Last updated May 2024
There are more than 112,000 Zimbabweans living in the UK according to the Gov.uk website (2023). Zimbabwe passports are issued in Zimbabwe, but you can do the initial paperwork from the UK at the Zimbabwean Embassy in London. You will then 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.
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When to apply? 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. The initial process in London does not take long, but it is the Zimbabwe side that can be delayed.
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 based on real-life experience from myself and other readers, and it is presented in a way that is (hopefully) easy to understand. It should not replace official Embassy or Registrar advice. I suggest you read this article completely to get a complete understanding, and perhaps print it out to use as a checklist.
Please refer to the below official websites for the Zimbabwe Embassy in UK and the Registrar General in Zimbabwe in the first instance:
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- Zimbabwe Embassy in the UK: The Facebook page for the Zimbabwe Embassy in UK is here and honestly, it is the best source of information from the Embassy. They do respond to messages via Facebook. You can also use the search function within their Facebook page to look for your particular question.
- 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], [email protected] and [email protected]. The physical address in London 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.
- Other UK/Ireland locations: The Embassy also offers services such as passport applications and renewals outside London: in Letchworth, Dublin and Belfast: see their Facebook page for details.
- Zimbabwe: Here’s the Facebook page for the Zimbabwe passports. The Zimbabwe Department of the Registrar General website is here: http://www.rg.gov.zw. The physical address for the Harare passport office 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 paid options are available. Other passport offices in Zimbabwe are available.
- Zimbabwe Embassy in the UK: The Facebook page for the Zimbabwe Embassy in UK is here and honestly, it is the best source of information from the Embassy. They do respond to messages via Facebook. You can also use the search function within their Facebook page to look for your particular question.
A guide to renewing your Zimbabwe passport from the UK
Step 1: Collect the below documentation
The documents you need are listed below (May 2024). Re-check the official government websites (above) if in doubt.
Things you will need before going to the Embassy in London:
- Long original birth certificate plus a photocopy. ☐
- Original ID (paper or card) plus a photocopy. ☐
- Expired or current Zimbabwe passport and a photocopy of the biodata page, plus a photocopy of the page showing your right to live in the UK. ☐
- If you have another passport from a different country, you must have that, as well as a photocopy of the biodata page too. As far as I’m aware, you will not need to post the original non-Zimbabwe passport to Zimbabwe. ☐
- For women who are married: Marriage Certificate/National Identity Card in married name/divorce order if applicable, plus a photocopy. Note that the surnames should all match as far as possible. A change of name on an ID can only be done in Zimbabwe. Further details at end of this article. ☐
- Citizenship certificate (for citizens by registration), plus a photocopy. ☐
- £65 admin fee payable via cash in Pounds or postal order at the London Embassy. ☐
- Photos: 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 can be done on the day of your visit, before to going to the London Embassy (see details of the specific photo shop in Step 3 below).
- UK study permit/permanent residence permit or waiver/temporary permit/work permit (this may be in a page in your passport as per #3), plus a photocopy. ☐
- For lost or stolen passports: the police report, plus a photocopy. Note: a loss of a passport should be immediately reported to the nearest local police and nearest Zimbabwean Embassy. ☐
- For children: Section 5 of the passport application form need to be signed by the father or other legal guardian of children under 18 years when you go to the Embassy. In the case of divorced parents, the legal guardian’s “Documentary Proof” should be in a form of a court order from the High Court or Community, plus a photocopy. ☐
- A local representative: You will need to ask someone in Zimbabwe to be your representative: they will receive your couriered documents and hand in the application at the passport office on your behalf, if you are not going to Zimbabwe yourself. They will also pay the local application fee in Zimbabwe on your behalf. You’ll need their full name and ID details. ☐
- Two printed and completed affidavits for your local representative (see details in Step 2 below). ☐
The photocopies do not need to be certified because the Embassy official will check them against the originals that you present in person.
Why not order a document wallet from Amazon to keep everything safe and free of water damage.
Things you will need after your visit to the Embassy in London. These will be sent to your representative in Zimbabwe:
- P34 form and Passport form, completed and stamped (these will be given to you when you go to the London Embassy)
- The documents listed in Step 1 above.
- Courier fees: If you are sending the documents from the UK to your representative in Zimbabwe via courier, there will be a courier fee, varying in price depending on which company you choose (around £40). Later on, your representative may then need to courier the documents/new passport back to you in the UK from Zimbabwe, depending on your situation
- Application fee payable in Zimbabwe (Starting at $60, ranging to US$318 for fast track; see Step 7)
Step 2: Print two affidavits for your local representative
- In order for your representative to submit your passport application at the passport office in Zimbabwe, and for them to collect your 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 documents. These will be officially signed at the London Embassy when you go in person.
- 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 in advance just in case they 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 behind The National Gallery, on the first floor of St Vincent House, Orange Street, postcode WC2H 7HH. 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. They will guide you through the photo rules. Check their website for current opening hours.
- Clothing: 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 in London with your documents
- Check the Embassy Facebook page 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).
- 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.
- 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 might 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 book with you. One reader visited in late 2023 and reported that she was in and out of the embassy within 2 hours.
- 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, there and then. You will be asked to complete personal details such as height, eye colour, hair colour, and your right to live in the UK.
- 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 in cash/postal order 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, have a walk around Trafalgar Square or the beautiful Victoria Embankment Gardens afterwards to reward yourself after all that paperwork!
