1 Oct 2015

How to renew a Zimbabwe passport from the UK: Step by step

by | posted in: Diaspora, Just because | 106

Last updated Sept 2021
Renew Zimbabwe passport There are more than 110 000 Zimbabweans living in the UK according to a 2013 report from the Office of National Statistics. Although Zimbabwe passports are issued in Zimbabwe, you can do the  paperwork from the UK at the Zimbabwean Embassy in London. You will need a family member or agent to act as your representative to submit your documents for you in Zimbabwe.

If you’re renewing your Zimbabwe passport from the UK, read the step-by-step guide below to do it yourself without hiring an agency. Frustratingly, it’s best to start the application process 18 months before your passport expires. This is because you usually need a passport to have six months’ validity in order to travel, and passports seem to be taking a long time to process in Zimbabwe.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a consular official nor legal advisor, and I do not take any responsibility for actions taken based on the information in the guide below. This article is a useful addition to your own research, and it is based on real-life experience. This article does not replace official Embassy or Registrar advice. I suggest you read this article completely, and perhaps print it out to get a full idea of the process.

Contact details for the official Embassy and Registrar: Please read the official websites as a priority; see below:

    • In London: Their Facebook page here is the most updated source of information. The official website for the Embassy of Zimbabwe to Britain and Ireland is: www.zimlondon.gov.zw (although it is not always running).  Their email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected] The physical address is: 429 The Strand, London WC2R 0JR, and the UK phone number is +44 207 836 7755. Their normal opening hours for the public are 09h00 to 12h30 Monday to Friday.
    • In Zimbabwe: Here’s the Facebook page for the Zim passports. The Zimbabwe Department of the Registrar General website is here: http://www.rg.gov.zw. The physical address is: Central  Registry Headquarters, Cnr Herbert  Chitepo and Leopold Takawira Street, Harare. The phone number of the Registrar General office in Harare is +263 242 702295 or +263 4 790708. There is also a web page on the Zimbabwe Registrar General website for Zimbabweans living abroad, here: http://www.rg.gov.zw/index.php/services/zimbabweans-living-abroad. This page states that passport processing time is six months, although faster options are available.

A guide to renewing your Zimbabwe passport from the UK

Step 1: Gather the correct documentation in advance

The documents you need are listed below. However, check the official websites (above) for the latest requirements.

Things to gather before going to the Embassy in London, plus photocopies of each:

  1. Long birth certificate
  2. Original ID
  3. Old/current passport and photocopy of the biodata page, plus the page showing your right to live in the UK
  4. Marriage Certificate/National Identity Card in married name/divorce order if applicable
  5. Citizenship certificate (for citizen by registration)
  6. £65 admin fee payable via cash or postal order at the London Embassy
  7. Two printed and completed affidavits for your local representative (detailed in Step 2)
  8. Photos: Note that you need 2 photographs – but due to the strict requirements, it is best to get the photographs taken by a particular photo shop which is near the London Embassy. This should be done on the day, before to going to the London Embassy (details are in Step 3)
  9. Study permit permanent residence permit or waiver/ Temporary permit/work permit (this may be in a page in your passport)
  10. For lost or stolen passports: the police report. Note: a loss of a passport should be immediately reported to the nearest local police and nearest Zimbabwean Embassy
  11. For children: Section 5 of the passport application form must be signed by the father or other legal guardian of children under 18 years. Legal guardian’s “Documentary Proof” should be in a form of a court order from the High Court or Community in the case of divorced parents
  12. A local representative: You will need to ask someone in Zimbabwe to receive your couriered documents and hand in the application on your behalf, if you are not going to Zimbabwe yourself. You’ll need their full name and ID details

The photocopies do not need to be certified because the Embassy official will check them against the originals that you present in person.

