Zimbabwean Passport Application and Photo

Are you going to apply for your first Zimbabwean passport or renew an expired one? This official travel document, issued by the Zimbabwe Civil Registry Department, is essential for international travel and serves as a primary form of identification.

Recent changes to the system, including the introduction of electronic passports and updated processing procedures, have modernized the application experience for Zimbabwean citizens both at home and abroad.

How to apply for a Zimbabwean passport online?
Zimbabwean passport application in-person
Documents required for Zimbabwean passport application
Zimbabwean passport photo specifications
Zimbabwean passport photo App
Zimbabwean passport fees
Zimbabwean passport validity
How long does it take to get a Zimbabwean passport?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Zimbabwean passport, covering crucial details such as Zimbabwe new passport prices, necessary documents, and Zimbabwe passport photo dimensions.

How to apply for a Zimbabwean passport online?

To apply for your passport online, here's what you need to do:

Go to the official website of the Zimbabwean government or its online passport application portal.
Sign up by entering your personal details like your name, email, and phone number to create an account.
Complete the online application form with your personal information, including your full name, birthdate and place, nationality, gender, marital status, and contact information. Attach a recent passport-sized photo.
Upload the necessary documents, which are outlined later in the guide.
Pay the passport application fee online using a debit card.
After entering all the required information and uploading the documents, submit your application via the portal.
Use the provided tracking feature on the portal to keep tabs on your application status.
Depending on the system in place, you will either be informed to pick up your passport in person or it may be sent to you by mail once approved.

Zimbabwean passport application in-person

Alternatively, if you prefer to apply in person, follow these steps:

Gather the required documents, as mentioned later in this guide.
Visit the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate. You must be present for fingerprinting and to have your documents verified. Note that the application forms are provided at the embassy and cannot be mailed or downloaded.
Fill out the application form provided at the embassy. Submit all required documents along with your completed form, and pay the necessary fees in cash.
Fingerprinting is a compulsory part of the process.
Remember that processing times can vary; be sure to ask about the expected timeline during your visit.
Once your passport is ready, you will be notified to either collect it from the embassy, or you might receive instructions regarding its delivery.

Documents required for Zimbabwean passport application

What do I need to apply for a Zimbabwean passport? — Here is a detailed list of the documents you'll need to apply:

Long birth certificate. Provide the original document along with a photocopy that doesn’t need to be certified.
National ID. Required for those aged 16 and above. Note that a driver's license is not accepted. Submit both the original ID and an uncertified photocopy.
Current or expired passport. If you have one, bring the original and a non-certified photocopy.
Marriage certificate or divorce order. Necessary for married women or, if applicable. Submit the original document and an uncertified copy.
Two passport-sized color photos.
Police report. Required if your passport has been lost or stolen. Submit the original and a photocopy without certification.
Citizenship certificate. Needed for those who claim citizenship through registration or descent. Provide the original and an uncertified photocopy, if applicable.
Additional documentation (when necessary):
- A letter confirming non-citizenship status if you have lived outside Zimbabwe for over five years.
- Proof of residence like a utility bill or rent agreement might also be necessary depending on your specific case.

Zimbabwean passport photo specifications

Here are the detailed Zimbabwe passport picture requirements:

The Zimbabwe passport picture size should be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
The head in the photo, from the top of the hair to the chin, should measure about 34.5 mm, with a 3 mm space from the top of the hair to the photo’s upper edge.
The background needs to be plain white, free of patterns or shadows.
Your expression should be neutral with your mouth closed, without smiling or frowning.
Your head should face the camera straight on, with your face fully visible and centered.
Both eyes must be open and clearly seen. Remove glasses unless they are medically necessary to avoid glare.
The photo must be in color and accurately represent your natural skin and hair tones.
Zimbabwe's e-passport picture must have a resolution of 600 DPI.

Zimbabwean passport photo App

7ID: Zimbabwean Passport Photo Background Editor

Looking for a convenient way to get a professional Zimbabwe passport picture? Try the 7ID App by Visafoto.com, an easy-to-use tool that helps you create perfect ID, passport, and visa photos right from your smartphone. Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, it suits everyone’s needs.

The 7ID app is straightforward: just upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and the app will automatically adjust your picture to meet official specifications, covering size, format, background color, and correct face and eye alignment.

You'll receive a digital version and a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 10×15, 4x6, A4, A5, or B5. If you have any questions or need help, our technical support team is ready to assist.

Zimbabwean passport fees

How much does it cost to apply for a Zimbabwean passport? — As of 2024, the Zimbabwe new passport fees are as follows:

Starting January 2024, the fee for a regular passport has risen to USD 150.
For an emergency passport — to USD 250.

How much is the new e-passport in Zimbabwe? — There is an additional charge for e-Passport, which is USD 20, it includes a quick response (QR) code.

Zimbabwean passport validity

A Zimbabwean passport is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. After this time, you will need to renew or replace it if it has expired or pages have been filled.

How long does it take to get a Zimbabwean passport?

Typically, getting a Zimbabwean e-passport takes up to 7 days. If you're applying in person at an embassy, expect the processing to take about 4 to 6 weeks.

How long does it take to get an emergency passport in Zimbabwe? — For emergency passports in Zimbabwe, the process usually takes up to 3 business days.