Ensure you have a good backpack or method of keeping all your precious documents safe! This Berghaus backpack is lightweight and breathable, and available on Amazon here.
Step 6: Send your documents to Zimbabwe for submission
- Take photos/photocopies of all your documents, receipts and stamped forms for your own records, just in case.
- Send the original existing/expired Zimbabwe passport, documents, photocopies, photos, forms, receipts and the 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 documents to a P.O. Box address, but to a physical street address.
- Facilitate the passport fee with your representative: they will be doing this for you in Zimbabwe using US Dollars cash (see below).
- Discuss the process described in Steps 7 and 8 with your representative.
Step 7: Your representative submits the documents in Zimbabwe
- Your representative takes the passport and documentation to the passport office in Zimbabwe (either in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru or Gwanda) and shows 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 usually 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 (confirmed by a reader in 2024), 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 one reader who applied in Aug 2021 reported that this was the only option the passport office allowed them to use, however I have not heard of many cases like this)
- 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 your representative. Ask them to take a photo of this for your records.
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 will be sent to them 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.
- Ask them to take a photo of the courier information.
Appendix 1: 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 …………………………
Appendix 2: Screenshot from the Zimbabwean Embassy in London Facebook page re: Can I apply for a new passport in my married name?
Appendix 3: Screenshot from the Zimbabwean Embassy in London Facebook page re: Divorced name and maiden name
Appendix 4: Screenshot from the Zimbabwean Embassy in London Facebook page: Does my child have to come for the appointment as a minor to get fingerprints taken?
And: can a 16-year-old apply for a passport without a National ID?
Appendix 5: Screenshot from the Zimbabwean Embassy in London Facebook page: Passport applications, Temporary Travel Documents (TTD) and Repatriation
Note that this screenshot was taken in 2021 during COVID times, so the photo studio arrangement was different due at that particular time.
Appendix 6: Screenshot from a Facebook chat group about British and Zimbabwe passports and IDs; maiden vs married names
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.
Follow Great Zimbabwe Guide on social media for even more content: Facebook (@GreatZimbabweGuide) & Instagram(@GreatZimGuide).
If you would like to add learnings from your own experience, please add it to the comments below.
You might also like:
Follow Great Zimbabwe Guide on social media for even more content: Facebook (@GreatZimbabweGuide) & Instagram(@GreatZimGuide).
Ike
Thanks for the tips in this post. I followed all the steps as recommended and arrived at the Zimbabwean Embassy prepared at 9:30 this morning. There were only two people ahead of me in the queue, and I was finished by 10:15.
Benson
Thank you so much for the guide. I had all the documents ready and was done within an hour.
Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
Wonderful to hear that it was helpful and that you succeeded!
Gilbert Nyaho
Hi Beth,can you please tell me something,is there any other option if I want to renew my passport here in the UK,but I don’t have an original birth certificate I only have it in my phone,so how does it work in that situation please advise me.
Kind regards
Gilbert Nyaho
Thanks.
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
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
Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
Thank you Heather!
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.
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
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 ?
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?
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
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.
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 ,
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
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.
Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)
Thanks for your comments!
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’?
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.
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
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
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Thanks Nancy for this helpful info! Feel free to let us know when you find out more, and best of luck to you. Beth
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.
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?
Great Zimbabwe Guide
To my knowledge, the affidavits just need to be signed and dated by yourself.
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.
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
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?
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
Whitney
Has anyone used the one day express service ? And how did you get on ?
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 .
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Thanks Kuda!
Brian
Hi Beth,
Thanks for the wealth of information you have given here.
God bless
Brian.
Tatenda
Hi Beth,
Thanks for your guidance. This site has proved to be an invaluable resource. Keep up the good work.
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Thanks Tatenda 🙂
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
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.
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
Ndaka
Thank you Beth. This has been extremely helpful
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.
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.
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?
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Hi Francis, I’m afraid I don’t know. Best to phone the embassy in Longon or go there in person to ask.
Stanley
This guide was spot on. Thank you Beth for this information, which the process smooth for us.
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Thank you Stanley, I’m glad it helped!
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!
Great Zimbabwe Guide
Thank you Ngoni!
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
Great Zimbabwe Guide
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Sonia
Any suggestions on a lost ID card please? Can I get another issued at the embassy.
GreatZimbabweGuide
Hi Sonia, sorry I don’t know, best to phone them at the embassy. Best wishes, Beth
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
GreatZimbabweGuide
Hi Sharmie, best to phone the embassy and ask them. All the best, Beth
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
GreatZimbabweGuide
Hi Sophie, thanks for your kind comment, I’m glad this was helpful!
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 🙂
GreatZimbabweGuide
Hi Annette, that is wonderful news, thank you for taking the time to write it. I’m glad it was helpful. All the best xx
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
GreatZimbabweGuide
Hi Margaret, sorry I don’t know – best to phone the passport office. Best, Beth
irvine
Hi Mrs Querl , the short birth certificate version is no longer accepted , he needs to change to a longer one
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
GreatZimbabweGuide
Hi Ezra, sorry I have no idea, best to contact the embassy. All the best, Beth
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
GreatZimbabweGuide
Hi! It seems like the Zim UK embassy website is currently down so your best bet is to phone the Zim offices and ask them.
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
GreatZimbabweGuide
That is wonderful to hear, thank you for your comment and all the best!
Joyce Dumingu
Hi I need to renew my passport which days do you open
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!
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.
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
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