approved, you’ll get an email with the e-visa attached as a PDF or a link to download it from the portal using your application code.
Once you have the e-visa, print it out. Keep multiple copies and save a digital version on your phone as a backup. You must present this visa with your passport upon arrival in Uzbekistan. If your visa is denied, the email should explain why. Following the steps in this guide makes approval highly likely.
What to Do When the E-Visa Website Fails
Sometimes, the official e-visa website fails despite your best efforts. The system may freeze, fields go blank, or errors appear for no reason. This is when the formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application is about the system itself. Don’t panic; there are alternative routes for help.
When Official Support is Unresponsive
The official support channels can be unresponsive. The support email address (mail@e-visa.gov.uz) is known for having a full inbox, causing emails to bounce back. The official hotline (+9987120000099) is also frequently reported as unresponsive. Even embassies may just advise you to “keep trying.”
The Telegram lifeline has been a game-changer for many. The Uzbekistan visa support team can be reached on Telegram at +998 77 007 11 63. This channel is far more responsive, and users report getting helpful human responses. In some cases, support staff have sent visa PDFs directly to applicants via email when the website failed. This should be your first alternative.
If Telegram doesn’t work, reaching out to your nearest Uzbekistan consulate or embassy is another option, though it may be a slower process.
If Your Approved E-Visa Won’t Download
It’s also possible to receive an approval email but find the download page doesn’t work due to CAPTCHA errors or broken links. This is a frustrating final hurdle in the formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application saga.
First, check your approval email carefully. The visa PDF may be attached directly. If not, your next move should be the Telegram support channel (+998 77 007 11 63). The support team can often email you the visa PDF directly, bypassing the portal. This has saved many travelers close to their departure date.
As a last resort, some travelers have shown proof of onward travel at the border, but we do not recommend relying on this. It’s far better to exhaust all support channels first. Of course, services like Visato.uz exist to handle these headaches for you, with guaranteed approval and 24/7 support.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Uzbekistan E-Visa Application
Here are answers to common questions about the application process, based on official guidelines and real-world traveler experiences with the formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application.
How long does it take to receive the Uzbekistan e-visa?
The official processing time is within three working days after successful submission and payment. Most applicants find this to be accurate. However, technical issues or public holidays can cause delays. We recommend applying at least a week or two before your departure date to create a buffer.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Uzbekistan?
No, not for most nationalities. The visa on arrival option is generally not available for those who require a visa. The e-visa system was created so you can secure your visa before you travel. The US State Department and other authorities advise citizens to apply well in advance. Arriving without a pre-approved visa could result in denied boarding or being turned away at immigration.
What are the risks of using unofficial visa websites?
The only official website for the Uzbekistan e-visa is e-visa.gov.uz. Unofficial websites pose significant risks. They often charge double or triple the official government fees and may not have adequate security for your personal and payment data. Some are outright scams.
Even legitimate-looking third-party services often just submit your data to the official portal, sometimes with less care than you would. This can lead to errors or delays. If something goes wrong, their support may be unresponsive. While the official portal has its quirks, you know your information is secure and you’re paying the correct fee. If you want help navigating the process securely, a specialized service like Visato.uz can manage the application for you with 24/7 support and a streamlined process.
Conclusion
You’re now equipped to beat the formatting problem with online Uzbekistan visa application. We’ve covered everything from the frustrating “Photo does not comply with ICAO standards” error to mysterious system glitches.
To recap: your photo needs a white background, 35×45 mm dimensions (413×531 pixels), 300 DPI resolution, a file size under 1 MB, and JPG format. Your passport scan must be clear and under 500 KB. Remember to skip the “Surname changed,” “Name changed,” and “Citizenship of other states” boxes to avoid errors.
Even when you do everything right, the official portal can be frustrating. This is why we created Visato.uz. We’ve seen every technical hiccup and built our service to handle these challenges for you. No more guessing games with photo formats or wondering if your application went through.
When you apply through Visato.uz, you get guaranteed approval backed by our expertise. Our team reviews every application, and you’ll have 24/7 support from real people. You’ll receive your e-visa in 2-3 business days, giving you peace of mind to focus on your adventure.
The ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are waiting. Don’t let a technical glitch delay your journey.
