Saturday, 4 February 2012

Renewing your Zimbabwean passport from the UK




OFFICIAL ZIMBABWE EMBASSY WEBSITE IS : http://www.zimlondon.gov.zw/ (as discovered on 2 June 2013)

This blog shares my own experience in 2012.  Yesterday, (Fri 27/01/12) I went to the Zimbabwean embassy in London to process my passport renewal application, the first stage went really well for me, within an hour I finished doing what I needed to do and it’s done and dusted for that part of the process as the song goes “hapana chakaipa…it’s all good.”
Information on what you need to do, what documents to bring etc aren’t readily available on any official website so to do my research before I went I was lucky enough to have my cousin and sister who had been through the procedure to advise me. However, for those not as lucky as me, and I did come across these unlucky ones, you could travel to London and be misinformed and get turned away effectively wasting a day of your time so hopefully this 101 can help someone in some way;
  • The passport services, part of the consular section; opening hours are from 9am to 12 30pm - no appointment neccessary. They don’t play on that front…you know how we zimbos love our lunch break!
          You need to have the right documents!!!! And copies too :)

  • For passport renewal you need copies of your current passport info & picture page, National Identity Card (metal, plastic, don’t know if they accept paper versions) and last but not least your birth certificate (where it all began) and please do take the originals with you too. You have to admire the consistency of your ID # from birth certificate to ID to passport…
  • Photos!!! The Zimbabwe passport photo requirements are met only by an approved photo studio in Charing Cross tube station, opposite the ticket office nearest to the Strand exit. Photos come as 8 copies and cost £7 - it takes about ten minutes to get it all done and the studio is very close to the embassy.

  • Once you present your copies + original docs and your photos are approved - you will be given a form to fill in and then you need to submit your form and pay £65 to the cashier who will give you an official passport form for you to get your fingerprints taken on. You will also get a receipt - DO NOT MISPLACE THE RECEIPT!!! N.B. A higher charge of £80 is payable if you do not have your passport with you.

  • Next stage is to “go through the brown door” - quote end quote. And get your fingerprints done; its important to get these done correctly otherwise if you’re sending your form to be processed in Zimbabwe it could get rejected and you will have to go through steps 1 to 4 all over again…
  • Once your fingerprints are done you need to rejoin the enquiries queue & show your form; tell them if you want to send it home and they will give you a piece of paper with instructions…Remember to keep your receipt safe and DO NOT FOLD THE FORM.
If you wish to leave your passport application with the embassy it can take 18 to 24 months to get a new passport.

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2!!!!!


That is all, hopefully this blog will help someone; else it may help me in an alternate career - Zimbabwe House Public Relations Officer…
Keep dreaming & believing in The House of Stone one day in one hour we will be getting passports processed ;-)

Peace.Love.&.Happiness - TheLadyGenius
Posted by at

139 comments:

  1. Anonymous15 May 2012 at 07:50

    Do any of the original documents or old passport have to be sent with the application or just the copies?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius15 May 2012 at 11:54

      Hey, you just send the copies, when your new passport is out - you need to get your old passport cancelled at the Zim embassy and send a scan/fax with the confirmation to Zimbabwe before they give them your new passport...

      I have my new passport now :-) will be posting part 2 (the sending to Zim part and what happens in Zim) of the blog in a few days time, so watch this space xx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5 September 2013 at 12:03

      Hi if the passport is ready in zim what do u need to bring to the embassy in the uk for them to cancel the old passport

      Delete
    3. theladygenius6 September 2013 at 12:23

      check part 2 - http://iamtheladygenius.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/renewing-your-zimbabwean-passport-from.html

      Delete
    4. Anonymous18 November 2013 at 14:47

      Hi, has anyone experience with visa transfer from old to new passport without actually having the old passport anymore? I'm living here for 15 years, never went back yet, but now I'm not sure what other documents I may need to get my old visa transferred to new passport without being able to show my old passport. It was kept in Zim when I got the new one. Thanks

      Delete
  2. Anonymous15 May 2012 at 12:21

    Thanks for the info it's been helpful. I'm gonna have to wait the ridiculous 24 months for my passport to be done through the embassy as I've got no relatives left in Zim!:-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius28 May 2012 at 16:39

      the other alternative is to go to zim yourself and you an have it done in a day or 2 weeks, depending on how much you're willing to pay...