Things to gather after your visit to the Embassy in London, to be sent to your representative in Zimbabwe, in addition to the above:

  1. P34 form and Passport form, completed and stamped (these will be given to you when you go to the London Embassy)
  2. Courier fees: If you are sending the documents to your representative in Zimbabwe via courier, there will be a courier fee, varying in price depending on which company you choose (around £40). Your representative may then need to courier the documents/new passport back to you from Zimbabwe, depending on your situation
  3. Application fee payable in Zimbabwe (Starting at $60, ranging to US$318 depending on turnaround time required; see Step 7)

Step 2: Print two affidavits for your local representative

  • In order for your representative to submit your passport application at the Zimbabwe passport office, and for them to collect the new passport, you need to write a letter authorising them to do these things. You need two letters – one to authorise submission of the passport forms, and one to authorise collection of the passport forms. These will be officially signed at the London Embassy.
  • A reader who visited the London Embassy in Sept 2021 has reported that the embassy is now providing affidavits there – however, you may wish to print your own out just in case they have run out.
  • I’ve created a template affidavit for you at the bottom of this page, if you choose. Copy & paste the text from the bottom of this page into your own Word document, format it as you wish, print two copies, and complete the blank parts of the form in pen. You should have one signed letter for submission, and one for collection. You will need the name and ID details of your representative in Zimbabwe in order to complete this.

Step 3: Get your photos taken at a specific shop in London, before going to the London Embassy

  • On the day of your passport application in London, before going to the Embassy, go to the photo shop below. The photo shop is extremely close to the Zimbabwean embassy and it is called The ID Photo Shop. It is next to the Tesco express that overlooks Trafalgar Square. Regus Building, 1 Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5BW. The photos cost £10. Email: [email protected]
  • The photos are printed instantly. The photo shop website is here and they are experienced in taking photos for Zimbabwean requirements, and they will guide you through the photo rules. Check their website for current opening hours.
  • The requirements for Zimbabwean passport photos are very strict – you must wear black clothing, the background must be pure white, no jewellery or make-up must be worn, ears must be completely visible, hair tied up, no head scarf etc. You could try and ensure all these things are correct yourself, but if there’s something wrong, it’s likely that the embassy will require you to get the photos re-taken. It’s easier just to go to the photo shop in the first instance. They even have a black scarf to put over your shoulders in case you’re wearing the wrong colour clothes.

Step 4: Go to the Zimbabwean Embassy with your documents

  • Go to the Zimbabwean Embassy (Zimbabwe House) in London, with your originals, photocopies, affidavits, cash and photos.
  • Also take a black pen to complete the additional forms at the Embassy.
  • Here’s the address for Zimbabwe House: 429 The Strand, WC2R 0JR. It is a great central location, easy walking distance from Charing Cross Station or Embankment Station.
  • Check the Embassy website for opening times (link at top of page). Their usual opening hours are 09h00 to 12h30 Monday to Friday (so don’t go in the afternoon).
  • The public entrance is to the left of the main door – walk around the building for a few steps to the left side door. It will probably look closed, but if you push it, it should open!
  • Note that if you need any additional photocopies of your documentation, you can do this at the Rymans stationers next to the London Embassy.

Step 5: Process your documents at the Embassy

  • As far as I’m aware, you do not need to book an appointment before going to the embassy. It’s first come, first served, and there usually aren’t long queues. However, one reader visited in August 2021 and did have to wait in a queue for 2 hours: they advised bringing water and a drink with you.
  • Show your originals and photocopies to the official at the Embassy.
  • Ask the official to sign your affidavit letters.
  • You will be given a P34 form and a Passport form at the Embassy to complete in black pen, in person. You will be asked to complete personal details such as height, eye colour and hair colour.
  • Depending on the expiry date of your existing passport, ask the Embassy whether you need to cancel it.
  • Once they are happy with those completed forms, you pay the £65 fee and they will officially stamp your forms. You will also have your fingerprints taken at the Embassy.
  • You then leave the Embassy with all of your originals and photocopies, plus the completed P34 form and Passport form which have been stamped by the official.

If you have time (and can keep your precious documents secure), have a walk around Trafalgar Square or the beautiful Victoria Embankment Gardens afterwards!

Step 6: Send your documents to Zimbabwe for submission

  • Take a photo of your receipts and stamped forms just in case.
  • Send the original existing passport, documents, photocopies, photos, forms, receipts and two affidavits to your representative in Zimbabwe.
  • You can courier the documents via FedEx, DHL or a method of your choosing. There is a DHL in the Rymans stationers next to the London Embassy, where the courier fee is around £40.
  • Make a note of your courier tracking details.
  • Do not courier to a P.O. Box address in Zimbabwe, but to a physical street address. I have learned this the hard way.

