How to Apply for a Zambian Passport: Fees, Requirements, and Procedure

• Completed Form A in applicant's own handwriting (block capitals)
• National Registration Card (NRC)
• Birth certificate or sworn birth affidavit (Form N)
• Previous passport if applicable
• Parents' passports and marriage certificates if applicable
• Bestawal or registration document if born outside Zambia to Zambian parent
• Marriage certificate for married applicants
• Written consent from legal guardian for applicants under 18 (unless married)
• Two recent passport photographs meeting specifications
• Application authenticated and sponsored by an eligible recommender (non-family member)
• Payment of applicable fees in cash

1. Obtain and complete Form A in your own handwriting using block capitals.
2. Gather all required supporting documents based on your personal circumstances.
3. Attach two recent passport-sized photographs as specified.
4. Have the application authenticated and signed by an eligible recommender.
5. Submit the completed application and documents in person at a Passport Office.
6. Pay the applicable fees in cash.
7. If express service is desired, pay the additional K200 at Headquarters Passport Office.

Overview

To apply for a Zambian passport for persons over sixteen years of age, applicants must complete Form A and submit it in person at Passport Offices in Zambia. The application process includes providing specific documents, photographs, and paying the required fees.

Fees

• Application form fee: K20.00
• Passport fee: K300.00 for a 32-page passport or K500.00 for a 48-page passport
• Express service charge: K200.00 (only available at Headquarters)
• Payment must be made in cash; cheques are not accepted.

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must be Zambian citizens and provide evidence of nationality. Specific documents depend on the applicant's circumstances:

• If born in Zambia: National Registration Card (NRC), birth certificate, previous passport (if any), and parents' current or previous passports.
• If born outside Zambia to a Zambian parent: Bestawal or registration document proving citizenship.
• Foreign women married to Zambian citizens must provide evidence of their own registration as Zambian citizens.
• Married persons must provide marriage certificates.
• Children under 18 require written consent from a legal guardian or parent unless married.
• Any change of name (other than by marriage or adoption) must be substantiated with evidence.
• All applicants must attach a duly completed sworn birth affidavit (Form N) and certified copies of NRC, birth certificate, and previous passports if applicable.

Photographs

Two recent passport-sized photographs are required:

• Size between 51mm x 38mm and 64mm x 51mm
• Full face, no hat, white background, printed on normal photographic paper
• One photograph must be endorsed on the reverse side by the recommender with a certification statement and official stamp

Application Authentication

The application must be authenticated and sponsored by a recommender who is a Zambian subject of good standing (e.g., Minister of Religion, Medical or Legal Practitioner, Senior Civil Servant, Senior Bank Official) who has known the applicant personally for at least two years. Family members cannot act as recommenders.

Procedure

1. Obtain and complete Form A in your own handwriting using block capitals.
2. Gather all required documents based on your personal circumstances.
3. Attach two recent passport photographs as specified.
4. Have the application authenticated and signed by an eligible recommender.
5. Submit the completed application form and documents in person at a Passport Office.
6. Pay the applicable fees in cash.
7. If applying for express service, pay the additional K200 at Headquarters.

Additional Notes

• Applications for children under 16 years must be made on Form B.
• Lost passports require additional declarations and completion of Section 8 of the form.
• Applicants must declare that they have not lost Zambian subject status and provide truthful information.

Validity and Processing Time

processing time

• Ordinary – 14 working days (Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone)
• Ordinary – 21 working days (Solwezi, Chipata, Kabwe, Mongu, Chinsali, Mansa, Kasama, Choma)
• Express – 5 working days (temporarily unavailable)

Validity

• A passport for adults (18+) is 10 years, for Minors (Under 18): is five 5 years (expires sooner due to rapid facial changes)

Common Pitfalls

• Failure to provide all required documents or properly completed forms may delay processing.
• Cheques are not accepted; payment must be in cash.
• Express service is only available at the Headquarters Passport Office.