      Delete
  3. Anonymous23 May 2012 at 11:41

    Nhai so is there no other way to get the passport renewed quicker thasn 24months? are there any trustworthy and reliable agencies who can do it?If u have relatives in zim do u send them the application stuff after the finger prints and the rest of the process has bn done at the embassy here?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius28 May 2012 at 16:38

      No agencies are allowed to do it, unfortunately...it's a DIY job. You send your relatives the app stuff etc after you have done the stuff at the embassy here...

      Delete
  4. Anonymous11 June 2012 at 07:12

    Hi my Finace is from Zim and his Passport has expired as has his visa, is he still able to renew hos passport? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  5. theladygenius11 June 2012 at 13:48

    Hmmmm, I think he can go back to zim one-way and then renew his passport there & renew his visa in his new passport, there may be a possibility he can renew his passport from the uk but I know when you send your forms to zim they want to see proof of residence in UK - sorry I'm not too knowledgeable about what you need to do in your scenario, but try calling the embassy they may be able to advise + 44 020 7836 7755

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous26 June 2012 at 06:58

    Hi Genius, You are a true geneius indeed. Thank you for the invaluable information and taking the initiative. I asked several mates about this but noone did it with clarity as you did. Thanks Homiee!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius26 June 2012 at 07:47

      You are most welcome! & thank you for the compliment, glad I could be of help

      Delete
  7. Anonymous6 July 2012 at 13:39

    it's so frustrating trying to find this info from the Zim embassy website as they don't clarify the process as well as you have! Thanks for the blog. So just one question - is it possible to just pay for the application form and fingerprints if you want to do the rest yourself?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius7 July 2012 at 03:00

      yes, you just need to go & get the app form do the fingerprints & take it from there on your own...

      Delete
  8. Unknown20 July 2012 at 01:42

    I applied for my passport in april 2010 and they still say i have to wait another year. I honestly don't know how much longer I can wait. !!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius20 July 2012 at 13:08

      whaaaat? sorry dear - that's ridic!! that's via the embassy I presume...they said to me 18-24 months so I took the DIY option & it was an end to end process of 3 months, the zim passport office turnover part was 6 working days, geez is there any way you can speed up the process?

      Delete
  9. Nadia R24 July 2012 at 06:49

    Was googling how to renew a zim passport and came across your blog. Thanks for the valuable info. It is such a daunting process, especially with no info available.. Does anyone know if they accept the paper ID with photo? My wallet was stolen many years ago and I don't have it anymore..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius24 July 2012 at 09:34

      No worries, happy to help - I believe they do accept the paper ID with photo .... I always would advise calling to verify

      Delete
  10. Anonymous15 August 2012 at 03:03

    i dont have my ID card any more is it necessary to have one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius15 August 2012 at 05:21

      Yes you do need 1!!! Possibly a birth certificate will suffice if you lost your ID? Thats just me speculating...

      Delete
  11. Anonymous12 October 2012 at 06:26

    very good blog, innovative :)

    making the trip to Zim to do it.. why not charge the premium and allow us to get IDs in LDN?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius12 October 2012 at 11:07

      Thanks - that is a good idea actually you know

      Delete
  12. Anonymous15 November 2012 at 11:32

    Hi,
    like everyone who found yo page,i too have a question.

    what it is: i have and old passport with visa that needs to be renewed but cant find my id (but id number written on birth certificate) cant find my original birth certificate but got a copy, IS THERE ANY HOPE ????

    mr desparate measures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius15 November 2012 at 11:58

      mr desperate measures, I'm so sorry about the predicament you find yourself in...to date, I don't know any solution to the issue, hoping one day someone may come across this & help us out :-) the only other way is a trip to zimbabwe... the birth cert you can easily get it reproduced in zim whilst you're here but as for the ID, they need you in person for the picture

      Delete
  13. Anonymous18 November 2012 at 01:06

    HI MY PASSPORT HAS EXPIRED AD I WANT TO RETURN TO ZIM FOR GOOD CAN I GET A ETD THANKS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7 December 2012 at 11:42

      you can get an ETD, you have to pay for it though

      Delete
  14. Anonymous18 November 2012 at 01:11

    HI I NEED TO RETURN TO ZIM MY PASSPORT HAS EXPIRED I HAVE MY ID PLUS BIRTH CERTIFICATE CAN I GET AN ETD IT WILL TAKE TOO LONG FOR PASSPORT THANKS

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous18 November 2012 at 01:15

    HI CAN I GET AN ETD MY PAASSPORT HAS EXPIRED AND CANT WAIT FOR NEW ONE AM RETURNING RESIDET THANKS I HAV MY ID AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius18 November 2012 at 05:47

      I think you should be able to get an ETD, either here or someone in zim processes it for you & sends it over to UK

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2 June 2013 at 13:45

      Application for a Temporary Travel Document.

