What documents and requirements are needed for lost passport replacement in Zimbabwe?

A lost-passport replacement file must prove your identity and explain why the previous document cannot be surrendered. The core passport documents remain necessary, while the police report or affidavit creates a traceable record of the loss. Requirements may be stricter when the document has been lost repeatedly or the facts are unclear.

Essential documents

Prepare originals and copies of:

• Your long Zimbabwean birth certificate.
• Your Zimbabwean national identity document if you are aged 16 or older.
• The police report or sworn police affidavit for the lost or stolen passport.
• Two identical colour passport photographs meeting the receiving office’s current specification.
• A copy of the lost passport’s biographical page or its passport number, if genuinely available.
• A marriage certificate, divorce order or formal name-change record where it explains your current identity.
• A citizenship certificate where citizenship was acquired by registration, descent or naturalisation, or confirmation is requested.

When applying outside Zimbabwe, add proof of lawful residence if the embassy requires it and bring the mission’s appointment confirmation. A foreign police report may need translation, certification or authentication; ask before attending.

If this applies to your situation, read our guide on replace a lost Zimbabwean passport.

What the loss report should establish

The report should identify the applicant, describe the missing passport and record when, where and how it was lost or stolen as accurately as possible. Include the police reference number and station. If the loss occurred months earlier, be ready to explain why it was not reported promptly. Do not exaggerate theft if the document was simply misplaced.

A photocopy of the old passport helps with tracing but does not replace the police record. Conversely, a police report does not replace the birth certificate or national ID used to establish who is applying.

Photographs and personal verification

Official mission guidance commonly requires photographs around 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm, with a white background and dark clothing. Avoid glasses, jewellery, shadows and altered images. The applicant must attend for fingerprints, photograph, signature and document authentication. A relative cannot complete those secure steps.

You may also need to know replace a lost Zimbabwean passport.

For a child, include the child’s long birth certificate, ID if age-appropriate, the signing parent’s or guardian’s ID or valid passport, and any court guardianship or death records that explain who may consent.

Fees and follow-up records

The applicable ordinary or emergency passport fee is paid through the authorised channel. Under the 2024 regulations, these are US\$150 or US\$250 respectively, plus US\$20 for the QR code, subject to current confirmation. An overseas mission can also charge a local administration fee.

Keep copies of the police report, application, receipt and tracking reference. If you find the original passport later, report that fact immediately; once recorded lost or replaced, it should not be used. When the new passport is issued, update visas, permits and accounts tied to the old number.

Before travelling to apply, ask whether your office requires any additional loss declaration or clearance. That one enquiry is especially important when the passport was lost abroad, contained a valid visa, or was lost more than once.

Also record a contact number that will remain active throughout processing.

Official sources

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

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