Lusangazi District Commissioner (DC) Margret Zulu has welcomed the introduction of the Online Passport Application System, describing it as a major step towards improving access to government services.
He says the move will help reduce the inconvenience citizens previously faced when applying for passports.
Ms Zulu said this when officers from the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship paid a courtesy call on her before conducting a public sensitisation meeting on the Online Passport Application System in the district.
“The digital platform will save citizens both time and transport costs by enabling them to initiate passport applications and make payments online without first travelling to a passport office,” she said.
And during the orientation meeting, Lusangazi District Administrative Officer Codrington Sakala expressed happiness that the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship had brought the sensitisation programme to the district.
Mr Sakala said the initiative would help residents understand the new online passport application process and reduce the challenges they previously faced in accessing passport services.
He urged members of the public to take advantage of the digital platform, saying it would make government services more accessible, efficient and convenient for the people of Lusangazi.
Meanwhile, Passport Assistant Officer Alice Nyirenda said the digital platform, launched in December 2025 under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, enables applicants to complete the initial passport application process using a mobile phone, computer or any internet-enabled device through the Government Service Bus (GSB), commonly known as e-Services.
Ms Nyirenda explained that applicants must first create an e-Services account before accessing the passport portal, completing the online application form, uploading the required supporting documents and a passport photograph, and electronically signing the application before making payment.
“Payments can be made using mobile money or a debit card, after which an official Government of Zambia electronic receipt is automatically generated,” she explained.
Ms Nyirenda stressed that applicants must complete the process by clicking the “Submit” and “Finish” buttons, warning that incomplete applications will not be processed.
She further explained that once an application has been successfully submitted, applicants receive a confirmation message before being invited for a mandatory interview at the passport office selected during the online application.
“The interview is conducted to verify the applicant’s identity and strengthen national security. Although the application is done online, physical verification remains an important safeguard against identity fraud,” she said.
Ms Nyirenda noted that applicants are required to appear for the interview only at the passport office they selected during the application process and should carry original supporting documents, the electronic payment receipt and, where applicable, their current passport for renewal.
She added that applicants who have lost their passports must first report the loss and pay the prescribed penalty before a replacement passport can be processed.
On passport photographs, Ms Nyirenda advised applicants to upload photographs taken against a plain white background and cautioned them against using coloured backgrounds, sunglasses, coloured contact lenses or excessive jewellery that could interfere with identity verification.
She said the introduction of the Online Passport Application System reflects Government’s commitment to improving service delivery by making passport services more accessible, efficient and convenient while maintaining the security and integrity of Zambia’s passport issuance process.