Step 7: Your representative submits the documents in Zimbabwe

  • Your representative takes the passport and documentation to the passport office in Zimbabwe (either Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru or Gwanda) and presents the submission affidavit to the officer.
  • Your representative needs to keep the second affidavit that authorises them to collect the passport – they will need this later.
  • There is a different queue for applications from abroad, which will hopefully be shorter than the local queue.
  • Your representative will need to pay a fee for the new passport to be issued. Here are the published fees as of April 2021, as well as the official turnaround times, but bear in mind it may take longer than advertised:
    • 24 Hour Express Urgent Passport – US$318 (Note that a reader who applied in Aug 2021 reported that this was the only option the passport office allowed them to use)
    • Emergence 3 Day /72 Hr Passport – US$200
    • Normal 14 Days Passport – US$100
    • Normal 14 Days Passport – US$60
    • Electronic E-Passport – US$60
  • A receipt will be given to the representative. Ask them to take a photo of this on their phone.

Step 8: Your representative collects the new passport

  • If you’ve opted for the standard turnaround time, then your representative will collect the new passport from the passport office in Zimbabwe (a notification is sent via text message).
  • To collect the passport, they will present the collection affidavit that you had supplied, plus the receipt that was provided when submitting the application.
  • Standard processing time used to be 6 weeks. Unfortunately the Department of the Registrar General is stating that standard processing time is currently 6 months, although there is a fast option at a higher fee.
  • Your representative may then need to courier the documents back to you, depending on your situation.

Appendix: Sample text to use in the affidavit (See Step 2 above for instructions)

RE: PASSPORT APPLICATION AFFIDAVIT

To whom it may concern

This is to confirm that I …………………………………………………. (applicant’s name), ID number …………………………. (applicant’s ID),

hereby authorise my representative ……………………………………………. (representative’s name), ID/Passport number …………………………. (representative’s ID),

to  SUBMIT / COLLECT [delete as appropriate] my passport and necessary documentation  to / from the Registrar General’s Office on my behalf.

Yours sincerely

Applicant’s full name ………………………………………………………..

Signature ……………………………………………………

Date …………………………

 

I hope this guide is useful for your own research about renewing your Zimbabwe passport in the UK.
** I repeat that I am not an official passport advisor, and readers should send their questions to the Embassy or Registrar General. Contact details for them are at the top of this page.
I cannot give any help on lost or expired passports/certificates, or on dual nationality.**

Renew Zimbabwe passport
** I repeat that I am not an official passport advisor, and readers should send their questions to the Embassy or Registrar General. Contact details for them are at the top of this page.
I cannot give any help on lost or expired passports/certificates, or on dual nationality.**
If you would like to add learnings from your own experience, please add it to the comments below.

You might also like:

FAQs about visiting Zimbabwe, Africa Zimbabwe Visa Requirements Tips visitors Zimbabwe cash crisis

Please follow Great Zimbabwe Guide on Instagram and Facebook for even more inspiration and tips about Zimbabwe travel.

Follow Beth (Travel Editor/Writer):

Beth is the founder and chief writer of Great Zimbabwe Guide Travel Blog. Practical Zimbabwe travel advice since 2010.

106 Responses

  1. Petti
    |

    Hello how do l cancel a Zimbabwean passport please l was told to cancel the old one which expires in 2 weeks. in order for my new passport to be printed l need the new one ASAP please

  2. Scott B
    |

    Thanks so much for this advice. I followed it and all went smoothly. As it was, it was an exercise in patience, diplomacy and extreme queuing but it would have been much more difficult without your advice. Bless you.

    • Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
      |

      I’m glad to hear it! All the best.

      • Heather Homwe
        |

        Thank you so much for this vital information

  3. Scott Burdett
    |

    Thanks so much for this advice. I followed it and all went smoothly. As it was, it was an exercise in patience, diplomacy and extreme queuing but it would have been much more difficult without your advice. Bless you.

  4. Dorcas Bepete
    |

    Hi Beth,
    Thank you so much for the above info, very helpful. Now I only want to know about hair dos, will they allow braided hair, like singles as long as they are neatly tied at the back, with ears showing, or they still only want your natural hair, need to renew my passport soon.
    Thank you in advance
    Dorcas

  5. Lisa
    |

    Hi thank you for the advice .I have lost my birth certificate but I have got my certfied copy can I be able to use that for my passport ?

