Zimbabwe Passport Fees in 2026
Passport fees are payable in US dollars only at approved banks before submitting an application. Zimbabwe’s passport fees increased in 2024 under Statutory Instrument SI 2024-001.
The current standard fee for an ordinary Zimbabwe biometric passport is US$170.
Emergency passports cost US$250.
Replacement passports for lost or stolen documents cost US$170, although a police report must be provided.
Applications submitted through the official online passport portal currently charge US$120 for ordinary passports and US$220 for emergency passports.
Diaspora applications have slightly different fees depending on the embassy or consulate handling the application.
Documents Required for a Zimbabwe Passport
Applicants must bring original documents together with photocopies when submitting their application.
For first-time applicants, the following documents are required:
Original long-form birth certificate and a photocopy
Zimbabwe national identity card (green ID) and a photocopy
Two colour passport photographs taken within the last six months
Bank payment receipt showing proof of passport fee payment
Completed passport application form obtained from the Registrar General’s office or generated online
In cases where the applicant was born outside Zimbabwe or is a citizen by descent, a citizenship certificate may also be required.
For passport renewals, applicants must submit their previous passport together with the other required documents.
If the passport was lost or stolen, a Zimbabwe Republic Police report must be presented before a replacement application can proceed.
Additional Requirements for Children
Applications for minors require additional documentation.
Parents or guardians must provide:
The child’s birth certificate
National IDs of both parents or guardians
A marriage certificate if applicable
A signed parental consent letter if only one parent is present during application
In most cases, both parents are expected to be present when the child’s passport application is submitted.
Step-by-Step Process for Passport Applications
The passport application process inside Zimbabwe typically follows five main steps.
Step 1: Pay the Passport Fee
Applicants must first pay the passport fee at CBZ Bank or First Capital Bank. The payment receipt must be kept safely because it is required when submitting the application.
Step 2: Obtain the Application Form
Passport forms can be obtained directly from the Registrar General’s Office.
Applicants may also use the Makombe e-passport portal to begin their application online. The online portal allows applicants to pre-fill their information and receive a reference number before visiting the passport office.
Step 3: Prepare Passport Photographs
Two passport-sized photographs must be taken by a professional studio.
The photographs must have a white background, correct passport size, and must be taken within the last six months. Wearing white clothing is discouraged because it blends with the background.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applicants then visit their nearest Registrar General office with all required documents, photographs, copies, and the bank payment receipt.
During this stage, officials capture the applicant’s fingerprints and biometric data.
After submission, the applicant receives a reference number used to track or collect the passport.
Step 5: Collect the Passport
Applicants are notified when their passport is ready for collection. When collecting the passport, they must bring their national ID and the collection reference number.
The Civil Registry Department also publishes collection notices through its official social media platforms.
Passport Offices in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe passport applications can be submitted at several Civil Registry offices across the country.
The Makombe Building in Harare is the main passport office and operates extended hours from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays.
Other offices accepting passport applications include:
Bulawayo Civil Registry Office
Mutare Government Complex
Gweru Government Complex
Masvingo Civil Registry Office
Chinhoyi Civil Registry Office
Bindura Civil Registry Office
Marondera Government Complex
These offices operate standard government working hours.
Processing Times for Zimbabwe Passports
Processing times vary depending on the type of application.
For applications submitted inside Zimbabwe:
Ordinary passports usually take five to seven working days
Urgent applications can take about three working days
Emergency passports may also be issued within three days
Diaspora applications usually take longer because the documents must be processed in Harare.
Typical diaspora timelines include:
Three to six months for applications submitted through the United Kingdom
Six to eight weeks for standard applications in South Africa
Two to three weeks for express services where available
Applicants are advised to begin the renewal process well before their current passport expires.
Applying for a Zimbabwe Passport from the Diaspora
Zimbabweans living abroad can apply for passports through their nearest embassy or consulate.
In South Africa, applications are handled by the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg and the embassy in Pretoria. Biometric data is captured at the consulate and the application is forwarded to Harare.
In the United Kingdom, applicants must attend the Zimbabwe High Commission in London for fingerprint capture and verification. Forms must usually be collected directly from the embassy.
In Australia and the United States, applications are processed through the Zimbabwe embassies in Canberra and Washington DC respectively.
Processing times abroad are generally longer because documents must be sent to Zimbabwe for final production.
What If You Do Not Have a Birth Certificate?
A birth certificate is a mandatory document for passport applications.
If your birth certificate is missing, you must apply for a replacement through the Civil Registry Department.
If the birth was never registered, you will need to apply for late birth registration, which typically requires supporting documents such as:
A statutory declaration or affidavit
School records showing date of birth
Hospital birth records if available
Statements from witnesses who can confirm the birth
Once the birth certificate is issued, the passport application can proceed.
Zimbabwe Passport Global Ranking
As of 2026, the Zimbabwe passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 60 to 70 countries worldwide.
Visa-free destinations for Zimbabwean citizens include most Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, as well as several Asian and Caribbean destinations.
However, Zimbabweans still require visas in advance for travel to the United Kingdom, European Union, United States, Canada, and Australia.
Final Advice for Applicants
Applicants should always ensure that all names on their documents match exactly, including spelling and order.
Many passport applications are delayed or rejected because of incorrect names, incomplete forms, or missing documents.
Preparing all documents in advance and verifying details before submission can significantly reduce processing delays.
For Zimbabweans planning international travel, it is advisable to apply for or renew passports several months before travel dates to avoid last-minute complications.
By The Granite Post Reporter