      Please be advised that a Temporary Travel Document can ONLY be applied for in person at the Embassy, in emergency circumstances, where the Zimbabwe Passport is not available for travel.

      Applicants are required to bring along the following:

      Old/Expired Passport (if lost, applicants are required to produce a Police Report or a letter from the Home Office);
      Long Birth Certificate;
      National Identity Card (Paper type, metal type or plastic type)
      Two Passport sized colour photographs.
      £40 in Cash or Postal Order (If applicant has Old/Expired passport or £80 if the passport is lost or is at the Home Office).

      Delete
  16. Anonymous28 January 2013 at 00:08

    hey thanks do i have to send old passport to zim for someone to process there

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius28 January 2013 at 03:24

      no you can keep your passport & get it cancelled at the embassy and then send a scan of that to Zimbabwe, the person collecting your passport in zim will need that cancellation proof, check the part 2 blog post for more info.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous4 March 2013 at 05:02

    If I have an expired Zim passport; Im aged over 18 with leave to enter in the expired passport; I don't need parents who brought me here to endorse application for renewal of my passport right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius4 March 2013 at 05:12

      Hi, you are over 18 so you are now an adult, you should not need your parents' endorsement, if the case is otherwise please let me know. Good luck!

      Delete
  18. Anonymous4 March 2013 at 05:38

    Thank you ladygenius. Here is something that I have come across on the Registrar-General's Office (Zimbabwe) "The Registrar General wishes to inform citizens of Zimbabwe that renewal of passports can be done six months to a year prior to the expiry date as it is a requirement by most countries that a passport be valid for at least six months for various reasons." (dated 10/12/12) Does this mean if my passport has expired for over a year I can no longer renew it? Im in the UK. Thanks again

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius4 March 2013 at 12:37

      That is a question I do not know the answer to! Sorry! What I understand from the statement is that perhaps previously you could not renew your passport until it expired & now they are allowing passport renewal apps to come through before expiry of the passport...

      Delete
  19. Anonymous15 March 2013 at 14:13

    What if I don't have my birth certificate? Can I just go in with my passport and some form of ID?? My driving license maybe??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius15 March 2013 at 14:47

      They are pretty strict about your chitupa ID card, as well as your birth certificate

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14 November 2014 at 03:42

      Hi again, I actually do have my birth certificate but not the ID card as I lived in Zim until I was 14, moved to England with my parents and have never been back. (and I cant now as my passport has expired!) Do you know if this will still be processed?

      Delete
  20. Anonymous25 March 2013 at 16:58

    thanks a bunch for the info.. dayi zvayibvira taimbokuendesa ku lunch.. zvinoda kutendwa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius26 March 2013 at 12:49

      anytime! info imahara, kutenda nemuromo is all I need from you

      Delete
  21. Anonymous27 March 2013 at 15:12

    Hi..hw mch wld fedex cost t snd applic form t zim. taa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius27 March 2013 at 15:18

      Hi - I don't know, maybe around 40 pounds? I didn't use dhl/fedex as I sent it with someone travelling to Harare...

      Delete
    2. Anonymous29 April 2013 at 07:39

      Hi the is diamon infor Anyway my issue is my passport is expired a yr ago i want to renew it.My question is if i send it for renewal will i get both the passport if so how will i get my visa on my new passport

      Delete
    3. theladygenius29 April 2013 at 12:18

      I think you will have to move around with 2 passports...

      Delete
  22. Anonymous14 May 2013 at 10:57

    been to the Embassy recently and i think all Zimbo's going there should just donate £0.30p so they can buy a Photocopy machine which wont even cost £100! in that office because its just ridiculous they can afford Champagne at the same time have the audacity to send each and every one across the road for copies even Aged folk. Its just annoying so and there it vast amount of Talent among Zimbos in UK who can volunteer to be updating that website for free!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius14 May 2013 at 11:05

      That is a good point hey, they could help with young graduates getting work experience and it would be mutually beneficial to all parties involved; praying for better days...