  6. Peri
    |

    Hi, can someone tell me whether I need to send my current passport to Zimbabwe when applying for a new one, or can I keep it until the new one is issued?

  7. Nash
    |

    Hey can someone help me, i am 24 and in need my new Zimbabwe passport by late January, I’ve called embassy, and they told me I need an original ID which I was clue less about, is there any other alternatives

    • BrianSnr
      |

      do you have a Zimbabwean ID? which number did you call. I am looking for that number if you can send me please

  8. Lily
    |

    Hello my only advice is if you need an urgent passport you probably wont get it. Our representative went to the passport office on Monday 25th Oct 21 in Zimbabwe to submit, but was told to come back the next day to be given 23rd Nov 21 as the date of application submission.

  9. Lindi
    |

    Hi Beth thank you for the informative guide it really helped me today (16/09/2021)when I visited the Embassy to renew my passport.
    Just to highlight a few changes: the ID photo shop has relocated to Regus Building
    1 Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5BW. It’s located in Trafalgar Square next to Tesco Express.
    Also,The embassy now gives out the affidavit forms so you don’t have to take copies.
    I hope this helps a few people.

    • Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
      |

      Hi Lindi, thanks for the support and the info. I’ve edited the article to reflect this so that others can be helped too. All the best, Beth

      • s
        |

        hie, my passport expired in 2011 but i came to the UK at the age 12 , can i still renew my passport without a zim I.D ????

        i did ring the embassy a few times but there was no answer ,

  10. Zanele Fox
    |

    Hi Beth,

    Thank you for the informative blog. My passport is not expiring until 2025 but I would like to change my name officially to my married name. Would changing my name on my passport be the best way of doing this? The reason I want to change my name officially is because I am having a baby soon and my baby will take her fathers name and I think it will be easier if we all have the same last name.

    • Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
      |

      Hi Zanele, thanks for your comments! I see what you mean. I would imagine the process would be the same as renewal, with the requirement of marriage certificates. Best to contact them via their Facebook page or the other contact details listed at the top, to make sure. I hope it goes well! Beth

  11. Edmore
    |

    I renewed my passport last year. But when I got there, it was closed. Luckily, I managed to speak to someone who had opened the door for a delivery as I was taking a photo of the notice on the door. On this notice two email addresses were listed to contact Embassy staff:
    [email protected]
    [email protected]

    Even though I never emailed the Embassy, the man that I met at the door assured me that they reply the emails.

  12. Arnie
    |

    Thank you for the great information.
    Can you apply for a passport renewal with only passport/ ID number only?

    • Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
      |

      The guidance states you need originals. Best to contact the officials using the contact details in the article. All the best

    • Southampton Resident
      |

      Thank you for this information, it was really helpful. My tips to share after I visited the Embassy to apply for my children’s passports on 19.08.21 are go prepared to wait as it’s a very slow process. We were there for 2hours for 2 applications. Carry water and snacks if you have small children with you. FEES TO PAY IN ZIM: US$318 per passport application, there is no longer an option for applications coming from out of Zimbabwe.

      • Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
        |

        Thanks for your comment and also for your advice. May I add your suggestions to the main article as a ‘Reader tip’?

  13. Budiriro - Hapana
    |

    @GreatZimbabweGuide

    Great job mate, so informative, you would expect this information to be put up on the embassy website, but there is nothing (if it actually opens).They can’t even organise courier service for at least twice a month to and fro Zimbabwe rather than good citizens have to write stupid affidavits and ask people back home to queue at that horrible offices. I wonder what they staff at the embassy does all afternoon Monday-Friday.

  14. Archibald
    |

    Hello I want to apply for a new passport and wanted to find out if the embassy is open Monday to Friday 9 to 1230pm for this.

