Renew Zimbabwean Passport in the UK 2026
The Zimbabwe Embassy in London is the only diplomatic office in the United Kingdom. Whether you are renewing an expired passport or applying for the first time, this guide covers the complete process for UK-based Zimbabweans, including embassy details, fees in GBP, required documents, and processing times.
UK Passport Renewal Quick Facts
$120
Adult Standard
8-12 Wks
Standard Time
London
Only UK Office
In Person
Required
Zimbabwe Embassy London — Contact Details
| Address | 429 Strand, London WC2R 0JR, United Kingdom |
| Phone | +44 (0)20 7836 7755 |
| zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw | |
| Consular Hours | Monday-Friday: 10:00-13:00 (submissions), 14:00-15:30 (collections) |
| Nearest Tube | Charing Cross (Bakerloo, Northern) or Temple (Circle, District) |
| Nearest Rail | Charing Cross Station |
Getting there: The embassy is located on the Strand, between Charing Cross Station and the Royal Courts of Justice. It is easily accessible by tube, bus, or rail.
Required Documents
For Renewals
- Zimbabwe national ID card
- Current or expired passport (to be surrendered)
- 2 passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background)
- Completed application form (black ink)
- Proof of UK residence (utility bill, bank statement, BRP card)
- Application fee
For First-Time Applications
All of the above, plus:
- Birth certificate (original)
- Citizenship certificate (if applicable — see dual citizenship guide)
Fees & Payment
| Service | Time | Adult (USD) | Adult (GBP approx) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 8-12 weeks | $120 | ~£95-100 | $80 |
| Fast-Track | 3-4 weeks | $250 | ~£197-210 | $200 |
| Emergency | 2-3 weeks | $318 | ~£250-267 | $268 |
GBP amounts are approximate. The embassy will confirm the exact GBP equivalent at the current exchange rate. Payment is typically accepted in GBP by bank transfer, card, or cash. Confirm payment methods when booking.
Step-by-Step Process
- Book an appointment — call +44 20 7836 7755 or email the embassy. Appointments fill up quickly, especially around school holidays.
- Download and complete the application form — available from our forms page. Use black ink.
- Get passport photographs taken — most UK high-street photo booths and pharmacies offer passport photos. Ensure white background, 35mm x 45mm.
- Attend the embassy in person — bring all documents (originals + copies). Biometric data (fingerprints, digital photo, signature) will be captured.
- Submit documents and pay — you will receive a receipt/acknowledgement slip.
- Wait for processing — standard is 8-12 weeks. Your passport is produced in Harare and shipped to London.
- Collect your passport — the embassy will contact you. Bring your receipt and ID. Collection hours are typically 14:00-15:30.
Tip for those outside London: If you live in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or northern England, you will need to travel to London. Plan your trip around the embassy's consular hours (10:00-13:00 for submissions). Consider booking a fast-track application to minimise the number of trips.
Can I Apply by Post?
The biometric e-passport requires in-person biometric capture, so a fully postal application is not possible. However, the embassy may allow a two-stage process:
- Post your documents for preliminary review and verification
- Attend in person for biometric capture once the embassy confirms your documents are in order
This can reduce the time needed at the embassy to just the biometric appointment. Contact the embassy to confirm whether this two-stage postal option is currently available.
If posting documents: Use Royal Mail Special Delivery or a tracked courier service. Never post original documents without keeping copies. Include a pre-paid return envelope for any documents you want returned.
UK-Specific Considerations
- BRP holders: Your Biometric Residence Permit is not affected by renewing your Zimbabwe passport. However, if your BRP references your passport number, inform UKVI of the change after receiving your new passport.
- British citizens (dual): If you hold both Zimbabwean and British citizenship, you can still renew your Zimbabwe passport. See our dual citizenship guide.
- ILR/Settlement: Your immigration status is tied to your identity, not your passport number. Renewing your passport does not affect your Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Travel during processing: Your old passport will be surrendered. If you need to travel while waiting, discuss this with the embassy before submitting. You may be able to apply for an emergency travel document.
- Children born in the UK: If your child was born in the UK and you want them to have a Zimbabwe passport, you will need to first register them for Zimbabwean citizenship by descent and obtain a national ID. See dual citizenship and national ID guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Full online renewal is not available. You must attend the London embassy in person for biometric capture. You can download the form online and complete it before your visit.
Call +44 (0)20 7836 7755 during office hours or email zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw. Request a passport appointment and provide your name, contact details, and the type of service needed. Appointments can fill up weeks in advance.
Yes. The embassy accepts GBP at the prevailing exchange rate. Confirm accepted payment methods (cash, card, bank transfer) when booking your appointment.
No. The London embassy is the only Zimbabwe diplomatic office in the UK. All Zimbabweans in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland must use the London embassy for passport services.
No. Renewing your Zimbabwe passport does not affect your UK immigration status (visa, BRP, ILR, or British citizenship). Your immigration status is tied to your identity, not your passport. After receiving your new passport, you may need to transfer your visa vignette — contact UKVI for guidance.
Possibly. The embassy may allow a third party to collect with a signed authority letter from you, your receipt slip, and the collector's photo ID. Confirm this policy when submitting your application, as it may change.
UK Renewal Summary
- Embassy: 429 Strand, London
- Adult Fee: $120 (~£95-100)
- Child Fee: $80 (~£63-67)
- Fast-Track: $250 / 3-4 weeks
- Standard Time: 8-12 weeks
- Appointment: Required
- Tube: Charing Cross / Temple