Zambians to have passports delivered at doorsteps by end of October, govt

The Government says by the end of October this year, citizens will be able to apply for passports online, track their applications and have the documents delivered directly to their homes.

Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu announced this in parliament yesterday.

Mwiimbu said once this is operational, it will solve a lot of mis-sharps currently being faced by citizens to acquire this important document.

“By the end of this month, citizens will be able to apply for their passports from home, track the process, and have their documents delivered directly to them.

“But printing will continue to be done at three main centres, as decentralising this process would raise serious security concerns,” stated Mwiimbu.

However, he said there are no immediate plans to decentralise passport printing to district levels, citing both operational challenges and international security standards.

In parliament, Mwiimbu, explained that whole accessiblity is greatly improved through digital innovation, adding that passport production must remain tightly controlled.

The minister said the centralised system is consistent with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which recommends centralised production for greater document security, uniformity, and efficiency.

“This model isn’t about limiting access, it’s about protecting the integrity of the Zambian passport and aligning with global best practices.

“We are making sure no one is left behind because those in rural communities will still be able to apply through traditional channels,” he said.

He added that the introduction of online passport services is part of a broader effort by the government to digitise public services, reduce bureaucratic delays, currently being witnessed by Zambians.