    Cheers

  15. Nancy
    |

    Hello everyone,
    I thought I’d let you all know that at the moment (during COVID times) you can only go to the embassy for passport applications on a Friday between 9:00 and 12:30. However during this Easter period instead of opening on the Friday (2 April) they’ll be offering consular services on Wednesday (31 March) between 10:30 am and 2:00pm then back to normal from the following week. I’m not sure if you have to pay for the passport while you’re at the embassy or if it’s your contact who will have to pay in Zimbabwe but I will surely find out tomorrow and let you all know

      • Patricia
        |

        Good afternoon many thanks for your updates really appreciate please can you continue to update us by emailing me

      • Patricia
        |

        Thank God if everything back to our daily routine .we can sort out our passport immediately thanks for your feedback we’ve been worried throughout this Corvid pandemic I hope everyone is safe and well where ever you are

      • Patricia
        |

        Please can you give us more information about affidavit forms be grateful if you assist me with more information and also what time is the embassy office opened after Easter

      • Patricia
        |

        April 01, 2021 |
        Good afternoon. I find this quite helpful as I can’t get through your London number to speak to one of the advisors. I understand passport renewal was at halt due to the lockdown crisis worldwide. I desperately want to renew my passport as soon as possible Please advise if the photo shop in London is open, and are you now open full time as from the first of April 2021? Please provide the opening times and the most convenient days to come for the processing of the forms. Your help would be greatly appreciated . Thanking you in advance.

      • sarudzai irene Dzvairo
        |

        When sending my application form to Zimbabwe, does a representative have to bear the same last name with me?

      • Great Zimbabwe Guide
        |

        Hello, I do not think they have to bear the same last name as you as long as you complete the affidavit with their correct details.

    • Maxwell
      |

      Hallo
      Thank you for this helpful information. I just wanted to find out if I need to book an appointment at the embassy to make my application for a new passport and if so by phone or email?

      • Great Zimbabwe Guide
        |

        In the past it was not necessary to book an appointment, but this may have changed. If you are journeying from far, try to contact the embassy first to ask.

  16. Tendai
    |

    Thank you so much for the article. This is 2021 and it still very helpful. Can you please tell me where to get the affidavit forms. Thanks.

    • Great Zimbabwe Guide
      |

      Hi Tendai, I’m glad to hear that this is still helpful in 2021! Thank you for your support, it is encouraging. I have placed some text at the bottom of the article under the subheading ‘Appendix: Sample text to use in the affidavit’. You can copy and paste that text into your own Word document and format it how you like, for you to print out and complete.

      • Washington Teterai
        |

        Do we have to sign the letters before a solicitor,lawyer or commissioner of Oath ?Or we just just put in the required details and our signature?

  17. Mandhlakaise Mubhongo
    |

    I find it unreasonable to for the Zimbabwean embassy to process renewed passports in Zimbabwe. Britain has better facilities to process these documents. If it can process Visa to individuals for any country, why can’t they process Zimbabwean passports.
    This is failure and incompetent for an embassy.

  18. Mimi
    |

    Hi,

    Thank you for this page as it has been very helpful given the government embassy zim website isn’t working.

    My partner’s passport (with indefinite leave to remain visa) has expired and he needs to renew this. Do i just follow your steps as explained above and would this cover the renewal of his visa too?

    Also he is unable to find his birth certificate, so what would he need to do in this case?

    Thanks

  19. Farai Gwenzi
    |

    Hi Beth,

    My brother and I do not have our passports or a birth certificate due to someone in our family basically holding them hostage, all I need from the embassy is for them to give me official documentation to say that they can’t provide me with a new passport would that be a simple task?

  20. Maya
    |

    Hi Beth

    I lost my national id but I am planning to go back to Zimbabwe soon, my question is can l still get the application processed and fingerprints done at the embassy?without my id?

    • Ruvimbo
      |

      Hi

      How did you manage to get about your application process without a Zim ID? I would like to renew my passport and do not have a Zim ID.

      • Edna Mberengwa
        |

        Good afternoon. I find this quite helpful as I can’t get through your London number to speak to one of the advisors. I understand passport renewal was at halt due to the lockdown crisis worldwide. I desperately want to renew my passport for my Uk visa application extension which is due soon. Please advise if the photo shop in London is open, and are you now open full time as from the first of April 2021? Please provide the opening times and the most convenient days to come for the processing of the forms. Your help would be greatly appreciated . Thanking you in advance.
        Edina. M.

