Zimbabwe e-Passport 2026 — Complete Guide

The Zimbabwe e-Passport (biometric passport) is the new standard travel document for Zimbabwean citizens. This guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, how to apply, requirements, costs, processing times, and where to apply from abroad.

e-Passport Quick Facts

$120 Adult Cost
$80 Child Cost
10 Years Adult Validity
32 Pages Standard Book

What Is the Zimbabwe e-Passport?

The Zimbabwe e-Passport (electronic passport) is a biometric travel document that contains an embedded electronic chip. This chip stores:

  • Your facial photograph (digital image)
  • Fingerprint data (all 10 fingers)
  • Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, passport number)
  • Digital signature for authentication

The e-passport was introduced by the Government of Zimbabwe to replace the older non-electronic passport and meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring it is accepted worldwide.

Key Security Features:

  • Embedded electronic chip with encrypted data
  • Machine-readable zone (MRZ) for automated border processing
  • Laser-perforated personal details page
  • Holographic overlay
  • UV and infrared security features
  • Digital watermarks

e-Passport vs Old Passport — Key Differences

Feature Old Passport New e-Passport
Biometric Chip No Yes
Fingerprint Data Not stored All 10 fingers
Machine Readable Basic MRZ Enhanced MRZ + chip
Security Features Basic Advanced (holographic, UV, digital)
Application Form + photos only Form + biometric capture (in person)
International Standard Legacy ICAO 9303 compliant
Pages 32 pages 32 pages
Adult Validity 10 years 10 years
Cost (Adult) $120 $120

How to Apply for a Zimbabwe e-Passport

Requirements:

  • Zimbabwe national ID card (mandatory)
  • Birth certificate (for first-time applicants)
  • Citizenship certificate (if you obtained citizenship by registration or descent)
  • 2 passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background, recent)
  • Completed application form
  • Current or expired passport (for renewals — will be surrendered)
  • Proof of residence (if applying from abroad)
  • Application fee: $120 (adult) / $80 (child under 16)

Application Process:

  1. Gather all documents — ensure you have originals and copies of everything listed above
  2. Complete the application form — download from the forms page or collect from the embassy
  3. Book an appointment — contact your nearest embassy or passport office
  4. Attend in person for biometric capture — your fingerprints (all 10 fingers), digital photograph, and signature are captured electronically
  5. Submit documents and pay the fee
  6. Wait for processing — your data is sent to the production facility in Harare
  7. Collect your e-passport — you will be notified when it is ready
6-Month Form Expiry Warning: Passport application forms are valid for 6 months from the date of completion. If your application is not processed within this period (which can happen with applications from abroad), you may need to complete new forms and have biometrics recaptured. Apply as early as possible.

Where to Apply

In Zimbabwe:

Apply at any Registrar General's Office or designated passport office. Main offices include Harare (Makombe Building), Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, and Gweru. In Zimbabwe, processing can be faster as there is no international courier involved.

From Abroad (Embassies):

You can apply at any Zimbabwe embassy or consulate worldwide. Popular offices for e-passport applications:

When applying from abroad, your biometrics are captured at the embassy. The application data is then transmitted to Harare for passport production, and the finished passport is shipped back to the embassy for collection.

Processing Times & Costs

Service Time Adult Child
Standard e-Passport 6-8 weeks $120 $80
Fast-Track 2-3 weeks $250 $200
Emergency (7 days) 7 working days $318 $268

Full details on our processing times and fee schedule pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, your old non-biometric passport remains valid until its printed expiry date. However, when you next renew, you will automatically receive the new e-passport. Some countries may eventually require biometric passports, so switching early is advisable.

No. You must attend in person because biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph) must be captured electronically. You can send the application form and documents by post for preliminary review, but you will need to visit the embassy for biometric capture before the application can be finalised.

Yes, children also need to attend in person. For very young children, fingerprint quality may vary, but a digital photograph is still required. Both parents (or the applying parent with consent from the other) should accompany the child.

In rare cases where fingerprints cannot be captured (medical conditions, injuries), the embassy will note this on the application. The passport may still be issued with available biometric data. Speak to the consular officer about your specific situation.

All Zimbabwe e-Passports are produced at the central production facility in Harare, Zimbabwe. Applications submitted at embassies abroad have the biometric data transmitted securely to Harare, where the passport is printed and then shipped back to the embassy for collection. This is why processing from abroad can take slightly longer.

e-Passport Summary

  • Type: Biometric (ICAO compliant)
  • Chip: Yes (fingerprints + photo)
  • Adult Cost: $120 (10-year validity)
  • Child Cost: $80 (5-year validity)
  • Pages: 32
  • Processing: 6-8 weeks standard
  • In-person: Required for biometrics

Related Pages

Passport Renewal Guide Fee Schedule 2026 Processing Times Download Forms Track Application Passport News South Africa Embassy UK Embassy