Zimbabwe Passport Services in the UK
Information on passport renewal, emergency travel documents, and related services for Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom.
Important Notice
The embassy does not accept downloaded forms. Original forms must be obtained from the embassy to prevent fraud. Please visit the embassy or request forms via mail.
Available Passport Services
Passport Renewal
Processing Time: Standard: 3-6 months / Express: 2-4 weeks
Fees:
- Standard Passport (38 pages): £120 (US$120 equivalent)
- Express Passport Service: £270 (US$270 equivalent)
- Embassy Consular Fee: £45
Temporary Travel Document (TTD)
Processing Time: 1-2 business days
Fees:
- TTD Fee: £115
Passport Renewal Process
Note: Personal appearance is required for all passport applicants for fingerprinting and document verification.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1
Book an Appointment
Contact the embassy to schedule a passport appointment. Appointments are mandatory for passport services.
Contact: +44 20 7836 7755 or email for appointment booking.
2
Obtain and Complete Form P1
Passport application form P1 must be obtained from the embassy. Downloaded forms are not accepted.
3
Gather Required Documents
Prepare all required documents (originals and photocopies) and passport photos:
- Long-form Birth Certificate (original and copy)
- Zimbabwe National ID Card (original and copy)
- Current/Expired Passport (to be surrendered)
- Marriage Certificate/Divorce Decree (if applicable, for name changes)
- Two color passport photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
- Police Report (for lost/stolen passports)
- Citizenship Certificate (if citizen by descent/registration)
4
Submit Application at Embassy
Visit the embassy on your appointment date with all documents and payment:
- Your fingerprints will be taken
- Documents will be verified and certified
- You'll make payment for embassy consular fee (£45)
- For Express Service, you'll pay the additional fee (£270)
5
Processing in Zimbabwe
Your application will be forwarded to Harare, Zimbabwe for processing:
- The embassy will prepare your application packet
- You must arrange for someone in Zimbabwe to submit your application to the Registrar General's Office in Harare
- This person must have your authorization letter and may need to pay additional fees in Zimbabwe
Important: You must send your application forms to your next of kin in Zimbabwe, together with your current/expired passport, authorization letter, and any additional fee required.
6
Collection
Once processed:
- The passport will be collected by your representative in Harare
- You must arrange for the passport to be sent to you in the UK
- Standard processing can take 3-6 months, while Express service takes about 2-4 weeks
Emergency Travel Document (TTD)
Note: A Temporary Travel Document is valid for 6 months from the date of issue but is for a single journey to Zimbabwe only. It cannot be used for travel to other countries except for transit purposes.
When to Apply for a TTD:
- Your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your passport has expired and you need to travel urgently
- Your passport is full and you need to travel before receiving a new one
- You have a new passport application pending but need to travel urgently
Application Process:
1
Obtain and Fill Form P34
The TTD application form (P34) must be obtained from the embassy. You can request it in person or via email.
2
Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Completed form P34
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of Zimbabwe national ID card
- Evidence of passport status (copy of expired passport OR police report for lost passport)
- Proof of pending passport application (if applicable)
- Confirmed flight booking/itinerary to Zimbabwe
- Two passport-sized photos
- Fee payment (£115)
3
Submit Application
You can apply in person or by mail:
- In person: Visit the embassy during consular hours
- By mail: Email the embassy first for instructions, then mail the completed application with all required documents
4
Processing and Collection
TTDs are usually processed within 1-2 business days:
- For in-person applications, you may be asked to collect it the next day
- For postal applications, the TTD will be mailed back to your provided address
Passport Photo Requirements
Specifications:
- Two identical color photographs
- Size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm
- White background
- No glasses or jewelry
- Dark or bright colored clothing (no white tops)
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
Photos not meeting these specifications will be rejected, causing delays in your application.
Where to Get Passport Photos:
You can get suitable passport photos from:
- Photo booths in post offices and train stations
- Professional photography studios
- Some pharmacy chains (e.g., Boots)
Be sure to specify you need photos for a Zimbabwean passport (3.5cm x 4.5cm), as UK passport photo sizes are different.
Fees and Payment
Passport Service Fees:
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy Consular Fee | £45 | Required for all passport applications |
| Standard Passport (38 pages) | US$120 (equivalent) | Payable in Zimbabwe by your representative |
| Express Passport Service | US$270 (equivalent) | For faster processing (2-4 weeks) |
| Temporary Travel Document | £115 | One-way emergency travel document |
Payment Methods:
- Accepted: Cashier's check or money order payable to "Embassy of Zimbabwe"
- Not accepted: Cash, personal checks, credit/debit cards
Note: Fees are subject to change. Please confirm current fees with the embassy before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard passport processing takes approximately 3-6 months from the time the application is submitted in Harare. The Express service takes about 2-4 weeks. These timeframes depend on the current workload at the Registrar General's Office in Zimbabwe.
Yes, you need a trusted representative (family member or friend) in Zimbabwe to submit your application to the Registrar General's Office in Harare and collect the passport once it's ready. This person should be your next of kin listed on the application form, and they'll need your authorization letter.
No, a long-form birth certificate is mandatory for passport applications. If you've lost yours, you must first apply for a replacement birth certificate from the Registrar General's Office in Zimbabwe before proceeding with your passport application.
You can apply for a Temporary Travel Document (TTD), which will allow you to travel to Zimbabwe only. The TTD is usually processed within 1-2 business days and is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Once in Zimbabwe, you can apply for a regular passport there.
Yes, but you first need to register their birth with the Zimbabwe embassy using form BD3 (Notice of Birth). Once they have a Zimbabwean birth certificate, you can apply for their passport. Both parents or legal guardians must be present when applying for a child's passport, or provide appropriate documentation if one parent cannot attend.
Contact for Passport Inquiries
For specific inquiries about passport services, please contact:
- Email: zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw
- Phone: +44 20 7836 7755
- In person: Visit the Consular Section during operating hours (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday)