Need documents professionally prepared? Contact RegisterCompany.co.zw — Call 0861 200 6281

Zimbabwe Passport Application 2026

Complete guide to passport fees, required documents, where to apply, and processing times

Zimbabwe Passport Fees 2026

The Zimbabwe passport is issued by the Registrar General’s Office under the Civil Registry Department. As of 2026, there are three processing categories with different fees and turnaround times:

Passport TypeFee (USD)Processing Time
Ordinary Passport$1206–8 weeks
Express / 7-Day Passport$2005–10 working days
Emergency / 24-Hour Passport$3181–3 working days
Child Passport (under 16)$506–8 weeks (ordinary)
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always confirm the current fees at the Registrar General’s Office or the Zimbabwe Embassy before applying. Payment is typically in USD cash or via bank transfer.

Required Documents

You will need the following documents to apply for a Zimbabwe passport:

For Adults (16 years and older)

  • Completed application form — Available at the Registrar General’s Office or Zimbabwe Embassy
  • Original birth certificate — Long or short birth certificate. If born outside Zimbabwe, a certificate of citizenship may be required.
  • National ID card — Original and a photocopy. Your ID must be valid and the details must match your birth certificate.
  • Two passport-size photos — Recent (taken within the last 6 months), white background, 35mm x 45mm, no glasses, no headwear (unless for religious reasons)
  • Old passport — If renewing. The old passport will be cancelled and returned to you.
  • Proof of payment — Receipt showing the applicable fee has been paid
  • Marriage certificate — If applying in a married name different from your birth certificate name
  • Deed poll or affidavit — If you have changed your name (see our name change guide)

For Children (under 16)

  • Child’s birth certificate — Original
  • Both parents’ national ID cards — Originals and copies
  • Consent from both parents — Both parents should be present at the application, or a written consent and ID copy from the absent parent
  • Two passport-size photos of the child
  • Court order — If only one parent has custody, bring the custody order
  • Death certificate — If one parent is deceased

How to Apply — Step by Step

Applying in Zimbabwe

  1. Gather your documents — Ensure you have all original documents and photocopies as listed above.
  2. Visit the Registrar General’s Office — Go to the nearest office (see locations below). Arrive early as queues can be long, especially in Harare.
  3. Complete the application form — Fill in the form (available on-site). Write clearly in block letters using a black pen.
  4. Pay the fee — Pay at the cashier’s office or designated bank. Keep the receipt.
  5. Submit your application — Present your completed form, documents, photos, and payment receipt at the counter.
  6. Biometric capture — Your fingerprints and digital photo will be captured at the office.
  7. Receive your collection date — You will be given a receipt with an estimated collection date.
  8. Collect your passport — Return on or after the collection date with your receipt. You must collect in person.

Where to Apply in Zimbabwe

OfficeLocationNotes
Registrar General’s Office — HarareCorner Chirimba Road & Coventry Road, HarareMain office. Handles all passport types including emergency. Busiest location.
Makombe Building — HarareCnr Herbert Chitepo Ave & L. Takawira StAdditional processing centre in Harare
Registrar General’s Office — BulawayoMhlahlandlela Government ComplexSecond-largest office
Provincial officesMutare, Gweru, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, BinduraOrdinary passports only — may need to go to Harare or Bulawayo for express/emergency

Applying From Abroad

Zimbabweans living abroad can apply for passports at Zimbabwe Embassies and Consulates. The process is similar but typically takes longer.

Key Embassies for Passport Applications

CountryEmbassy/ConsulateNotes
South AfricaEmbassy: Pretoria | Consulate: Johannesburg, Cape TownHighest diaspora demand. Very long queues. Book early.
United KingdomEmbassy: London (Strand)Accepts postal applications for renewals
United StatesEmbassy: Washington DCServes all US-based applicants
BotswanaEmbassy: Gaborone
MozambiqueEmbassy: Maputo
ZambiaEmbassy: Lusaka
AustraliaEmbassy: CanberraAlso covers New Zealand

For a complete list of Zimbabwe embassies and their contact details, visit zimembassyinfo.com.