      • Great Zimbabwe Guide
        |

        Hello! I do not work for the consulate, my aim is to provide helpful information. Another reader has commented: “at the moment (during COVID times) you can only go to the embassy for passport applications on a Friday between 9:00 and 12:30. However during this Easter period instead of opening on the Friday (2 April) they’ll be offering consular services on Wednesday (31 March) between 10:30 am and 2:00pm then back to normal from the following week. I’m not sure if you have to pay for the passport while you’re at the embassy or if it’s your contact who will have to pay in Zimbabwe but I will surely find out tomorrow and let you all know.” Please check back at the bottom of this page for comments in due course. Also check out the Facebook group ‘Zimbo birds’ where people often discuss these topics. Best of luck. Beth

  21. Whitney
    |

    Has anyone used the one day express service ? And how did you get on ?

  22. Kuda
    |

    Hi Beth

    Thank you so much for the useful info, I am looking forward to renew mine as well . I have an old paper ID from 10 year ago, will they not chase me away? If so do you know how I can get the plastic one from here. I am not planning on going to Zim anytime soon .

  23. Tatenda
    |

    Hi Beth,

    Thanks for your guidance. This site has proved to be an invaluable resource. Keep up the good work.

  24. Simba
    |

    hi anyine wuth the no. for the zim embassy london the one in site doesnt seem to wrk

    • Rufus
      |

      Hi there
      i have just gone through the process of applying for a renewal of my Zimbabwe Passport. The staff are quite helpful, but slow, the usual story when dealing with the government sectors in Zimbabwe. However, they are very helpful, especially the girl called Fiona. The process is quite simple and i used this site before i went down to sort my papers out. Traumatic initially but very simple in the end,. After going through it, i wouldn’t stress about the process at all.

      Get there early, the quicker you get there, the quicker it all gets done. They open 9am from Monday to Friday, and close at 12.30pm. Entrance is to the side of the building, and its a 2 minute walk from Charing Cross station.

      Photo’s from a normal photo booth are fine, or go into your local post office that offers passport style photos and get them done there. The ID photoshop charges £9 for only 4 photos, most places usually charge a fiver (£5).This place is directly opposite the entrance/exit of Charing Cross station, next to Papermate.
      Make sure, and this is a definite, wear BLACK CLOTHING. Your top must be Black, and black ONLY. Any other colour and you wasting your time. YOU will get rejected.

      You need the following documents :
      1. Passport & 1x photocopy of the passport detail section where your photo is located. If you have any otters visa/ permits, get them photocopied as well, just in case. I had a residence permit so had to get that photocopied as well.
      2. Birth certificate & 1x photocopy.
      3. 2x photos (which they will make you write your name on the back and then officially stamp)
      4. Zimbabwe ID & 1x photocopy.

      Your affidavit doesn’t need stamping and they don’t require that either. It is something you can do at a later stage, but if you have already done it then by all means ask them to check it. Like i said, they are very helpful.

      Take a black pen. THIS IS A MUST as they will not give you theirs and tell you that they use blue pens only, which unfortunately is true.

      Take change for the photo copy machine. it takes all coins from 10p up to £2. On personal experience, take 50p coins as the machine will continuously reject your 10p and 20p…not sure why, but maybe like the police back home, they need “more” than is necessary 😉

      Be polite to them as well, if you lose your cool, they will make life difficult for you. That happened to a couple who were there at the same time as i was, and trust me they had to jump through hoops and all sorts just to get their paperwork sorted. Good thing i left before it got really ugly.

      If your passport has expired, they will cancel it for you there as well. Again, this may take almost an hour, but get it done, saves you having to come back and deal with them again

      Hopefully this helps. Like i said, have done this first hand, others will have had a different experience. Mine was very simple and straight forward and all the panicking that took place beforehand was unnecessary.

      Good luck and god bless

  25. nuri
    |

    hi beth

    thanks for all the helpful info when i send through my affidavit does it have to be stamped by embassy or police station or can i just sign and send through and also any idea if they are currently open as the line seems to be not working at the moment was planning on going through next week

    thank you

    • Great Zimbabwe Guide
      |

      Hi, you affidavit doesn’t have to be signed by a police station. You should take it with you to the embassy and you can ask them to check it over but I don’t think they will need to sign it. They will stamp all the other documentation anyway. I don’t know whether their phones are currently down, keep trying, but remember to phone during their working hours (listed above), basically mornings only. Hope it goes well.

      • nuri
        |

        thanks so ,much for the reply will try my luck next week fingers crossed.

