Zimbabwe Passport Services in South Africa 2026

Apply for or renew your Zimbabwe e-passport in South Africa at the Pretoria Embassy, Johannesburg Consulate, or Cape Town Consulate. Adult passports cost $120, child passports $80, with express processing from $250.

Where to Apply — 3 Offices in South Africa

Pretoria (Embassy)

798 Merton Ave, Arcadia

+27 12 342 5125

Mon-Fri 09:00-12:30

All Passport Services

Johannesburg (Consulate)

13 Earnest Oppenheimer Ave

+27 11 616 5534

Mon-Fri 09:00-12:30

Passports & Renewals

Cape Town (Consulate)

2nd Floor, 6 Riebeek St

+27 21 421 1096

Mon-Fri 09:00-12:30

Passports & Emergency

Zimbabwe Passport Fees in South Africa 2026

All fees are quoted in US Dollars and can also be paid in South African Rand at the prevailing exchange rate on the day of application.

Service Fee (USD) Validity Notes
Adult e-Passport (New/Renewal) $120 10 years Standard processing 6-8 weeks
Child Passport (Under 16) $80 5 years Both parents must consent
Express Adult Passport $250 10 years Fast-track 2-3 weeks
Express Child Passport $200 5 years Fast-track 2-3 weeks
Emergency Travel Document $50 Single journey Issued in 1-2 working days
Lost Passport Replacement $170 10 years Police report required
Note: Fees are subject to change without notice. Confirm current fees with the embassy or consulate before your visit. Additional charges may apply for certified copies and postage. See our complete fee schedule for all consular services.

Documents Required for Zimbabwe Passport

Adult Passport Application (18+)

  1. Completed passport application form (collected from embassy/consulate)
  2. Current or expired Zimbabwe passport (to be surrendered)
  3. Zimbabwe National ID card (original and certified copy)
  4. Long-form birth certificate (original and certified copy)
  5. Two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
  6. Proof of legal residence in South Africa (visa, permit, or SA ID)
  7. Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable, for name changes)
  8. Police affidavit (for lost or stolen passports only)

Additional Documents for Child Passport (Under 16)

  1. Child long-form birth certificate (original and certified copy)
  2. Both parents national IDs or passports (originals and copies)
  3. Consent letter from absent parent (if only one parent is applying)
  4. Court order granting custody (if parents are divorced/separated)
  5. Death certificate (if one parent is deceased)

Passport Photo Specifications

  • Two identical colour photographs
  • Size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm
  • White background
  • Taken within last 6 months
  • No glasses, hats, or head coverings
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
  • Dark or bright-coloured clothing (no white tops)
  • Face clearly visible, looking directly at camera

Passport photos can be taken at most pharmacies, photo studios, or Home Affairs offices across South Africa. Specify Zimbabwe passport size (3.5cm x 4.5cm) as it differs from SA passport photo size.

Passport Processing Times

Service Type Processing Time Notes
Standard e-Passport 6-8 weeks May take longer during peak periods (Dec-Jan, school holidays)
Express/Fast-Track 2-3 weeks Additional fee required ($250 adult / $200 child)
Emergency Travel Document 1-2 working days For urgent travel to Zimbabwe only
Lost Passport Replacement 8-10 weeks Additional verification required with police report
Why does it take 6-8 weeks? All Zimbabwe e-passport applications submitted in South Africa are forwarded to the Registrar General's Office in Harare for biometric verification and passport printing. The passport booklets are then returned to South Africa via diplomatic pouch. Express service prioritises your application in the Harare queue.

Where to Apply for Zimbabwe Passport in South Africa

Zimbabwe Embassy Pretoria Embassy

  • Office Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-16:30
  • Consular (Applications): Mon-Fri 09:00-12:30
  • Passport Services: Full passport services including express and emergency

Zimbabwe Consulate Johannesburg Consulate

  • Office Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-16:30
  • Consular (Applications): Mon-Fri 09:00-12:30
  • Passport Services: Passport applications, renewals, emergency travel documents

Zimbabwe Consulate Cape Town Consulate

  • Office Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-16:30
  • Consular (Applications): Mon-Fri 09:00-12:30
  • Passport Services: Passport applications, emergency travel documents
Johannesburg Tip: The Bruma Consulate is extremely busy. Arrive early (before 08:00) even with an appointment. The Pretoria Embassy and Cape Town Consulate tend to have shorter queues. If you live in Gauteng, consider travelling to Pretoria for a faster experience.

Step-by-Step Passport Application Process

1

Book an Appointment

Contact your nearest Zimbabwe office in South Africa to schedule a passport appointment. Appointments are strongly recommended, especially at the busy Johannesburg Consulate. Call the Pretoria Embassy at +27 12 342 5125, Johannesburg at +27 11 616 5534, or Cape Town at +27 21 421 1096.

2

Collect & Complete Application Form

Obtain the official passport application form from the embassy or consulate. Forms must be collected in person to prevent fraud. Complete the form in black ink, ensuring all information matches your national ID and birth certificate exactly.

