Emergency Travel Documents

Information about obtaining Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) or Temporary Travel Documents (TTD) when your passport is lost, stolen, expired, or unavailable for urgent travel.

About Emergency Travel Documents

An Emergency Travel Document (ETD), also known as a Temporary Travel Document (TTD), is a document issued by Zimbabwean embassies and consulates to citizens who need to travel urgently but cannot obtain a regular passport in time.

When You Need an ETD:

  • Your passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged
  • Your passport has expired and you need to travel urgently
  • You have an emergency requiring immediate travel to Zimbabwe
  • You have applied for a passport, but it has not been processed in time for urgent travel

ETD Validity:

  • Validity period: 6 months from date of issue
  • Number of entries: Single journey only
  • Destination: Valid only for travel to Zimbabwe
  • Transit: Can be used for transit through connecting countries

Key Limitations:

  • Cannot be used for travel to countries other than Zimbabwe
  • Cannot be extended or renewed
  • Must be surrendered to immigration officials upon arrival in Zimbabwe
  • Some airlines may require additional documentation or verification

Required Documents

To apply for an Emergency Travel Document, you need to provide the following documents:

  • Completed ETD Application Form (Form P34) - Available at the embassy or consulate
  • Copy of your Zimbabwean birth certificate
  • Copy of your Zimbabwe national ID card (for applicants over 16 years)
  • Evidence of passport status:
    • Copy of expired/damaged passport (pages 1-5 of old passport OR last page of new passport), OR
    • Police report for lost/stolen passport
  • Proof of pending passport application (if applicable) - Copy of receipt issued within 6 months of ETD application
  • Confirmed flight booking/itinerary to Zimbabwe - Flight must be direct to Zimbabwe or have transit only
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
  • ETD application fee - Typically around US$115 or equivalent in local currency (fee may vary by embassy)

Application Process

Standard Application Process:

1

Contact the Embassy

Contact your nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate to inform them of your situation and schedule an appointment if necessary.

2

Gather Required Documents

Prepare all required documents listed above. For lost passports, ensure you have filed a police report.

3

Complete the Application Form

Fill out Form P34 (Emergency Travel Document application). Be sure to provide accurate information.

4

Submit Application in Person

Visit the embassy during consular hours (typically between 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday) to submit your application and required documents.

5

Pay the Required Fee

Pay the ETD application fee (approx. US$115 or equivalent) using the embassy's accepted payment methods.

6

Processing and Collection

In genuine emergencies, ETDs can often be processed within 1-2 business days. For non-emergency cases, standard processing times apply (typically 3-5 business days).

Expedited Processing:

For genuine emergency situations (such as death in the family, medical emergencies, or other urgent humanitarian cases), expedited processing may be available:

  • Clearly explain the nature of your emergency with supporting evidence
  • The embassy can often process emergency cases on the same day or next business day
  • An additional expedite fee may apply in some embassies

Fees and Payment

Standard Fees:

Service Fee (approximate) Notes
Emergency Travel Document (ETD) US$115 or local equivalent Standard processing
Expedited ETD (where available) Additional fee may apply Same-day or next-day processing in emergency cases

Payment Methods:

Accepted payment methods vary by embassy location but typically include:

  • Cash in local currency
  • Money order or cashier's check
  • Bank drafts

Credit cards and personal checks are generally not accepted. Please bring exact amounts as change may not be available.

Special Cases

Minors (Under 18):

For children under 18 requiring an ETD:

  • Both parents or legal guardians should be present with the child
  • If one parent cannot be present, a notarized consent letter from the absent parent is required
  • Birth certificate showing parentage is essential
  • If applying based on a legal guardian status, court documents proving guardianship must be provided

No Identification Documents:

If you've lost all identification documents (passport, ID, birth certificate):

  • Report the loss to local police and obtain a police report
  • Contact the embassy immediately - they may have additional procedures
  • The embassy will work to verify your identity through available channels
  • This process may take longer than standard ETD issuance
  • You may need to provide additional evidence of Zimbabwean citizenship

Medical Emergencies:

In cases of serious medical emergencies requiring urgent travel:

  • Provide medical documentation from a licensed healthcare provider
  • The embassy may expedite processing in genuine medical emergency cases
  • If the applicant cannot travel to the embassy due to hospitalization, contact the embassy for possible alternative arrangements

Using Your ETD

Travel Restrictions:

Be aware of the following when traveling on an ETD:

  • ETDs are valid for a single journey to Zimbabwe only
  • The ETD can only be used for transit purposes through other countries on your route to Zimbabwe
  • You cannot use an ETD to travel to countries other than Zimbabwe as a final destination
  • Some airlines may require additional verification or documentation

Airline Requirements:

Before traveling with an ETD:

  • Contact your airline to verify they accept ETDs for travel
  • Arrive at the airport earlier than usual (at least 3 hours before departure)
  • Carry all supporting documentation that led to the issuance of your ETD
  • Be prepared for additional security screening or verification

Upon Arrival in Zimbabwe:

When you reach Zimbabwe:

  • Present your ETD to immigration officials
  • The ETD will typically be retained by immigration
  • Apply for a new passport at the Registrar General's Office as soon as possible
  • If you plan to travel out of Zimbabwe again, start the passport application process immediately

Embassy Contact Information

For specific information about obtaining an Emergency Travel Document, contact your nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate:

United Kingdom Embassy

For general inquiries, you can also contact:

Frequently Asked Questions

In genuine emergency situations, the embassy can process an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) within 1-2 business days, and in some cases, on the same day. You must provide all required documentation and evidence of the emergency nature of your travel. For non-emergency situations, standard processing times apply, typically 3-5 business days.

No, a Zimbabwean ETD is valid only for a single journey to Zimbabwe. It cannot be used for travel to other countries as a final destination. You may transit through other countries on your way to Zimbabwe, but you must be traveling to Zimbabwe as your final destination. Upon arrival in Zimbabwe, the ETD is typically surrendered to immigration authorities.

No, personal appearance is required for ETD applications. The embassy needs to verify your identity in person. In exceptional circumstances where physical appearance is impossible (such as hospitalization), contact the embassy directly to discuss potential alternative arrangements, though these are rarely granted and would require substantial documentation.

If you've lost all your identification documents, first report the loss to the local police and obtain a police report. Then contact the embassy with this report. The embassy will work to verify your identity through available channels, which may include checking records or contacting authorities in Zimbabwe. This process may take longer than standard ETD issuance, so it's important to contact the embassy as soon as possible.

No, an ETD is not the same as a full passport. It is a temporary document with significant limitations: it's valid for only six months, allows only a single journey to Zimbabwe, cannot be used for travel to other countries, and is surrendered upon arrival in Zimbabwe. Once in Zimbabwe, you should apply for a regular passport as soon as possible if you plan to travel internationally again.