      • Sarudzai Dzvairo
        |

        Hi
        My passport is due to expire end of October, my BRP has already expired end of May and I have submitted my application for extension already. When I go to the Embassy, are they going to process my passport forms without a valid BRP or I will have to wait for a responsefrom the Home Office before I apply for a new passport? Please help.

  26. nuri
    |

    hi beth

    thanks for all the helpful info when i send through my affidavit does it have to be stamped by embassy or police station or can i just sign and send through and also any idea if they are currently open as the line seems to be not working at the moment was planning on going through next week

    • Mabel Moyo
      |

      Hi Beth
      My name is Mabel Rosalie Moyo. I posted my expired passports, one for me and one for my daughter Tahana. We had done all the processing at the UK Zimbabwe Embassy. But the passports were not received up to now by the recipient.
      I posted them by Royal Mail. I was told that after they have left UK, l can not trace them any more. What should l do since we need passports urgently.
      Yours sincerely
      Mabel Moyo

      • Great Zimbabwe Guide
        |

        Hi Mabel, thanks for your comment. I’m afraid I don’t have any advice except maybe you can try get hold of Zimpost offices in Zimbabwe and track down the parcel. My advice in Step 6 was to send the passports with a courier company such as Fedex, not a local mail company. I hope that you are able to track down the passports soon. Best wishes, Beth

  28. Tatenda
    |

    Hi Beth.

    What do you do if you don’t have a 3rd party to take your documents for you. Can you just send them straight to the passport office or do I need to find someone to do it for me

    • Great Zimbabwe Guide
      |

      Hi Tatenda, I don’t believe it’s possible to send it to the passport office in Zim; I think a person has to hand it in on your behalf. That is my understanding. You could perhaps hire an agent in Harare to help with this but I don’t know any.

  29. Rey
    |

    Hi Beth, thank you so much for the information. I unfortunately have a complicated situation I hope you can help or point me in the right direction. I am living in the UK since I was 15 (2003) I am now 29 and due to many unfortunate events have no status to remain (Currently working on this with a lawyer but no active case currently). The Home Office ceased my passport (Which has since expired) and birth certificate, and as I left Zim before my 16th birthday I have no ID card. My partner (Kirsty) and I are due to marry next year and have just started the process with our notice of marriage. It looks as though this is going to be very difficult (If not impossible) to do without a valid ID 🙁 How can I renew my Zimbabwean passport from inside the UK, and have you heard of any experiences like this before where you can offer advice? Any thoughts are much appreciated

    • Great Zimbabwe Guide
      |

      Hi Rey, thanks for your message. That is a tricky situation and to be honest I’m not sure of what to advise. Perhaps your best route is to pursue the UK passport option as it has been your home since you were 16? Otherwise go visit the Zimbabwe embassy in person and ask them what your options are, I think. All the best.

    • Shokomunerombo
      |

      Not sure if have now been sorted my friend. But you will have to get some Hama of yours in Zim to obtain an ID using your long birth certificate, if you you don’t have a birth certificate then you will need to fill in affidavits claiming you have lost everything. This can be done via the embassy too. Send these to zim via your sahwira back there.Thereafter, repeat the process for your passport. Not sure how the consulate can cease your passport. All the same, be polite and respectful when you deal the the staff they usually understand. I hope they will when I renew mine on Tuesday.

      All the same, all the best. Stay positive and keep trying coz if u giv up, it will still come back and haunt you again. Seek help wherever you can. One day the silver cord will break for you.

      Above all, do your bit and be thankful to the almighty.

  30. Francis
    |

    Quick question, Is there a time limit to when I should submit my passport form. I got my fingerprints filled form and made my payment etc back in 2016 January and would like to send my docs over to a relative in zim. Do i need to do the process again or I can send the forms I completed in 2016?

  31. Stanley
    |

    This guide was spot on. Thank you Beth for this information, which the process smooth for us.

  32. Ngoni
    |

    Thank you Beth for the informative article. I called the embassy today asking what is required to enable me to renew my passport and I wasnt given this much detail!

  33. Janet King
    |

    Hi Beth

    Thanks for the info. I have lost my original birth certificate do you know will they accept a copy which has been certified by a Commissioner of Oaths in Zim for a new passport application – thanks This is urgent.
    Jan

    • GreatZimbabweGuide
      |

      Hi Janet, I’m afraid I don’t have a definitive answer so it’s best to try phone the embassy on weekday mornings. All the best.