3

Gather Required Documents

Prepare all original documents and certified copies. Have your passport photos taken at a professional studio, ensuring they meet Zimbabwe specifications (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, no glasses).

4

Attend Your Appointment

Visit the embassy or consulate on your appointment date with all documents and payment. Your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph) will be captured for the e-passport. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

5

Pay the Application Fee

Pay the applicable fee in USD or South African Rand at the prevailing exchange rate. The Pretoria Embassy and Johannesburg Consulate accept cash and bank transfers. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

6

Track & Collect Your Passport

Your application is sent to the Registrar General in Harare for printing. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Contact the office where you applied to check status. Collect your new e-passport in person with your receipt.

Renewing vs New Zimbabwe Passport

Passport Renewal

If your passport has expired or is about to expire, you apply for a renewal. The process is the same as a new application, but you must surrender your old passport.

  • Bring your expired/expiring passport
  • Same fee as new passport ($120 adult / $80 child)
  • Same processing time (6-8 weeks standard)
  • Apply at least 6 months before expiry

First-Time Application

If you have never held a Zimbabwe passport before, you apply for a new passport. You need additional documentation to prove citizenship.

  • Long-form birth certificate is essential
  • Zimbabwe National ID required
  • Citizenship certificate if citizen by descent/registration
  • May require interview at the embassy
ZEP/ZSP Holders: If you hold a Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) or Zimbabwe Special Permit, ensure your passport remains valid. A valid passport is required for permit renewals. Apply for renewal at least 3 months before expiry to avoid complications with your immigration status in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Zimbabwe adult e-passport costs $120 (valid for 10 years). Child passports (under 16) cost $80 (valid for 5 years). Express processing is $250 for adults and $200 for children. Emergency travel documents cost $50. Lost passport replacement is $170. Fees are payable in USD or South African Rand at the prevailing exchange rate. See our full fee schedule for all services.

Zimbabwe passports can be applied for at three locations: Pretoria Embassy (798 Merton Avenue, Arcadia 0083), Johannesburg Consulate (13 Earnest Oppenheimer Avenue, Bruma 2198), and Cape Town Consulate (2nd Floor, 6 Riebeek Street 8001). All three offices accept passport applications during consular hours, Monday to Friday 09:00-12:30. Appointments are strongly recommended.

Standard passport processing takes 6-8 weeks. Express/fast-track service takes 2-3 weeks at an additional cost ($250 adult). Emergency travel documents are issued within 1-2 working days. Processing times may be longer during peak periods such as December-January and school holidays. All applications are sent to Harare for printing.

You need: (1) completed application form from the embassy, (2) current or expired Zimbabwe passport, (3) Zimbabwe National ID (original and copy), (4) long-form birth certificate (original and copy), (5) two passport photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background), (6) proof of residence in South Africa, and (7) the application fee. For children, both parents must consent and provide their IDs. For lost passports, a police affidavit is required. Visit our forms page for more details.

Yes, you can renew your Zimbabwe passport at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg at 13 Earnest Oppenheimer Avenue, Brunswick House, Bruma 2198. Phone: +27 11 616 5534. The consulate handles passport renewals, new applications, and emergency travel documents. Due to high demand, appointments are strongly recommended. Arrive early and ensure you have all required documents to avoid being turned away.

Yes, while fees are quoted in US Dollars, you can pay in South African Rand at the prevailing exchange rate on the day of your application. The embassy and consulates accept cash and bank transfers. Always confirm the current exchange rate and accepted payment methods before your visit.

Appointments are strongly recommended at all three offices, and are effectively mandatory at the Johannesburg Consulate due to extremely high demand. Walk-ins may be accepted at Pretoria and Cape Town depending on availability, but you risk being turned away. Contact the office directly to book: Pretoria +27 12 342 5125, Johannesburg +27 11 616 5534, Cape Town +27 21 421 1096.

The only difference is processing speed and cost. A standard passport costs $120 (adult) and takes 6-8 weeks. An express passport costs $250 (adult) and takes 2-3 weeks. Both produce the same biometric e-passport with the same 10-year validity. Express applications are prioritised in the Harare printing queue. Choose express if you need your passport urgently.

Related Pages

Passport Fees (2026)

  • Adult Passport $120
  • Child Passport $80
  • Express Adult $250
  • Express Child $200
  • Emergency Doc $50
  • Lost Replacement $170
View Full Fee Schedule

Quick Contact

Pretoria Embassy

+27 12 342 5125

zimpretoria@zimfa.gov.zw

Johannesburg

+27 11 616 5534

zimjohannesburg@zimfa.gov.zw

Cape Town

+27 21 421 1096

zimcapetown@zimfa.gov.zw

Processing Times

  • Standard 6-8 weeks
  • Express 2-3 weeks
  • Emergency Doc 1-2 days
  • Lost Replacement 8-10 weeks

Before You Visit

Useful Links