Zimbabwe Passport Application Fees and FAQs
How Zimbabwe's e-passport application works
Zimbabwe now issues e-passports everywhere in the country — you no longer need to travel to Harare to apply. The Civil Registry Department has an enrolment centre in every province, so you can apply, get your biometrics taken and collect your passport close to home.
The process has three steps:
- Pre-enrol and pay online through the Civil Registry Department's e-services portal — you fill in your details and upload your documents before you go anywhere in person.
- Attend an in-person biometric appointment at your nearest provincial or district centre, where your photo and fingerprints are captured.
- Collect your passport at the centre once it is ready.
An ordinary e-passport typically takes about seven working days; an emergency passport can be ready within 48 hours. If you already hold an old machine-readable passport, it stays valid for travel until it expires — there is no need to replace it early just because the e-passport exists.
Zimbabwe passport application fees
Prices last confirmed 5 hours ago.
| Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (ZiG) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Passport | US$150.00 | USD only |
| Emergency Passport | US$250.00 | USD only |
| QR Code | US$20.00 | USD only |
| Application Fees | US$20.00 | USD only |
The application fee is charged on every application in addition to the passport fee itself, and the QR code fee applies to every electronically readable passport. Passport fees are foreign-currency only and are paid at CBZ or First Capital Bank — ZiG is not accepted for this particular service.
Things to note
- Passport fees are paid in foreign currency only. ZiG payments are not accepted.
- An application fee must be paid with each application.
- New passports come with a chip like the one you see on chipped bank cards that looks like a SIM card. The chip has biometric information that can be verified electronically and is hard to alter.
- Payments for passports can be made at CBZ and First Capital banks.
Birth Certificate and National ID Fees
You’ll usually need a birth certificate and a National ID before you can even apply for a passport, so here’s what those cost too — including the metal-to-plastic ID upgrade and what’s changing with Zimbabwe’s National ID card.
Birth certificate, death certificate and National ID fees
Prices last confirmed 5 hours ago.
All of these are handled by the Civil Registry Department (the same office that issues passports). Fees are billed in USD, but you can pay in ZiG at the exchange rate on the day.
| Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (ZiG) |
|---|---|---|
| Searching birth or records for any one year of any document | US$1.00 | ZiG 27 |
| Photocopying any birth or death document/page | US$0.20 | ZiG 5 |
| Initial birth certifcate for persons six years or younger | US$0.00 | ZiG 0 |
| Initial birth certifcate for persons above six years | US$5.00 | ZiG 133 |
| Certified copy of an entry of birth or death certificate | US$5.00 | ZiG 133 |
| An extract of an entry relating to birth or death | US$2.00 | ZiG 53 |
| Urgent birth/death certicate | US$10.00 | ZiG 266 |
| External birth certificate | US$15.00 | ZiG 399 |
| Non-citizen birth certificate (initial) | US$10.00 | ZiG 266 |
| Non-citizen birth certificate (duplicate) | US$25.00 | ZiG 665 |
| Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (ZiG) |
|---|---|---|
| Photocopying any birth or death document/page | US$0.20 | ZiG 5 |
| Initial death certificate | US$2.00 | ZiG 53 |
| Certified copy of an entry of birth or death certificate | US$5.00 | ZiG 133 |
| An extract of an entry relating to birth or death | US$2.00 | ZiG 53 |
| Urgent birth/death certicate | US$10.00 | ZiG 266 |
| Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (ZiG) |
|---|---|---|
| Searching ID records for any year or any document entryor other record | US$2.00 | ZiG 53 |
| For fingerprint clearance | US$1.00 | ZiG 27 |
| Urgent fingerprint clearance | US$5.00 | ZiG 133 |
| National ID (Initial registration for persons aged 16-18) | US$0.00 | ZiG 0 |
| National ID (Initial registration for persons above 18 years) | US$2.00 | ZiG 53 |
| Replacement of lost or torn paper ID document | US$5.00 | ZiG 133 |
| Urgent replacement of torn or lost paper ID document | US$10.00 | ZiG 266 |
| Replacement of lost or defaced metal or plastic ID document (resident) | US$10.00 | ZiG 266 |
| Replacement of lost or defaced metal or plastic ID document (non-resident) | US$15.00 | ZiG 399 |
| Application for plastic changeover from metal ID to plastic ID (resident) | US$20.00 | ZiG 532 |
| Application for plastic changeover from metal ID to plastic ID (non-resident) | US$30.00 | ZiG 798 |
| Correction of ID error due to applicant on paper ID | US$10.00 | ZiG 266 |
| Correction of an error due to applicant on plastic ID | US$25.00 | ZiG 665 |
| Change of name on plastic, metal or paper ID | US$0.00 | ZiG 0 |
| Change of name on plastic, metal or paper ID other than after marriage | US$25.00 | ZiG 665 |
| Change of name on ID by notarial deed | US$100.00 | ZiG 2,661 |
| Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (ZiG) |
|---|---|---|
| For altering a name in register or correcting an error | US$5.00 | ZiG 133 |
| Correcting an error orignating from the Department | US$0.00 | ZiG 0 |
| For a change of surname by notarial deed | US$50.00 | ZiG 1,330 |
| For a change of surname by Registrar-General | US$5.00 | ZiG 133 |
| Correction of error due to Department | US$0.00 | ZiG 0 |
| Change of citizen status | US$40.00 | ZiG 1,064 |
| Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (ZiG) |
|---|---|---|
| A certifcate not provided elsewhere | US$2.00 | ZiG 53 |
| Authentication | US$20.00 | ZiG 532 |
| Re-registration (for legitimacy purposes) | US$20.00 | ZiG 532 |
What's changing: the new plastic National ID card
Government has announced plans to replace the metal National ID card with a biometric polycarbonate (plastic) card, similar in concept to the e-passport, as part of a wider civil registry digitisation drive. As of 2026 this has not fully rolled out — the metal ID remains the standard document — and it is expected to begin in Harare and Bulawayo before extending countrywide. There is no need to apply early or pay anything now; this page will be updated with the official application process once it opens.
