News / National
Zimbabwe limits temporary travel document validity to 1 month
18 hrs ago | Views
The Civil Registry Department of Zimbabwe has announced a new policy limiting the validity of Temporary Travel Documents (TTDs) to one month, effective November 14. These documents will now only permit a single entry into the destination country for emergency travel purposes.
The adjustment follows significant improvements in passport availability, which have reduced delays in their production. As a result, TTDs are now reserved for urgent situations where time constraints prevent citizens from acquiring a passport.
"TTDs offer a temporary window, allowing individuals to travel while awaiting the processing and issue of their passports," the department stated.
Previously, TTDs were widely used during periods of passport processing delays, often for routine travel. However, with the resolution of these delays, the documents are now strictly for emergencies.
To avoid reliance on TTDs, the Civil Registry Department urged citizens to plan ahead.
"We urge citizens to plan and apply for passports well in advance of their travel dates to avoid any inconvenience," the department advised.
The revised policy is also intended to reduce potential misuse of TTDs, enhancing the security and efficiency of Zimbabwe's travel document system.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely civil registration services and ensuring that both permanent and temporary travel documents meet the needs of Zimbabweans.
This move aims to align the country's travel document policies with international standards, offering a robust system for emergencies while encouraging long-term solutions through passport issuance.
The adjustment follows significant improvements in passport availability, which have reduced delays in their production. As a result, TTDs are now reserved for urgent situations where time constraints prevent citizens from acquiring a passport.
"TTDs offer a temporary window, allowing individuals to travel while awaiting the processing and issue of their passports," the department stated.
Previously, TTDs were widely used during periods of passport processing delays, often for routine travel. However, with the resolution of these delays, the documents are now strictly for emergencies.
To avoid reliance on TTDs, the Civil Registry Department urged citizens to plan ahead.
"We urge citizens to plan and apply for passports well in advance of their travel dates to avoid any inconvenience," the department advised.
The revised policy is also intended to reduce potential misuse of TTDs, enhancing the security and efficiency of Zimbabwe's travel document system.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely civil registration services and ensuring that both permanent and temporary travel documents meet the needs of Zimbabweans.
This move aims to align the country's travel document policies with international standards, offering a robust system for emergencies while encouraging long-term solutions through passport issuance.
Source - The Herald
