Zimbabwe Embassy London 2026 — Complete Guide

The Embassy of Zimbabwe in the United Kingdom, also known as Zimbabwe House, is located at 429 Strand, London WC2R 0JR, just 2 minutes walk from Charing Cross underground station. This is the definitive guide to the embassy's address, opening hours, services, fees, and how to get there.

The London embassy serves Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden). It is headed by Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Christian Katsande.

Quick Contact Details

429 Strand

London WC2R 0JR

+44 20 7836 7755

Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw

Email enquiries

Charing Cross

2 min walk

Contact Information

Opening Hours 2026

Embassy Hours:

Monday09:00 - 16:30
Tuesday09:00 - 16:30
Wednesday09:00 - 16:30
Thursday09:00 - 16:30
Friday09:00 - 16:30
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Consular Section (Applications):

Monday09:00 - 12:30
Tuesday09:00 - 12:30
Wednesday09:00 - 12:30
Thursday09:00 - 12:30
Friday09:00 - 12:30
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

All Services at Zimbabwe Embassy London

The Zimbabwe Embassy in London provides the following consular and diplomatic services:

Passport Services

New e-passport applications, renewals, emergency travel documents

Learn More

Visa Services

Tourist, business, transit, and other visa categories for visiting Zimbabwe

Learn More

Citizenship Services

Citizenship by descent, registration, dual citizenship applications

Learn More

Notarial Services

Document authentication, legalisation, apostille

Learn More

Emergency Travel Documents

Temporary travel documents for lost or stolen passports

Learn More

Birth & Death Registration

Register births abroad, replacement certificates

Learn More

Passport Services at the London Embassy

The London embassy processes e-passport applications (biometric passports) for Zimbabwean citizens in the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics. You must attend in person for biometric data capture (fingerprints and digital photograph).

What You Need to Bring:

  • Zimbabwe National ID card (green paper NID with photo and printed NID number) -- original + 2 photocopies
  • Long (unabridged) birth certificate -- original + 2 photocopies (required for first-time e-passport)
  • Current or expired passport -- original + copy of details page
  • 2 passport photos -- 35mm x 45mm, white background, dark/navy blue/black top
  • Citizenship certificate -- if born outside Zimbabwe or either parent was born outside Zimbabwe (dated August 2001 or later)
  • Marriage certificate or divorce order (if applicable)
  • Police report (if previous passport was lost or stolen)
  • Application fee -- see fee table below

Passport Fees at the London Embassy (2026)

ServiceGazetted Fee (USD)Notes
Ordinary e-passport$150Plus $20 QR code surcharge
Emergency e-passport$250Plus $20 QR code surcharge

Gazetted fees per SI 2024-001 (Citizenship Passport Fees Amendment Regulations). The embassy may charge an additional administration fee. Payment accepted in GBP at the prevailing exchange rate. Full fee schedule.

Processing Time

Applications at the London embassy are forwarded to the passport production facility in Harare. Expect 6-10 weeks for ordinary processing. The finished passport is returned to the embassy for collection. The embassy will contact you when it is ready.

How to Get to the Zimbabwe Embassy London

Zimbabwe House is centrally located on the Strand, one of London's main streets, between Trafalgar Square and the Royal Courts of Justice. It is one of the most accessible embassies in London.

By Underground (Tube)

  • Charing Cross (Northern & Bakerloo lines) -- 2 minutes walk. Exit via the Strand exit, turn right, and Zimbabwe House is on the left.
  • Embankment (District, Circle, Northern & Bakerloo lines) -- 5 minutes walk north along Villiers Street.
  • Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) -- 7 minutes walk south through Covent Garden piazza.
  • Temple (District & Circle lines) -- 8 minutes walk west along the Strand.

By National Rail

Charing Cross mainline station is adjacent (2 minutes walk). Services from Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Waterloo East is 10 minutes walk across Hungerford Bridge.

By Bus

Bus routes 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 91, 139, and 176 all stop along the Strand within 1 minute of Zimbabwe House.

By Car

Very limited street parking. The embassy is within London's Congestion Charge zone (weekdays, £15/day) and the ULEZ zone. Nearest NCP car parks: Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. Using public transport is strongly recommended.

By Bicycle

Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes) docking stations are available on the Strand and at Charing Cross. Cycle parking is available near the embassy.

How to Book an Appointment

Appointments are required for passport applications and most consular services at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London.

How to Book:

  1. Phone the embassy on +44 20 7836 7755 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm)
  2. Or email zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw with your full name, service required, and two or three preferred dates
  3. The embassy will confirm your appointment date and time
  4. Arrive on time at the consular section (open 9am to 12:30pm for applications)
  5. Bring all documents -- incomplete applications will not be processed and you will need a new appointment

Walk-in Services:

The following services may not require an appointment (subject to availability):

  • Collecting a completed passport
  • General enquiries
  • Purchasing application forms
  • Notarial services (authentication of single documents)
Tip for visitors from outside London: The London embassy serves Zimbabweans across the UK, Ireland, and the Nordic countries. If you are travelling from outside London, prepare everything in advance to make the most of your visit. Download forms from our forms page beforehand and confirm your appointment before travelling.

Visas for UK Citizens Visiting Zimbabwe

UK passport holders need a visa to visit Zimbabwe. You have three options:

Visa TypeFee (USD)ValidityHow to Get
Single Entry Tourist$3090 daysOn arrival / eVisa / Embassy
Double Entry Tourist$4590 daysOn arrival / eVisa / Embassy
Multiple Entry$551 yearEmbassy only
KAZA UniVisa$5030 daysOn arrival at Victoria Falls or Livingstone

UK passport holders are Category B under Zimbabwe immigration rules. The KAZA UniVisa covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Full visa requirements guide.

Embassy Staff

Ambassador: Colonel (Rtd.) Christian Katsande


Departments:

  • Consular Section -- passports, visas, birth registration, notarial services
  • Political Affairs
  • Economic Affairs & Trade
  • Administration

Security & Visiting Rules

  • All visitors must present identification to enter the embassy
  • Electronic devices may be subject to inspection
  • Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside
  • Photography inside the embassy is prohibited
  • Arrive with all required documents -- incomplete applications will be turned away

Payment Methods:

  • Cash in British Pounds (GBP) -- preferred
  • Bank transfer (details provided on appointment confirmation)
  • Credit/debit cards may not be accepted -- bring cash as backup

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, appointments are required for passport applications and most consular services. Phone +44 20 7836 7755 or email zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw to book. Walk-ins may be accepted for document collection and general enquiries.

Ordinary processing takes 6-10 weeks. Your application is forwarded to Harare for passport production and the finished passport is sent back to the London embassy for collection. The embassy will contact you when it is ready.

Yes. If your passport is lost, stolen, or expired and you need to travel to Zimbabwe urgently, the embassy can issue a Temporary Travel Document (TTD) within 24 hours. TTDs are valid for travel to Zimbabwe only and are valid for 6 months. You will need a police report (if lost/stolen), confirmed travel itinerary, and passport photos. See our emergency travel document guide.

Yes. If your child was born in the UK and at least one parent is a Zimbabwean citizen, you can register the birth using form BD3. Both parents should attend with the child's UK birth certificate, their Zimbabwe national IDs or passports, and marriage certificate. The gazetted fee is free for children under 6 or $5 for children over 6 (per SI 2024-007). The embassy may charge an additional admin fee. See our birth certificate guide.

Yes. The London embassy has biometric capture equipment for the new e-passport. Your fingerprints and digital photograph are captured at the embassy and submitted with your application to Harare. You must attend in person -- postal applications are not possible for biometric passports.

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