Zimbabwe Passport Prices NOT Changed: Civil Registry Sets Record Straight After Viral Claims

Civil Registry Confirms Zimbabwe Passport Fees Remain Unchanged

Zimbabwe’s Civil Registry Department has dismissed viral social media claims that passport fees have been slashed, saying the official prices remain unchanged. The clarification comes after a fake account circulated posts alleging that passports now cost as little as US$56 (approx. R1,041).

Department Dismisses False Claims

In an official statement on X on 13 October 2025, the Civil Registry Department described the reports as “false” and warned the public against engaging with fraudulent pages.

According to the Civil Registry Department Zimbabwe:

“FAKE PAGE ALERT. The Civil Registry advises members of the public that a fraudulent social media account is spreading false information alleging that passport fees have been reduced to US$56. This information is false.”

The department emphasised that official payments are only accepted at designated Civil Registry offices and not through any third-party platforms.

Official Passport Fees Remain In Place

The department went further to list the current passport fees, stressing that no changes had been made.

It stated:

“Ordinary Passport – US$170 (approx. R3,162). Emergency Passport – US$270 (approx. R5,024). Applications are made only at Civil Registry offices. Do not send money or personal details to unofficial platforms.”

The current structure of charges for Zimbabwe’s Passport Fees is as follows:

Ordinary Passport: US$150 (approx. R2,790) plus a US$20 (approx. R372) QR Code Fee, totalling US$170.
Emergency Passport: US$250 (approx. R4,650) plus a US$20 (approx. R372) QR Code fee, totalling US$270.
QR Code Fee: US$20 (approx. R372) for each application.

The department also reminded applicants that payments must be made in foreign currency and only through CBZ or First Capital banks.

Comparisons With The Region

Zimbabwe’s passport prices remain significantly higher than in neighbouring SADC countries. For example:

South Africa charges about US$34.56 (approx. R642).
Botswana charges US$19.44 (approx. R361).
Zambia charges US$22.02 (approx. R409).
Mozambique charges US$37.56 (approx. R698) for an ordinary passport and US$112.68 (approx. R2,095) for an emergency one.
Namibia charges US$23.12 (approx. R429).

The government has defended the higher fees, citing the new e-passport system which includes biometric chips and enhanced security features designed to make forgery more difficult and streamline border processes.