How to Renew a Zimbabwean Passport in the USA

If you're a Zimbabwean citizen residing or working in the United States, you can conveniently renew your passport at a Zimbabwean diplomatic mission. This approach is usually more practical than traveling back to Zimbabwe.

In this article, we will provide detailed guidance on a passport renewal at the Zimbabwean Embassy in the USA and give you tips on how to obtain a compliant passport photo cheaply from home.

Table of contents

• Who Can Renew a Zimbabwean Passport Abroad
• Where to Renew a Zimbabwean Passport in the United States
• Zimbabwe Passport Application in the U.S.: Step-by-Step Process
• Documents Required for a Zimbabwean Passport Renewal
• Get Your Zimbabwean Passport Photo Online!
• How to Cheaply Print out a Passport-Sized Photo at Walgreens or CVS
• How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Zimbabwean Passport in the U.S.?
• Zimbabwean Passport Processing Times Abroad
• FAQ

Who Can Renew a Zimbabwean Passport Abroad

Not every applicant qualifies to renew a Zimbabwean passport outside the country. Below are the eligibility criteria for Zimbabwean citizens in the U.S.

Zimbabwean passport holders residing outside Zimbabwe can renew their passports at the nearest Zimbabwean Embassy or High Commission. There are no specific restrictions against minors or different types of citizenship. However, applicants over 16 years old must possess a National ID. Married women need to show IDs with their spouse's surname, if applicable.

You must apply in person for verification, fingerprinting, and form stamping before the documents are sent to Zimbabwe for processing. This process also covers passport holders whose passports have expired.

Where to Renew a Zimbabwean Passport in the United States

Zimbabwean citizens in the United States must renew their passports at the Zimbabwean embassy in Washington, DC, which is the sole location handling these services nationwide. Other full Zimbabwe consulates in the USA do not process passport renewals. Below you'll find the embassy's contact information and working hours.

Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the USA:

• Attention: Consular Section
• Address: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009.
• Contact: 202-332-7100 for appointments, available Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed Fridays and holidays).
• Website: https://zimembassydc.org/

Zimbabwe Passport Application in the U.S.: Step-by-Step Process

Zimbabwean passport applications and renewals in the US require an in-person visit to the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Washington, DC, for fingerprinting and document authentication, followed by submission in Zimbabwe via a next-of-kin. Here is how to apply:

1. Gather the necessary documents, described below in the article.
2. Schedule an appointment. All applicants must appear in person, as there are no mail-in or notary options.
3. Visit the embassy. Bring photocopies of your documents to speed up processing, which typically takes about 30 minutes per person.
4. Pay the administrative fee: provide a USD 45 cashier's check or money order (cash is not accepted). Complete the P1 forms at the embassy, as downloaded forms are not accepted. The embassy will authenticate and stamp your documents, then return them to you.
5. Submit in Zimbabwe. Forward the completed forms, old passport, an authorization letter for your next-of-kin, and a USD 270 processing fee to your designated next-of-kin in Zimbabwe. They will submit the documents at a Registrar General office (Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Gwanda, or Mutare). The new passport, along with the canceled old one, will be sent back to you via DHL/FedEx.
6. Provide tracking information to the embassy. Include a self-addressed, stamped courier envelope (DHL/UPS/FedEx, no air bills) for return shipping. Once processed, the embassy will forward the documents to you.

How do I make an appointment at the Zimbabwe consulate? Book your appointment online via the embassy's website or call 202-332-7100 during consular hours (Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; closed on Fridays and holidays).

Can I apply for a Zimbabwean e-passport online? Currently, applications must be submitted in person in Zimbabwe or at selected embassies, though certain steps, such as booking appointments, can be done online.

Documents Required for a Zimbabwean Passport Renewal

A complete and correct document set is essential to avoid delays or rejection. So, what is needed to apply for a Zimbabwean passport? Below is the list of all required paperwork.

Originals and photocopies of the following:

• Long Birth Certificate.
• Zimbabwean National Identity Document (ID) for all applicants over 16 years (Driver’s License is not accepted). IDs for married women should reflect their spouse’s surname, if applicable.
• Current or expired passport.
• Marriage Certificate or divorce order, if applicable.
• Two color passport photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm) with a strictly white background.
• Police report for any lost or stolen passports.
• Citizenship Certificate for citizens by registration, or if either parent is a Zimbabwean citizen by descent, or if the applicant was born outside Zimbabwe.

For minors under 18 years, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign “Section 5” of the application form. The signatory’s passport/ID is required.

