The Passport Office has increased efficiency in recent years.
By Tanaka Gwanyanya
Passport offices across the country will, with immediate, start work at 7am and close at 7pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 3pm on Saturdays in an effort to clear the high demand of passports during the festive season.
The new development was announced by the Civil Registry Department who said this was in response to the ballooning demand during the festive season.
The prices for an ordinary passport issued after 7 working days remains US$120 while Emergency or Express Passport issued after 48 hours remains at US$220.
The proposed new fees as announced by government during the 2024 National Budget will take effect on the 1st of January 2024.
In a statement, the Civil Registry Department said: “This is in response to an increase in the number of clients visiting our Passport Offices. The festive season is the busiest period for the Department. With industry and schools closed, and returning citizens from the diaspora taking advantage of their visit to have their documents processed, the Department witnesses an influx of clients visiting its passport offices”.
The Civil registry said the recent announcement by the Government in relation to the proposed increase of passport fees with effect from 01 January 2024 has also contributed to clients rushing to apply for passports before the deadline.
This has motivated the Department to extend its operating hours to facilitate efficient E-Passport services in response to the high demand.
The following passport offices offer passports countrywide:
Harare Passport Registry
Bulawayo Provincial Registry
Chinhoyi Provincial Registry
Gwanda Provincial Registry
Gweru Provincial Registry
Lupane Provincial Registry
Marondera Provincial Registry
Beitbridge District Registry
Chipinge District Registry
Chitungwiza District Registry
Hwange District Registry
Murehwa District Registry
Mazowe District Office
Mwenezi District Registry
Zvishavane District Registry
