The Civil Registry Department has warned members of the public of the existence of a fake website that claims it can facilitate online e-passport applications.
In a press statement released on 19 May, the Civil Registry Department said it has learnt of a fake website: www.zimpassport.online (Central Registry-Apply for Zimbabwean Passport), which claims to be able to process online passport applications for Zimbabweans. Said the Civil Registry Department:
The account is misrepresented as the official account and used to swindle applicants of their hard-earned money.
The Civil Registry Department dissociates itself from the website and cautions members of the public against seeking services through the website.
The department will not be held accountable for any loss or prejudice that may be suffered by engaging the fake website.
The Civil Registry Department said that at present, it is only offering an online booking facility available for the convenience of citizens and not an online payment service through PayPal. It said:
Finally, members of the public are hereby advised to approach our designated offices or embassies in the case of our citizens based in the Diaspora.
We urge our citizens to rely on verified information which the department disseminates through its official website: www.rg.gov.zw and social media platforms (Twitter handles @CivilRegZim, Facebook page: Civil Registry Department Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Twitter handle or contact us on +263242702295-9.
Zimbabweans can apply for the e-passport on the booking system on the website: http://expresscentrezw.com/, which gives instructions on available booking schedules.
An ordinary e-passport costs US$120 and takes seven days to be processed while an express passport, which comes out after 48 hours costs US$220.