What documents and requirements are needed for child passport in Zimbabwe?

The child-passport checklist must establish the child’s civil identity and the adult’s legal authority to consent. Do not focus only on photographs and fees. A missing parent, guardianship issue or incomplete birth record is often the part that requires advance clarification.

Documents for the child

Prepare the following originals and copies:

• The child’s long Zimbabwean birth certificate.
• The child’s Zimbabwean national ID if the child has reached the applicable registration age.
• The child’s current or expired passport or temporary travel document, if previously issued.
• Two identical colour passport photographs meeting the receiving office’s rules.
• A citizenship certificate where the child’s citizenship must be proved by descent, registration or another route.

If a child born abroad has not yet been registered in Zimbabwe, passport staff may first require the Zimbabwean birth-registration process. A foreign birth certificate alone may not create the Zimbabwean civil record needed for the passport.

If this applies to your situation, read our guide on apply for a Zimbabwean passport for a child.

Documents for the consenting adult

The father, mother or legal guardian who signs the application should present an original Zimbabwean national ID or valid passport. Published mission guidance states that this adult signs Section 5 of the passport application. Bring a copy of the adult’s document for the file.

If both parents are deceased, take the original death certificates. A legal guardian should take the Zimbabwean court order or formal documentary proof establishing guardianship. Where parents are separated or only one can attend, ask the office what consent, custody or declaration evidence it requires; do not assume a private letter is enough.

Special cases

For an unregistered child, some consular offices ask for the original health or clinic card and copies of all pages showing the child’s and parents’ names. A child whose birth certificate, clinic record and parent IDs contain different spellings may need a civil-record correction before the passport can be issued.

You may also need to know apply for a Zimbabwean passport for a child.

If the child’s earlier passport is lost, add the police report or affidavit and use the lost-passport route. If the child’s surname has changed, bring the formal record that links the old and new identities.

Appearance and application requirements

The child must attend. Even a baby needs a compliant photograph and must be presented for identity capture. The signing adult attends as well. Photographs commonly need a white background, correct dimensions and a clear unobstructed face. Ask for the latest specification because infant-photo tolerances can be handled differently by individual offices.

The 2024 regulations list US\$150 for ordinary or US\$250 for emergency processing, plus the US\$20 application QR charge. Confirm the present total, payment method and any embassy fee.

For the next step, see can delay or cause rejection of child passport in Zimbabwe.

Pack each child’s file separately. Families applying for several children need a complete set of copies and consent evidence for each application. Before submission, verify every spelling and date against the long birth certificate. At collection, the authorised adult should take the receipt, their ID and any old passport required for cancellation.

Write the child’s application reference on a separate checklist rather than on an original certificate. This makes tracking easier without marking or damaging official records.

Official sources

• Zimbabwe Consulate Johannesburg Consular Services
• Zimbabwe Embassy Lusaka Passport Application
• Zimbabwe Embassy Berlin Passport Requirements

Before paying or travelling, confirm the latest fee, accepted payment method and office arrangements with the Civil Registry Department.