Passport Fees in Neighboring SADC Countries
For comparison, here is a table showing the passport application fees in some neighbouring SADC countries:
Passport fees in neighbouring SADC countries
Prices last confirmed 5 hours ago.
| Country | Ordinary passport (USD) | Emergency passport (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa (opens official source in a new tab) ↗ | US$36.04 | — |
| Botswana (opens official source in a new tab) ↗ | US$19.35 | — |
| Zambia (opens official source in a new tab) ↗ | US$28.43 | — |
| Mozambique (opens official source in a new tab) ↗ | US$37.55 | US$112.66 |
| Namibia (opens official source in a new tab) ↗ | US$24.42 | — |
Figures are converted from each country's local passport fee using current exchange rates, so USD totals move with currency swings even when the underlying local fee has not changed. The ↗ link on each country goes to that government's own fee schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The new e-passport contains an RFID chip, biometric data, and enhanced security features, making it more secure and durable. It also offers a longer validity period and can be used for visa-free travel to certain countries.
To apply for a new Zimbabwean passport, you need to visit a passport office in Zimbabwe with the following documents:
A completed passport application form
Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or national ID card)
Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or passport)
Two passport-sized photos
An ordinary e-passport typically takes around 7 working days, and an emergency passport can be ready within 48 hours. Processing time can vary depending on the centre and time of year.
Yes, you can still use your old Zimbabwean passport as long as it is valid. However, applying for a new e-passport as soon as possible is recommended due to its enhanced security features.
The cost of a Zimbabwean e-passport varies depending on the type of passport you are applying for. The ordinary passport costs US$170.00 (including the application fee of US$20), while the emergency passport costs US$250.00.
Payments for passports can be made at CBZ and First Capital banks. Ensure you have proof of payment when submitting your application.
If your passport application is rejected, you should receive a notification explaining why. You may need to correct any issues and reapply, ensuring all required documents and fees are submitted correctly. Ask the staff at the office for assistance if you have any enquiries or problems.
Yes, an additional fee of US$20.00 is charged for every electronically readable passport application to obtain a quick response (QR) code.
Yes, you can apply for an emergency passport which costs US$250.00. This service is intended for urgent travel needs and offers a faster processing time than ordinary passports.
You can track the status of your passport application by visiting the passport office where you applied or by contacting them directly for updates.
No. E-passport enrolment centres are now open in every province, so you can apply, do your biometrics and collect your passport near home instead of travelling to Harare.
Government has announced plans to move to a biometric plastic (polycarbonate) National ID card, expected to start in Harare and Bulawayo before extending countrywide. As of 2026 it has not fully rolled out, so the metal ID remains the standard document — there’s nothing you need to do yet.
Obtaining a passport in Zimbabwe is straightforward, provided all the necessary documents and fees are ready. With e-passport centres now open in every province, Zimbabwean nationals can apply close to home while enjoying the enhanced security and durability of the new e-passport. Stay informed and ensure you have the most up-to-date information to facilitate your travel plans.
This guide is designed to help you understand Zimbabwe’s current passport, birth certificate and National ID fees and processes. If you have any further questions, contact the relevant authorities or consult additional resources.
Related civic documents
- Birth certificate fees & how to apply — you’ll need one to apply for a passport.
- National ID fees & application guide
- Death certificate fees & registration guide
- All birth, death, National ID and citizenship fees in one place