    • irvine
      |

      hi Jan , if you havent managed to replace you original birth certificate, contact : [email protected] , they can help in that regard ,even those with issues with lost metal id cards ,non marriage letters,collections of new passports and many more , contact them , i hope this will help

  34. Sonia
    |

    Any suggestions on a lost ID card please? Can I get another issued at the embassy.

  35. Sharmie
    |

    Hi can you travel to zimbabwe with a passport thats expiring in one month and renew it while in zimbabwe is that possible does anyone know

  36. Sophie
    |

    Hi Beth
    Thank you so much for this info. May you be Blessed beyond measure,taking your time to do all this.
    I am waiting for my birth certificate and ID from Zimbabwe,,,,I will definitely follow the info you’ve provided.
    Again thank you x

  37. Annette
    |

    Hi Beth,
    I’m not even in the UK but your blog provided me with very useful tips that I could use for us people down under!
    Thanks a mil we need more people like you 🙂

  38. John Querl
    |

    My husbands passport expired in december2016. We wish to get a new 8ne but he only has his original one and it is not a long version will this be ok thank you mrs margarwt querl

  39. Ezra Volo Sibanda
    |

    Hi Beth
    I lost my passport but I have my ID and birth certificate. Is it possible to be given passport forms?
    Many thanks
    Ezra

  40. aaron tsanga
    |

    Hi,

    I am base in ireland and want to know when the zimbabwe embassy are visiting ireland next, as i need to renew my passport.

    Regards,

    AaronT

  41. Simbarashe
    |

    Hi Beth

    What a blessing you are, I just followed the info you provided and the process was such a joy.
    I really want to say thank you and God bless. I took everything I needed as per info and within
    45mins I was done.

    Kind regards

  42. Mutsa
    |

    Thank you so much for posting this! Do you remember how long the renewal process took?

    • GreatZimbabweGuide
      |

      Hi Mutsa, it depends how you count it. Theoretically, 1 day at the embassy, 3 days to courier the documents, 6 weeks to process the documents and 3 days to courier them back. But realistically it takes a bit longer than that!

  43. Mark
    |

    Hi Beth

    Thanks for the advice – you wouldn’t happen to know when one would be able to apply for a new passport before the current passport expires? I have heard rumours before of 6 months but obviously this could just be hearsay.

    Many thanks,
    Mark

    • GreatZimbabweGuide
      |

      Hi Mark, hope this was helpful. I can’t see a rule about this on official documentation. However, in terms of Zimbabwe travel rules, to enter Zimbabwe on any passport, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Zimbabwe and should have at least 3 blank pages left in it. So it would be wise to renew your passport before either of those take place. A normal passport takes about 6 weeks to be made and issued in Zimbabwe, so you would need to work backwards from there factoring in the time you need to go to the embassy in London and send the passport application to Zimbabwe.

  44. Tafadzwa
    |

    Hi Beth thank you for taking your time to publish this .. Wanted to ask what do u do if you came here when you were young and wasn’t able to get he Zim i.d (chitupa).. Is there anything I need to do ?

    • GreatZimbabweGuide
      |

      Hi Tafadzwa, I’m glad you enjoyed the article! I don’t know about the I.D. question, so perhaps phone the Zim Commission and ask for their advice. Best wishes, Beth

  45. Tendai
    |

    Hi Beth

    Thanks very much for your willingness to share the valuable information
    on passport processing . We followed your advice and the process was just flawless

    • GreatZimbabweGuide
      |

      Hi Tendai, thanks for your positive comments! I’m so glad that the process went well for you. This is the reason that I write articles like this, so thank you for the encouragement. All the best, Beth

      • Cece
        |

        Hello Beth
        Just discovered your blog. It’s very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing all this information. Me being in Scotland it has helped me a lot to prepare for my trip to get my passport renewed. One can never get this great information anywhere else. Thank you.

      • Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
        |

        Thanks so much for the kind words! The article was written to help others – great to hear it has done that for you!

    • Mgcini
      |

      Thanks for such helping information. I have a question .can I apply for a passport renewal without an ID.

      • Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
        |

        The guidance states you need an ID. Best to contact the officials using the contact details in the article. All the best