Lost Your Zimbabwe Passport? Here Is What To Do (2026)
If you have lost your Zimbabwe passport or had it stolen, do not panic. This guide walks you through the immediate steps to take, how to get an emergency travel document, and how to apply for a replacement passport from the UK, South Africa, or anywhere in the world.
Immediate Steps — Do This Now
- Report to police — Get a written police report (crime reference number)
- Contact your embassy — Inform them of the loss immediately
- If you need to travel urgently — Ask about an Emergency Travel Document ($50)
1 Report the Loss to Police
Your first step is to report the lost or stolen passport to the local police. This is essential because:
- It creates an official record of the loss/theft
- The police report is required for your replacement passport application
- It helps prevent identity fraud if someone finds or stole your passport
- Some insurance claims require a police report
In the UK:
Report to your local police station or call 101 (non-emergency). You can also report online through your local police force website. Request a crime reference number.
In South Africa:
Visit your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station and file a report. Get a case number and a certified copy of the report.
In Other Countries:
Visit the local police and file a report. If you have difficulty with the local language, ask your hotel or a local contact to assist. Keep the original report and make copies.
2 Contact the Nearest Zimbabwe Embassy
Contact the nearest Zimbabwe embassy or consulate to inform them of your lost passport and discuss your options.
| Country | Office | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| UK | London Embassy | +44 20 7836 7755 |
| South Africa | Pretoria Embassy | +27 12 342 5125 |
| South Africa | Johannesburg Consulate | +27 11 616 5534 |
| South Africa | Cape Town Consulate | +27 21 421 1096 |
3 If You Need to Travel Urgently
If you need to travel within the next few days and cannot wait for a replacement passport, you have two options:
Emergency Travel Document
- Cost: $50
- Time: 1-2 working days
- Validity: 30 days, single journey
- Best for: Returning home or transit
Emergency 7-Day Passport
- Cost: $318 (adult)
- Time: 7 working days
- Validity: Full 10-year passport
- Best for: If you can wait a week
4 Apply for a Replacement Passport
Once your immediate travel needs are sorted, apply for a full replacement passport.
Required Documents:
- Police report documenting the loss/theft
- Zimbabwe national ID (or birth certificate if ID is also lost)
- Sworn affidavit detailing the circumstances of the loss
- 2 passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Completed passport application form
- Proof of residence in the country where you are applying
- Any copies of the lost passport (if you have photocopies or digital scans)
Fees:
| Service | Adult | Child | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement (standard) | $170 | $130 | 6-8 weeks |
| Replacement (fast-track) | $300 | $250 | 2-3 weeks |
The replacement fee includes a penalty surcharge for the lost passport. See full fee schedule.
Tips to Prevent Passport Loss
- Make copies: Keep photocopies and digital scans of your passport stored separately from the original
- Use hotel safes: Store your passport in the hotel safe when not needed
- Carry a copy: Carry a photocopy while out and leave the original secure
- Email yourself a scan: Have a digital copy accessible from any device
- Note the passport number: Keep the number written down separately
- Use a travel document holder: Invest in a secure passport holder or money belt
Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Contacts
UK Police (non-emergency)
101
SA Police (SAPS)
10111
Zimbabwe Embassy UK
+44 20 7836 7755
Zimbabwe Embassy SA
+27 12 342 5125
Find EmbassyReplacement Costs
- Adult Replacement$170
- Child Replacement$130
- Emergency Travel Doc$50
- Emergency 7-Day Passport$318