Zimbabwe Passport Application 2026 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

For First-Time Applicants

• Zimbabwe national ID card — mandatory (see our ID application guide if you don't have one)
• Birth certificate — original long form
• Citizenship certificate — if you obtained citizenship by registration or descent (see dual citizenship guide)
• 2 passport-sized photographs — 35mm x 45mm, white background, recent, no glasses
• Completed application form — in black ink (download from forms page)
• Application fee — $120 adult / $80 child

For Renewals

• Zimbabwe national ID card
• Current or expired passport — must be surrendered
• 2 passport-sized photographs
• Completed application form
• Application fee — $120 adult / $80 child

Additional Documents If Applying From Abroad

• Proof of residence in the foreign country (utility bill, bank statement, or residence permit)
• Foreign passport or travel document (if dual citizen)

Step 1: Ensure You Have a National ID

A Zimbabwe national ID card is mandatory. If you do not have one, apply first — see our national ID application guide. Without an ID, your passport application will be rejected.

Step 2: Download and Complete the Application Form

Download the passport application form from our forms page or collect one from the embassy/passport office. Complete it in black ink, printing clearly. Key sections include:

• Full name (as it appears on your birth certificate)
• National ID number
• Date and place of birth
• Current address
• Next of kin details
• Reason for application (first-time / renewal / replacement)

Step 3: Book an Appointment

Many offices and embassies now require appointments. Contact your chosen location to schedule a visit:

• In Zimbabwe: The Registrar General's Office in Harare and provincial offices may operate on a first-come, first-served basis or by appointment. Arrive early.
• Embassies abroad: Most require appointments. Contact the embassy by phone or email. Some offer online booking.

Step 4: Attend for Biometric Capture

You must attend in person. The following biometric data is captured electronically:

• Digital photograph (taken at the office)
• Fingerprints (all 10 fingers scanned)
• Digital signature

Step 5: Submit Documents and Pay

Hand in your completed form, supporting documents, photographs, and payment. You will receive a receipt/acknowledgement slip — keep this safe as it is needed to collect your passport.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing from abroad may take slightly longer due to courier logistics. See our detailed processing times page.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

You will be notified when your passport is ready (usually by phone or SMS). Bring your receipt/acknowledgement slip and national ID to collect.

In Zimbabwe

• Harare — Makombe Building, cnr Herbert Chitepo Ave & Leopold Takawira St
• Bulawayo — Tredgold Building, Leopold Takawira Ave
• Mutare — Registrar General's Provincial Office
• Masvingo — Registrar General's Provincial Office
• Gweru — Registrar General's Provincial Office

From South Africa

• Embassy of Zimbabwe, Pretoria — 798 Merton Road, Arcadia
• Consulate General, Johannesburg
• Consulate, Cape Town

Full South Africa Guide

From the United Kingdom

• Zimbabwe Embassy, London — 429 Strand, London WC2R 0JR

Full UK Guide

Other Countries

Find your nearest office on our embassies directory.

How to Get the Form

• Download: Visit our forms page for download links
• Embassy: Collect from any Zimbabwe embassy or consulate
• In Zimbabwe: Available at all Registrar General's offices

Tips for Completing the Form

• Use black ink only — blue ink may be rejected
• Write in BLOCK CAPITALS
• Your name must match your birth certificate and national ID exactly
• Do not leave any fields blank — write "N/A" if not applicable
• Sign and date the form on the day you submit it
• If you make a mistake, do not use correction fluid — request a new form

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection

• Name does not match birth certificate or ID
• Incorrect or missing national ID number
• Photographs do not meet specifications
• Form completed in blue ink or pencil
• Missing signature or date
• Form older than 6 months

Children under 16 require a passport for international travel. Here are the specific requirements:

• Child's birth certificate (original)
• Both parents' national IDs (or one parent's ID + consent letter from the other)
• 2 passport-sized photographs of the child
• Completed application form (signed by parent/guardian)
• Application fee: $80 (5-year validity)

Consent Requirements

• Absent parent: Provide a notarised consent letter
• Deceased parent: Provide the death certificate
• Sole custody: Provide the court order
• Unmarried mother: Can apply as sole parent with the birth certificate

• Adult Fee: $120 (10-year)
• Child Fee: $80 (5-year)
• Fast-Track: $250 / 2-3 weeks
• Emergency: $318 / 7 days
• Standard Time: 6-8 weeks
• In-Person: Required
• National ID: Mandatory