How to Renew Your Zimbabwe Passport in 2026
A complete step-by-step guide to renewing your Zimbabwe passport, whether you are in the UK, South Africa, or anywhere else in the world. Updated for 2026 with the latest e-passport requirements.
Quick Requirements Checklist
Documents Needed:
- Current or expired Zimbabwe passport
- Zimbabwe national ID card
- 2 passport photos (white background)
- Completed application form
- Proof of residence abroad
Key Details:
- Fee: $120 adult / $80 child
- Time: 6-8 weeks standard
- In-person visit required
- Biometrics captured at office
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
1 Gather Your Documents
Before visiting the embassy, make sure you have:
- Your current or expired Zimbabwe passport (you will surrender this)
- Zimbabwe national identity document (ID)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying (e.g., visa, residence permit, utility bill)
- Application fee of $120 (adult) or $80 (child under 16)
2 Download and Complete the Application Form
Download the passport application form from the forms page or collect one from your nearest embassy. Complete all sections neatly in black ink. Do not leave any sections blank — write "N/A" if a section does not apply to you.
3 Book an Appointment
Contact your nearest Zimbabwe embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins may be accepted at some locations but appointments are strongly recommended, especially at busy offices like Johannesburg and London.
4 Visit the Embassy in Person
You must attend in person because the new Zimbabwe e-passport requires biometric data capture:
- Fingerprint scanning (all 10 fingers)
- Digital photograph taken at the office
- Signature capture
Submit your documents, surrender your old passport, and pay the fee.
5 Wait for Processing
Your application is sent to the passport production facility in Harare, Zimbabwe. Processing times:
- Ordinary: 6-8 weeks ($120)
- Fast-track: 2-3 weeks ($250)
- Emergency: 7 working days ($318) — proof of urgency required
See our processing times page for more details.
6 Collect Your New Passport
You will be contacted when your passport is ready. Bring your collection receipt and a form of ID. Some embassies offer postal delivery for an additional fee — ask at the time of application.
Renewing Your Zimbabwe Passport in the UK
The Zimbabwe Embassy in London handles all passport renewals for Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Nordic countries.
Embassy Details:
- Address: 429 Strand, London WC2R 0JR
- Phone: +44 20 7836 7755
- Email: zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw
- Consular Hours: Mon-Fri, 09:00-12:30
UK-Specific Requirements:
- Proof of UK residence (BRP card, utility bill, or bank statement)
- Fees accepted in GBP (British Pounds) at prevailing exchange rate
- Cash or bank transfer only (credit cards may not be accepted)
- Processing typically takes 6-10 weeks from the UK
Postal Applications from the UK:
Some applicants outside London may be able to send documents by post for the initial review, but you must still attend in person for biometric capture. Contact the embassy for postal application procedures.
Renewing Your Zimbabwe Passport in South Africa
You can renew your passport at any of the three Zimbabwe offices in South Africa:
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Pretoria Embassy | 798 Merton Ave, Arcadia | +27 12 342 5125 |
| Johannesburg Consulate | 13 Earnest Oppenheimer Ave, Bruma | +27 11 616 5534 |
| Cape Town Consulate | 2nd Floor, 6 Riebeek Street | +27 21 421 1096 |
SA-Specific Tips:
- The Johannesburg office is extremely busy — book well in advance
- Fees accepted in USD or ZAR
- ZEP/ZSP permit holders should renew passports at least 3 months before expiry
- Processing from SA is typically 6-8 weeks (closer to Zimbabwe)
Renewing from the UAE and Other Countries
Zimbabwe has embassies in most major countries. For renewal from the UAE, contact the Zimbabwe Embassy in Abu Dhabi. For other countries, use the embassy finder to locate your nearest office.
Key Points for Renewals from Distant Countries:
- Processing may take 8-12 weeks due to additional courier time
- You must still attend in person for biometric capture
- If there is no Zimbabwe embassy in your country, contact the nearest accredited embassy
- Some embassies conduct consular outreach visits to countries without permanent representation
Can I Renew Online?
As of 2026, Zimbabwe does not offer a fully online passport renewal service. Because the new e-passport contains biometric data (fingerprints, digital photo), you must attend an embassy or consulate in person.
However, you can save time by:
- Downloading forms online from our forms page and completing them before your visit
- Booking appointments by phone/email rather than queuing
- Preparing all documents in advance to avoid rejection at the counter
The Government of Zimbabwe has indicated plans to introduce more digital services as part of the e-passport rollout. We will update this page as new online options become available.
Renewal Fees 2026
| Service | Adult | Child (under 16) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Renewal | $120 | $80 | 6-8 weeks |
| Fast-Track Renewal | $250 | $200 | 2-3 weeks |
| Emergency Renewal | $318 | $268 | 7 working days |
View the complete fee schedule for all embassy services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
- Cost: $120 (adult) / $80 (child)
- Time: 6-8 weeks standard
- Validity: 10 years (adult) / 5 years (child)
- In-person: Required (biometrics)
- Old passport: Must be surrendered
Related Pages
Important Reminder
Renew your passport at least 3-6 months before it expires. Many countries require 6 months validity for entry. Do not wait until the last minute!