Many Zimbabwean nationals are currently working and living in South Africa. It’s important to have your Zimbabwean passport at hand at all times though in order to prove your identity, help gain entry and exit out of the country and even transfer money safely back home to your loved ones using Mama Money. If you would like to find out how to replace your lost Zimbabwean passport in South Africa, our handy guide below reveals the process and a few top tips to keep your new passport safe.

What do I do if my Zimbabwean passport is stolen in South Africa?

Being a victim of crime is never fun, but don’t fear Mama Money is here to help make the renewal process a whole lot easier so that you can have a new passport in your hands in no time.

The first step is to visit your local police station to report your lost Zimbabwean passport. You will receive a case number and an affidavit which you will need for Home Affairs to submit your passport application.

What are the requirements for a new Zimbabwean passport?

Each original document must be accompanied by a photocopy. It is not necessary to certify all photocopies. The following are required:

• Birth certificate
• ID – For all applicants above 16 years your passport application must be accompanied by an ID. The ID could be the plastic, metal, or Paper one. Please note without an ID no application will be processed. If you want to get a new ID you must first travel to Zimbabwe as it is currently not possible to apply for a new ID within South Africa.
• Marriage certificate - if you are married
• ID in marriage name – it’s common for women to take on the surname of their husbands in marriage. If you are married your ID must show your married name
• Divorce order If your marriage was registered and you have since become divorced you will need a divorce order issued by a competent court showing dissolution of the marriage union.
• 2 x colour passport size photos strictly on white background, (size 3,5 x 4,5cm)
• For children below the age of 18 years: it is a mandatory requirement that the father or mother or legal guardian should complete Section 5 of the passport application form and the child’s birth certificate is required. The child must also be present for fingerprints. The child’s old passport ( where applicable) is also required.
• In cases where the child has a legal guardian, the legal guardian should provide a Guardianship Certificate, which can be obtained from the Courts of Law.

What are the fees for a new Zimbabwean passport?

Passport form: R300 payable in cash at the Consulate.

Where can I apply for a new Zimbabwean passport?

A new Zimbabwean passport can be applied at the Zimbabwean consulate in South Africa. There are two main Zimbabwean consulates in South Africa; one is located in Cape Town and the other is located in Johannesburg. Applicants will need to choose the consulate that is closest to you.

How can I apply for a temporary Travel Document?

You will need the following documents:

• Your Zimbabwe National Identity Card (ID) and / or birth certificate
• Either your expired Zimbabwean passport or an affidavit from the police station in the case of a lost or stolen passport.
• Cash to cover the fees which amounts to R500. Please note an Emergency Travel Document can only be used to travel back to Zimbabwe. You will not be allowed to enter South Africa on an Emergency Travel Document or a Temporary Travel Document. You will need a valid Zimbabwean passport to enter South Africa.

How can I make an appointment at the Consulate office?

To make an appointment, simply visit the Zimbabwe Consulate website.

It’s important to remember that you will not be able to visit the consulate offices without an appointment. Do not just arrive at the office without an appointment as you will not be served.

When is the Consulate open?

Consular Business hours are between 08:30 am to 12:30pm. The offices are open on the following days: 

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Thursday
• Friday

Please note the offices are closed on Wednesdays, over the weekend and on South African and Zimbabwean Public Holidays.

Top tips to keep your passport safe from loss or theft

Your passport is an important document and will need to be kept safe to prevent loss or theft. A few top tips to help prevent a lost Zimbabwean passport include:

• When you return home with your passport, store the document in a locked cabinet, or hidden away out of sight to keep it safe from theft
• Do not carry your passport in the back pocket of your jeans or store it in the outer pocket of your backpack as it is an easy target for pickpockets.
• For added security when carrying your Zimbabwean passport with you during travels, we recommend using a traveller’s wallet that can be kept under your clothes out of sight.
• If you carry your passport in your bag, make sure to keep a close eye on your bag and never leave it unattended on a chair or away from you.

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