      Delete
  23. Anonymous19 May 2013 at 07:36

    I want to renew my passport but my ID(chitupa) is in Zim. Can I still get application and fingerprints taken as i am sending it to Zimbabwe for renewal.Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius19 May 2013 at 07:40

      I think it is best you get your chitupa sent to you from Zim, I do not know if they willt entertain you @ embassy without your chitupa in hand

      Delete
  24. Anonymous27 May 2013 at 11:52

    Just enjoyed following your blog especially because I`m on my way tomorrow to renew my passport and maybe get a ETD TO ENABLE ME TO GET HOME FOR SUMMER BREAK.Just beautiful to hear from your own talk sense.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius29 May 2013 at 10:03

      Thank you - hope the blog was helpful - also hope your ETD was successful

      Delete
  25. Anonymous29 May 2013 at 09:51

    i lost my passport birth certificate and dont have an ID , is it possible to apply for ETD or new birth certificate and how long does it take, thnk ux

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius29 May 2013 at 10:04

      New birth certificate can take a day if done in Zim, don't know what the protocol is to get that done, however for an ETD from the embassy they may not entertain you without a birth cert or ID...

      Delete
  26. Anonymous31 May 2013 at 14:58

    Hey, would I have problems if I had a birth certificate and my passport but no ID? Also, what is the process in zim once you send your papers to your relatives?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius1 June 2013 at 03:21

      Click on the link for part 2 - that has deets about the process in zim, also you need ID - do not think there is any 2 ways about it.

      Delete
    2. theladygenius1 June 2013 at 03:23

      http://iamtheladygenius.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/renewing-your-zimbabwean-passport-from.html?m=1

      Delete
  27. Anonymous2 June 2013 at 13:42

    http://www.zimlondon.gov.zw thats the official website for the Zimbabwean Embassy in London,all information is there.I had no clue the other website is not the government's.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius2 June 2013 at 13:43

      awesome!! Thank You!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2 June 2013 at 13:46

      you are welcome.just thought l would add on to the great job you did here!!!

      Delete
    3. theladygenius2 June 2013 at 13:49

      Thank you! But you truly are a lifesaver, knowing that website will answer many questions I don't know the answers to & more Zimbabweans getting the information they need. Thanks for that, have updated the blog to include the website, you see you have also made your own contribution now ;-)

      Delete
    4. Anonymous2 June 2013 at 14:03

      Thanks.You can also add the Registrar generals website,it does have the infor as well.
      http://www.rg.gov.zw/index.php/services/abroad

      Delete
  28. Anonymous2 June 2013 at 13:47

    Application for a Temporary Travel Document.

    Please be advised that a Temporary Travel Document can ONLY be applied for in person at the Embassy, in emergency circumstances, where the Zimbabwe Passport is not available for travel.

    Applicants are required to bring along the following:

    Old/Expired Passport (if lost, applicants are required to produce a Police Report or a letter from the Home Office);
    Long Birth Certificate;
    National Identity Card (Paper type, metal type or plastic type)
    Two Passport sized colour photographs.
    £40 in Cash or Postal Order (If applicant has Old/Expired passport or £80 if the passport is lost or is at the Home Office).

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous6 June 2013 at 10:03

    hey theladygenius,

    well like many said here, thanks for the wonderful work and time you dedicated to helping people in passport situations.

    but i also wanted to say the pictures in the background are such a great watch!! i am not so sure whether this is Zim as I never saw such a scene at all when i lived there i would only expect this from Lesotho at least. Such a shame it's only a limited view!
    Ram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius6 June 2013 at 11:10

      Hahahaha those are Swazi maidens at the.umhlanga, you are now booking a ticket to King Mswati's Kingdom per chance? Lol. Thanks - glad to be of help & thanks so much all for the appreciation x

      Delete
  30. Anonymous6 June 2013 at 12:32

    Yeah I actually meant to say Swaziland hahaha. Its of course the reed festival. Yeah you're right I might just trawl the internet in search of flights out of Europe lol. Well I think I should really I miss home anyway.

    Just wondering are you a serious writer, or you're just 'messing' in a good way am sure you know what i mean. just had a quick look at the archives; if not then think you should consider it..
    Ram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius6 June 2013 at 14:26

      thank you! it is just messing around with it & really procrastination always gets the better of me :-/ but one day hope to overcome it

      Delete
  31. Anonymous12 June 2013 at 15:18

    1). does anybody know if one can do the same process at uk embassy in south africa for lost passport?

