The Ultimate Guide to Zimbabwean Passports

Part 1: Understanding the e-Passport

Since 2021, Zimbabwe has been issuing biometric e-Passports. These are modern, secure documents that comply with international standards, making travel smoother and more secure. They contain a chip with your biographical data and photograph.

• Who needs one? All new applicants and anyone renewing an old-style (non-electronic) passport will be issued with an e-Passport.
• Key Benefit: The primary advantage is increased security and faster processing at international borders.

Costs & Payment

As of early 2024, the official fees for passports applied for within Zimbabwe are:

• Ordinary e-Passport: USD $150
• Emergency e-Passport (3-day): USD $250

An additional USD $20 fee is often required for the application form and QR code. Payments can typically be made via swipe (local cards), mobile money, or cash (USD). It's always best to confirm the accepted payment methods at your specific application centre.

Part 2: Applying from Within Zimbabwe

The process for applying locally is managed by the Civil Registry Department. It begins with an online booking and payment, followed by an in-person appointment to submit your documents and capture your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

The Local Application Process in a Nutshell:

1. Book an appointment and pay the fee online via the official government portal: zimbabwepassport.online.
2. Gather your required documents: Original birth certificate, National ID, and proof of payment.
3. Attend your appointment at your chosen Civil Registry office.
4. Wait for notification that your passport is ready for collection.

Part 3: Applying from the Diaspora

For the millions of Zimbabweans living abroad, renewing or applying for a passport has its own unique set of challenges. The process is managed through Zimbabwean embassies and consulates, and the requirements can differ slightly from local applications.

Key Considerations for Diaspora Applicants:

• Location is Key: The process and booking system can vary significantly depending on the country you're in. The requirements for applying in South Africa, for example, are different from those in the UK.
• Foreign Currency Fees: All fees are payable in foreign currency (e.g., Rand, Pounds, USD) and are often higher than the local fees. For example, the fee in South Africa is currently USD $250.
• Document Certification: You may need to have copies of your documents certified by a local authority in your country of residence.

Part 4: Renewals, Replacements, and Common Issues

Life happens. Passports get lost, damaged, or expire. Here’s a quick overview of how to handle these common situations.

• Expired Passport: The process for renewing an expired passport is the same as applying for a new one. You will follow the standard application procedure.
• Lost or Stolen Passport: This requires an extra step. You must first report the loss to the police in the country where it happened and obtain a police report. This report is a mandatory requirement for your new application.
• Name Change After Marriage: If you need to change the name on your passport after getting married, you will need to provide your original marriage certificate as part of your application.

Part 5: Community Tools & Key Locations

Knowledge is power, and our community's shared experience is one of our most valuable resources.

How Long Will It Really Take?

Official processing times can vary. For real-world insights, check our community-powered Document Tracker. It shows the average wait times for passports and other documents, based on anonymous data submitted by users like you.

Where Are the Main Offices?

The main passport office in Harare is located at the Central Registry building. You can find the exact location of this and other key government buildings on our interactive map.