Processing times from abroad: Embassy applications typically take 3–6 months for ordinary processing. Express processing may not be available at all embassies. Check with your local embassy for current timelines and fees. See zimembassyinfo.com/fees for embassy-specific fee schedules.

Renewal vs New Application

ScenarioWhat You Need
Renewal (passport expired or expiring)Same documents as a new application, plus the old passport. If the old passport is lost, you need a police report and an affidavit explaining how it was lost.
New application (first passport)Standard documents: birth certificate, national ID, photos, fee
Lost passportPolice report, affidavit of loss, birth certificate, national ID, photos, fee (treated as a new application)
Damaged passportDamaged passport (for cancellation), birth certificate, national ID, photos, fee
Name changeNew application with deed poll or marriage certificate showing the name change

Zimbabwe E-Passport

Zimbabwe has been rolling out electronic passports (e-Passports) with biometric chips that store your fingerprints, digital photo, and personal details. The e-Passport meets ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards and is accepted worldwide.

  • All new passports issued are e-Passports
  • Old (non-biometric) passports remain valid until their expiry date
  • You do not need to upgrade to an e-Passport before your current passport expires
  • The e-Passport has enhanced security features to prevent forgery

Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Apply early — Don’t wait until the last minute before travel. Processing delays are common, especially during peak periods (December, school holidays).
  • Check your documents — Ensure your name on your ID matches your birth certificate. Any discrepancies will delay your application.
  • Bring photocopies — Have copies of all documents ready. Some offices provide photocopying on-site (for a fee), but it’s faster to bring your own.
  • Arrive early — The Harare office gets very busy. Arrive before 7am if possible.
  • Photo requirements — Use a professional passport photo service. Photos that don’t meet requirements will be rejected.
  • Keep your receipt — You need it to collect your passport. If you lose it, the process is complicated.

Frequently Searched Questions

Can I travel with an expired Zimbabwe passport?

No. You cannot use an expired passport for international travel. However, some countries may allow entry for Zimbabwean nationals with an Emergency Travel Document issued by a Zimbabwe Embassy. Contact the embassy in the country where you need to travel.

How many pages does a Zimbabwe passport have?

The standard Zimbabwe e-Passport has 32 pages. There is currently no option for a 48-page passport.

Can I have dual citizenship and two passports?

Zimbabwe’s Constitution (2013) allows dual citizenship. You may hold a Zimbabwe passport alongside a passport from another country. You should enter and leave Zimbabwe on your Zimbabwe passport.

Related Guides & Documents

Need Help With Your Passport Application?

We assist with document preparation, form completion, and embassy applications

View Embassy Fees & Locations

Check passport fees and embassy contact details at zimembassyinfo.com

Need Help? Ask on WhatsApp

Applying From Abroad?

Visit our embassy guide for location-specific fees, requirements, and contact details

Visit ZimEmbassyInfo.com Get Help at RegisterCompany.co.zw

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a 7-day passport in Zimbabwe?
The Express (7-day) passport costs USD $200 in 2026. The ordinary passport is $120 (6-8 weeks) and the emergency/24-hour passport is $318.
What documents do I need for a passport application?
Completed application form, original birth certificate, national ID card (original + copy), two passport-size photos (white background), old passport (if renewing), and the applicable fee.
Can I apply for a Zimbabwe passport from South Africa?
Yes. Apply at the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria or Consulate in Johannesburg. Processing takes 3-6 months for ordinary passports. Bring proof of legal residence in South Africa.
How long does it take to get a Zimbabwe passport?
Emergency: 1-3 days ($318). Express: 5-10 days ($200). Ordinary: 6-8 weeks ($120). Embassy applications from abroad: 3-6 months. Times may be longer during peak periods.