    2.) Is south africa still accepting Zim ETD's via Beitbridge?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Unknown23 June 2013 at 16:20

    Hi God bless you for this very informative blog .i was soo equipped with all the right documents it made the whole process a breeze i now have my passport and my daughters in less than 3 weeks ,my passport took 8days due to the fact that it was lost here (UK)at the HO but my daughter`s took 3days still even though her passport was lost.
    Many many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  33. Comebemybaby1 July 2013 at 09:39

    Hi, I have just come back from trying to get passport application form at the Zimbabwean Embassy. I have have been told that I need proof of citizenship as I was born outside the country and my mother is of another African country. I went through the whole rigmarole of doing the whole citizenship before back in 2000 before renewing my passport. If I had not done this I would not have received a passport. Now the authorities want proof of citizenship? Is not the fact that they gave me a passport proof that I am a citizen of Zimbabwe. Do I need to go through the whole process again?

    Frustrated

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous2 July 2013 at 05:29

    Thanks so much, this has been really helpful. Is it true that for my passport photo I cant be wearing any hair extensions? I saw that somewhere. Secondly, do I need to make color copies of my docs or do they accept black n white photocopies?

    ReplyDelete
  35. christina7 August 2013 at 12:36

    hey i lost my application receipt but i have the photocopy.what can i do because the application form is now in zimbabwe.

    also i dont have anyone with my surname to submit or collect my passport can someone with my mother surname submit it without problems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius7 August 2013 at 12:38

      yes someone with your mother's surname can submit

      Delete
    2. christina7 August 2013 at 14:21

      thank u for replying...what about the receipt will they accept a photocopy.

      Delete
  36. Anonymous27 August 2013 at 03:00

    hie ...ma passport expires in sept...av bn in uk for ten yrs and came wen i was 15 yrs old hence havent hot an ID but do have a long birthcertificate and current passport...wil they consider that or i have tu go zim n get ID.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius28 August 2013 at 13:45

      hey you need the ID, I went to zim a year before my passport expired to get my ID, the ID process was OK, a bit painful - was in Byo and I was there from 5AM to 4PM...the complicated part is having to do it in zim, otherwise getting it done is pretty straightforward just expect lots of unneccessary queuing :(

      Delete
  37. Anonymous3 September 2013 at 15:26

    what if old passport expired and is with Uk Home Office?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius6 September 2013 at 12:20

      I don't know what to do in that situ, sorry! Can you request to have the old passport back?

      Delete
  38. Anonymous17 September 2013 at 11:05

    Hello. I came to Uk when I was 13 and I didnt have chitupa cz couldn't get it at that age yet so I want to renew my passport. I want to know whether I am able or allowed to renew my passport snce I dont evn have the id (chitupa). Also at what age are u allowed to renew ur passport without a parent there?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous31 October 2013 at 11:47

    Hi thank you for the info and responses, really appreciated. I'm heading to London tomorrow morning to apply for a new passport. Hopw many photocopies do I need for each document? Many thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  40. mabo10 December 2013 at 05:46

    Thank you so much for putting this information up. You are doing God's work, may The Lord bless you abundantly.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous7 January 2014 at 20:20

    Hi there, you're a treasure. Now my problem is I need a Zimbabwean passport again. My old expired 2009. On a fugee travel document at the moment. Will they give me one, I have been procrastinating 4Eva knowing how slow n painful things are with this embassy. I hope to do the first half here and then post to a relative in Zim, but question is my long expired one. Will they renew it if not Will they allow me to apply for a new one or as a fugue they'll want to ask me 101 questions.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Jack William27 January 2014 at 03:07

    Hey nice blog, keep sharing,!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous30 January 2014 at 16:11

    I applied for the new ID chitupa in Zimbabwe 2005 and left the country before the ID was out.
    Here I have the long birth certificate and passport i need to renew.Will i be able to renew my passport from UK without the ID chitupa.

    ReplyDelete
  44. africanroots26 March 2014 at 01:38

    I need help! I have an expired passport and would like to travel to cape town. I have a new biometrics card and have a residents permit for the uk noted on the card.. Can I get an ETD to travel to cape town for three weeks and then return on it?? Really appreciate your help. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  45. Emily14 April 2014 at 05:45

    Zimbabwe embassy is the worst.why do we have to travel to Zim just to renew passport because of not having National ID.this is ridiculous.l called the Zim embassy in zimbabwe from uk asking them if there was any way to renew my passport from uk without NI.using NI number already on birth certificate.they said that it was not possible.so l said they should change the law so the lady said l have to tell Mugabe's government that.surely we have an embassy in uk and yet everything is done back home.how can l get a job with an expired passport because my indefinite stay is in an expired passport and these employers want a valid passport.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anonymous23 April 2014 at 16:11