Documents such as marriage certificates, divorce orders, or guardianship court orders obtained outside Zimbabwe must be authenticated by the issuing country’s courts and sealed by the respective Home Offices.

Get Your Zimbabwean Passport Photo Online!

Here you’ll find out how to take a professional-quality passport photo at home in minutes.

Thanks to today's online photo tools, there's no need to visit a photo studio to get a professional passport photo taken anymore. Read on to find out how to take a compliant Zimbabwean passport photo in just a few minutes with Visafoto, a trusted photo editing service. It only takes two simple steps:

1. Upload a photo taken in daylight to the Visafoto tool.
2. Select the country and document type (e.g., Zimbabwe, passport).

That's all! Visafoto will then adjust the background, size, and head position to match official guidelines. You will receive a digital version suitable for online submissions and a print-ready version.

Here is an example of a photo that you can upload to Visafoto:

Result by Visafoto:

With an acceptance rate of 99.7% and over 500,000 approved photos, Visafoto guarantees that your photo will meet all official standards. We offer a full refund if it doesn't. Our support team is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

How to Cheaply Print out a Passport-Sized Photo at Walgreens or CVS

One of the cheapest and fastest ways to get a passport photo is to take one at home using a digital photo tool and print it at Walgreens or CVS. Prints typically cost under USD 0.50. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a digital photo tool like Visafoto to create a compliant photo (e.g., 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, white background for Zimbabwe).
2. Visit the Walgreens or CVS online photo service and choose the 4×6 prints option.
3. Upload your Visafoto image file (contains four individual photos).
4. Pay USD 0.29 per sheet at Walgreens or USD 0.42 at CVS, select your nearest store, and pick it up the same day (usually within an hour).
5. Cut the photos precisely with scissors or a paper cutter.

This DIY approach saves the USD 15+ service fees charged by many studios.

Passport Photo Printing Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Zimbabwean Passport in the U.S.?

Renewing a Zimbabwean passport in the USA involves two separate fees: an administration fee and a processing fee. Here is a clear breakdown of official costs:

• USD 45 administration fee paid at the embassy in Washington, DC.
• USD 270 processing fee paid in Zimbabwe by your next-of-kin.

The total renewal cost is USD 315, excluding courier shipping.

Zimbabwean Passport Processing Times Abroad

How long does it take to renew a Zimbabwean passport? Passport renewals outside Zimbabwe generally take 3-6 months with standard processing after embassy verification. Express services can reduce this to 2-4 weeks, although at a higher cost. The total time includes 1-2 weeks for shipping documents to and from Zimbabwe via your next-of-kin and possible delays at Registrar General offices.

To meet validity requirements, start your renewal 12-18 months before your passport expires.

FAQ

Can I renew my Zimbabwe passport if it is still valid but running out of blank pages?

Yes, you can apply for a new Zimbabwean passport even if your current passport is still valid, as long as you submit the current passport with your application. The old passport will normally be cancelled and returned with the new one. For urgent travel or special circumstances, contact the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate for current procedures and timelines.

Does renewing a passport change the passport number?

Yes, when you renew a Zimbabwean passport, you receive a new passport number. The old passport is canceled and returned along with the new document. This is standard for all renewals processed through embassies abroad.

Do I need to notify U.S. authorities after renewing my passport?

No, you are not required to notify U.S. authorities when you renew a foreign passport, such as Zimbabwe’s. Passport renewal does not affect your U.S. immigration status or records. However, update your information with airlines or visa-issuing agencies if necessary. Reporting to USCIS, CBP, or the State Department is not required for non-U.S. passports.

Is passport renewal possible if my birth certificate is handwritten or old?

Yes, you can renew your Zimbabwean passport with an original long birth certificate, even if it's handwritten. The key is that it must be clear and verifiable. The embassy staff will authenticate the document during your visit. If the certificate is damaged or illegible, obtain a replacement from the Registrar General.

Does passport renewal confirm or re-verify citizenship?

No, renewing a Zimbabwean passport does not require re-verifying citizenship for standard renewals. The process relies on previously authenticated documents, such as birth certificates and National IDs. Full citizenship verification happens only for new applications or special cases, such as those involving descent or registration, which need additional proof.

Can I travel domestically in the USA with an expired Zimbabwean passport?

No, you can’t. The U.S. requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state ID, or another government-issued photo ID for travel. Relying solely on an expired passport may lead to denial at security checkpoints. Always carry an alternative form of ID. This policy applies to all non-U.S. passports regardless of visa status.