How to apply for a Zimbabwean Passport in South Africa?

This guideline provides a clear overview of how to apply for a Zim passport in South Africa, highlighting essential steps such as document submission, fee structures, and helpful tips on where to get a compliant passport photo.

Table of contents

• Is it possible to apply for a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa?
• Where do you get a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa?
• Zimbabwe passport application in South Africa: step-by-step process
• Documents required for Zimbabwean passport application in South Africa
• Zimbabwean passport photo requirements
• Get your Zimbabwean passport photo online!
• Zimbabwe Passport Photo App
• Costs to apply for a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa
• Zimbabwean passport processing times

Is it possible to apply for a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa?

Yes, you can apply for a Zimbabwean passport without having to return to Zimbabwe. If your passport is expired or about to expire, you can also apply for Zim passport renewal in South Africa. The Zimbabwean Consulate has branches in Johannesburg and Cape Town, making it easier for Zimbabwean citizens residing in South Africa to apply for their passports locally.

Where do you get a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa?

To get a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa, you need to visit one of the two Zimbabwean consulates:

Consulate in Johannesburg:

Address: 13A Boeing Road West, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Phone: +27 11 037 3400
Office Hours: Open from 08:30 to 12:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (closed on Wednesdays and weekends).
E-mail: zimjohannesburg@zimfa.gov.zw

Consulate in Cape Town:

Address: 55 Kuper Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
Phone: +27 21 461 1994-5
E-mail: zimcapetown@zimfa.gov.zw
Office Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 08:30 to 12:30 (closed Wednesday and weekends).

Zimbabwe passport application in South Africa: step-by-step process

Can I apply for a Zimbabwean e-passport in South Africa? — Yes, as a Zimbabwean citizen, you have the option to apply for a standard passport or an e-passport.

Can I apply for a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa online? — Currently, fully online applications for a Zimbabwean passport from SA aren't available. However, you can start the process by scheduling an appointment online.

Here is how to book a Zimbabwean passport online in South Africa:

1. Visit the official website of the Zimbabwean Consulate in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
2. Use their online appointment system to book a time slot for your passport application.
3. Prepare all the required documents before your appointment.
4. Attend your appointment at the consulate with your documents to submit your application in person. This step is necessary because you need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, directly.

For in-person applications, simply prepare the required documents and submit your application at the consulate.

Documents required for Zimbabwean passport application in South Africa

What is needed to apply for a Zimbabwean passport? When applying for a passport, you'll need to provide the following documents:

• Long birth certificate (the original document along with a copy that doesn’t need certification).
• National ID for those 16 years and older. Note that a driver's license isn’t accepted. Provide the original ID and a copy that doesn’t require certification.
• Current or expired passport.
• Marriage certificate or divorce order. Necessary for women who are married or divorced, if applicable. Submit the original and an uncertified copy.
• Two passport-sized color photos.
• Police report, if your previous passport was lost or stolen.
• Citizenship certificate for those claiming citizenship by registration or descent.
• Additional documents (when necessary):
  • A letter confirming non-citizenship if you have lived outside Zimbabwe for more than five years.
  • Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or rental agreement, might be required based on your circumstances.

Zimbabwean passport photo requirements

Here are the specific passport-size photo dimensions for Zimbabwe:

• The photo size must be 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm). Zimbabwean passport photo size in inches is 1.38 × 1.77.
• The head should take up about 34.5 mm from the top of the hair to the chin, leaving a 3 mm gap from the top of the hair to the top edge of the photo.
• Ensure the background is plain white, without any patterns or shadows.
• Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed, and avoid smiling or frowning.
• Position your head straight and centered in the photo, ensuring your face is fully visible.
• Both eyes should be open and clearly seen. If possible, remove glasses to prevent glare, unless they are medically necessary.
• The photo must be in color, accurately reflecting your natural skin and hair tones.
• For Zimbabwe's e-passport, the photo should have a resolution of 600 DPI.

Here is an example:

Get your Zimbabwean passport photo online!

Want an easy way to get a professional Zimbabwean e-passport picture? Check out Visafoto.com! This user-friendly service boasts an impressive 99.7% approval rate.

All you need is your camera or smartphone and a blank white background. Snap a photo, upload it to Visafoto, and the tool will automatically adjust the size and background to match the required standards.

Take an image like this:

You'll receive two versions of your photo: a digital copy for online applications and a print-ready format. If you're not satisfied with the photo, we offer a free replacement. In case it's not accepted, we provide a full refund.

Zimbabwe Passport Photo App

Also, consider using the 7ID App by Visafoto.com. It is an intuitive tool that helps you create a perfect ID, passport, and visa photos directly from your smartphone. Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, it caters to everyone's needs.

The 7ID app is simple to use: upload your photo, select the type of document and country, and the app will automatically adjust your picture to comply with official requirements, including size, format, background color, and proper face and eye alignment.

You'll get a digital version along with a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 10×15, 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. If you have questions or need assistance, our technical support team is available to help.

Costs to apply for a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa

How much is a Zimbabwean passport in South Africa? The fees for applying for a passport are as follows:

• Regular passport – USD 150;
• Emergency passport – USD 250;
• For an e-passport, there is an additional fee of USD 20, which includes a QR code.

Zimbabwean passport processing times

Typically, the process takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Zimbabwe e-passport waiting time takes up to 7 days. For those applying for an emergency passport, it is usually completed within 3 business days.