    Hi Guys, is it possible to use a certified copy of a birth certificate for a passport application at the Zimbabwean embassy?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous7 May 2014 at 15:22

    Hi guys, just to let you know I've been to the embassy with my true certified copy of birth certificate and they accepted the application however had to produce the original D.O.B in Zimbabwe for collection. At least they weren't funny at the embassy or slowed my application. Thumps up to the embassy for that!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous27 May 2014 at 20:01

    Hi, not sure if you're still active here but I'll give it a shot. I went to Zim to renew my passport and nominated a relative to collect it on my behalf when it came out. When the relative tried to collect it, (I had returned to the UK by then) they were told that they needed the old passport first (which expires in about a month) before releasing the new one, although they had initially told me that I could have the new passport collected and the old one sent after. My question is, if the old passport is cancelled at the embassy in London, will it still be possible to have my visa transferred to the new passport? Anyone know what the process is? Thanks. (great blog by the way.)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous9 June 2014 at 14:18

    Hey got more information from your blog than the embassy website www.zimlondon.gov.zw which has nothing of importance when renewing passports. Big up for taking the lead and sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous29 July 2014 at 14:39

    Hi Guys

    Thank you so much ladygenius for this information. Highly appreciated and informative. Please advice. I have a metal ID and the long birth certificate. I have a photocopy of the first page of my expired passport. I have searched for it in my apartment but I can't find it and can not report it lost or stolen because there is no evidence to support that. I want to apply for a Zimbabwean passport next week. Any suggestions on what I can do. You are doing a great job.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anonymous31 July 2014 at 12:18

    hi just a quick question I have just been granted an ILR, however the home office has not returned my old Zimbabwean passport and my travel document has also expired. My question is will I be able to apply for a passport renewal without the expired copy, I have the passport no but no photo copy and I have a paper copy of my national ID which has seen better days.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous1 August 2014 at 05:39

    I came here in UK when l was 14 from Zimbabwe now l am 17 l need a Zimbabwean I.D, can l get it at Zimbabwe embassy?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous5 August 2014 at 15:06

    No you will not be able to get from the Embassy. You will need to go back to Zimbabwe to get your I.D. (Chitupa). i have just been there with my 17 year-old daughter and they cannot give you/process the ID at the embassy.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous19 August 2014 at 05:09

    Hi guys @Anonymous 29 July ..im sure you can report your passport as lost and pay a higher fee.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous22 August 2014 at 08:59

    Hi, does the ETD enable you to travel back to the UK?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2 September 2014 at 23:39

      Im afraid not... An ETD is one way so you will be expected to make a passport application as well when you apply for an ETD and bear in mind that not all airlines accept ETDs...

      Delete
  56. Anonymous2 September 2014 at 23:36

    I'm afraid ETD is one way... you will need a passport to return.... when you apply for an ETD, you will also have to apply for a passport..and also note that not all airlines accept ETDs...

    ReplyDelete
  57. Anonymous3 September 2014 at 01:16

    What is the cost to renew the passport,would photos from a studio in poole do,ad surely all studios do the same job

    ReplyDelete
  58. Anonymous9 September 2014 at 06:15

    Thank you @iamladygenius , you should totally set that twitter if you haven't already:) , Anyways I have my renewed Zim passport and its all down to the information on this blog, its a life saver not to mention a money saver as well esp. for us out of londoners.So a heartfelt thank you .
    [P.S they now require people to send their own forms to zim ]
    I had a hassle free experience and the two ladies at the counter were very helpful although non of them laughed at my jokes [there goes my career as a stand up comedian:(]
    ...in response to Anon 3 sept 2014 please use the charing cross studio to avoid frustration as described in this blog.
    I paid £65 but you will need to budget for at least an extra USD50.00 for the Zim passport office to process it ($50 is for 1month) i used dhl to send my forms to a relative that cost me £36.95.and USD45 to get passport(s) back.Which brings me to the collection bit where they want an authorisation letter for the relative to collect ..you write it and send it to your relative with the forms if you have your old passport it may be wise to send it along too as they can do the cancelling (which in my case was checking that the passport exists and was indeed expired#$#@!) there is no indication they cancelled any pages. I hope this is helpful....
    Thank you again ladygenius,tatenda siyabonga for your inspired blog!
    #iamladygeniusvarikufaya

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius9 September 2014 at 06:19

      Kiki @ hashtag, thanks so much for answering a lot of queries as well... ndatenda/ngiyabonga I am @theladygenius patwitter - don't know how to embed that on here! So happy the blog has been able to help, will incorporate the updates to the blog (soon...) happy travelling with your new passport :)

      Delete
  59. Anonymous16 September 2014 at 12:16

    theladygenius and everyone... i went to the embassy today for my passport application... everything went smoothly but i was given a from to complete and so was everyone else there during that time... iv asked around, and many who went before know nothing about the form/questionnaire, which has made me believe its a new thing.... you complete the passport form as usual then also complete this other form with 18 questions, both forms go to zim... for those who know nothing about it i will just run thru a few of questions: When you left Zim? Why u left Zim? Employer's name and add? How long uv lived in the country u reside? When do u intend to return to zim? Property/financial ties back home>give details? Do u qualify for citizenship of another country, if so why havent you? Does anyone know why 18 questions? what are the ramifications of not completing the form? hope someone can shed some light... thanx..ANONYMOUS D....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius16 September 2014 at 13:23

      Yes I filled in this form, I just put ties of title deeds and grandparents, and no right to citizenship of another country... but yes I did fill in that form.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous17 September 2014 at 06:50

      @ theladygenius, thanx a lot.... difnt know bout this form till yesterday...thank u once again

      Delete
  60. Anonymous2 November 2014 at 13:17

    Hello. Thanks for the great blog. I need advice. My passport has 7 months left on it. Is it too soon to renew it? I live outside London and happen to be going into London soon so thought I could ' kill two birds with one stone'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius6 November 2014 at 12:13

      I think that should be ok, anytime is fine to renew... good luck!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10 November 2014 at 11:34

      good evening.

      My wife has recently given birth to a beatiful little boy and cam up with the spontaneous idea of traveling to zim for x-mas.
      The poor little feller will need some sort of document to ba able to visit the family.

      What do you out there think is possible?
      ..temp docs..
      ..own passport... ;(
      ...being registered in mom's passport..


      Thank you for your testimonies !

      J-B

      Delete
  61. Anonymous12 December 2014 at 06:38

    Hello! Thanks for the blog, i need to get police clearance/statement of good conduct from zimbabwe, so how do i go about it ? I need advice pliz

    ReplyDelete
  62. Unknown5 January 2015 at 10:11

    hi im stuck in a limbo here i need help

    i arrived in ireland back in 2003 when i was about 12 and my passport went missing in 2007 and I'm guessing expired too…

    I have residency here in ireland and i have been trying to get my zimbabwean passport for a number of years and i have been sent from 1person to another no body knows what to do

    The irish embassy can not give me a traveling document and the Zimbabwean embassy is asking me to travel to uk to obtain a traveling document which i can then use to travel to zimbabwe but the problem I'm having now is how can i travel to Uk without a passport or traveling document ? anyone in the same situation ?

    I have my birth cert , other IDs from ireland drivers license etc

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anonymous15 January 2015 at 06:32

    jdmlover2011 ; we are in the exact situation and am also frustrated since they refused me Irish TD so I can travel to UK. It been hard to get hold of the embassy. I know they do come to Ireland but I cant get the email address to contact them as I heard they will come depending on the number of people requesting them.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Anonymous3 February 2015 at 11:56

    If u r in Ireland, the Zimbabwe Embassy staff visit Dublin now and again to process documents for Zimabweans in Ireland. They spend up to a week there. It is best to call the embassy in London and find out when they are next in Dublin. If you are in a rush, since you drive, the best option is to catch a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead UK and go apply in London, there are no immigration checks if you are driving your own car on the ferry, those that catch a coach though go through immigration.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Anonymous13 March 2015 at 07:54

    My cousin lost his Zim passport can he replace it at the Embassy

    ReplyDelete
  66. Anonymous17 March 2015 at 05:51

    If you have an expired passport how long and how much money is needed?

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anonymous12 April 2015 at 06:06

    Need a degree to get a passport renewed by the sound of it! Well done lady for interesting blog!! Been living and working in UK for 15yrs. My Zim passport expired 10 years or so ago as I had a British passport from my mothers side of the family, is the holding of duel nationality still a no go as I still want a passport from home even if I don't use it.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Anonymous2 June 2015 at 08:05

    Hi there, thanks for the invaluable information!!
    I currently have a 48 page passport and due to needing visas for nearly every country and my extended business travel I'm running out of pages but my passport is still valid for another 4yrs....do you know if its possible to get additional pages added to my passport or do i just apply for a new one? thanks for your feedback on this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius2 June 2015 at 11:01

      Hi, I think maybe you need a new passport? But I am not sure, hopefully someone else may be able to help??

      Good luck!

      Delete
  69. Anonymous3 June 2015 at 12:04

    Thanks Ladygenius. went to Zim embassy and unfortunately I have to apply for a new passport, the Zim government don't provide additional pages but can apparently provide a thicker passport for frequent business fliers (at their discretion) so got my fingers crossed.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Anonymous25 June 2015 at 05:01

    Hi, I managed to get my new passport via a relative in Zimbabwe after send relevant documents to Zimbabwe. I would like to know if I still need to go to Zimbabwe embassy in London to cancel the old passport? I am travelling this summer are there any potential problems that can happen without the cancellation process.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius25 June 2015 at 05:52

      Yay congrats on getting the new passport. Yes you do need to get the old one cancelled, especially if you travel with both (maybe the old one has a valid visa in it?) But to be honest I am not qualified to tell you if it is imperative but I guess they want it cancelled for a reason.... Also data protection, that way nobody can steal your identity

      Delete
  71. Anonymous5 July 2015 at 02:44

    Lady Genius you deserve to work at the Zim consular services you sou helpful than the staff there now and their blog have insufficient details with uncaring staff too. Genius your information is very helpful keep up the good work of loving and helping your fellow country pple

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius5 July 2015 at 04:50

      haha you are welcome! Just glad it has been helpful

      Delete
    2. theladygenius5 July 2015 at 13:38

      haha you are welcome! Just glad it has been helpful

      Delete
  72. Anonymous8 July 2015 at 08:25

    Need a new Zim passport my old one expired however home office did not return my old one. I have my long birth certificate and paper ID will l be able to get forms?

    ReplyDelete
  73. Anonymous17 July 2015 at 12:34

    Thank you soo much for your blog. It made the application process so much easier for me today. I was well prepared thanks to you and had no hiccups...All done within a hour...!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Anonymous12 August 2015 at 12:53

    Hie

    Is it possible to travel to Zim on an expired passport and sort out new one whilst im there.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Anonymous12 August 2015 at 12:54

    Hie

    Is it possible to travel to Zim on an expired passport and sort out new one whilst im there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theladygenius12 August 2015 at 12:56

      I don't know....possibly? Travelling out of Zim with an expired passport may be harder than travelling into Zim, so it sounds possible.

      If that fails - you can get an ETD

      Delete
  76. Chikandamina wezhira18 September 2015 at 20:39

    what is the situation regarding dual citizenship?.My zimbabwe passport expired a few years ago .I now got british passport .Iam allowed to renew my zimbabwe passport since have have got a indefinite leave to remain in uk on it .Please help .

    ReplyDelete
  77. Anonymous19 September 2015 at 13:36

    Hi everyone my xpired passport is lost i have a front page copy my paper id and bith certificate will this without a police report because i went to my local police station and report it but they said they dont give police report for lost document.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Anonymous26 February 2016 at 08:25

    can my husband apply for a zim passport his expired while with the home office and they lost it they cant track where it is now but he has a copy of front page (old one with picture you slotted in. Does he need a police report or home office letter to say passport got lost with them and that is not easy...

    ReplyDelete
  79. james3 March 2016 at 10:10

    Hi everyone do I have to send biometric card as proof of visa to Zimbabwe or get a certified copy from the embassy to send ? Also I want a 1 month passport can my relatives submit my CV in the Bulawayo passport office? And does everything including the letters for relatives to submit and collect have to be certified ?

    ReplyDelete
  80. Unknown2 April 2016 at 05:09

    hi there.
    please people help me it might be a stupid question.do i need a visa to go to zimbabwe from uk.l hv a zimbabwe passport and have my biometrical paper and card separate .l have indefinate leave to remain and i have not naturalize yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous27 July 2016 at 07:05

      no you don't need a visa to travel home, you are still a Zimbabwean . you are just a citizen who works abroad all you need to ensure is that you have your biometric residence permit, the card in your case, as you will need this when returning to the UK - this proves you are a returning resident.

      Delete
  81. Anonymous30 September 2016 at 08:07

    Hi,
    Lost my zim passport and now its at the zim embassy. what documents do i need to be able to go and collect it and is it that straightforward?

    regards

    ReplyDelete

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