The world is changing fast, and the rate at which Kenyans are looking for greener pastures abroad is rising yearly. However, when doing so, it’s crucial that you have a passport ready with you. A Kenyan passport is essential as it facilitates your travel and gives you the official right to be accommodated in another country temporarily. Therefore, when you apply for a passport in Kenya, it is essential that you meet the eligibility criteria so that you can have your passport ready on time.
Passports in Kenya are managed by the Department of Immigration, which is part of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. Also, compared to the past, it is now easier to get your Passports ready and on time. You do not need to Visit Immigration offices in the country as the e-Citizen Portal now handles Passport applications.
What are the requirements when applying for a passport?
The Department of Immigration in Kenya has very strict requirements that one must follow and meet to be awarded the Papspsorts. Basically, if you are applying for a new Passport for the first time, you have to meet the following requirements:
- Applicants Should have an Active e-Citizen account. Nowadays, Passport applications are made through this portal rather than through immigration offices.
- Fill out the Relevant form, mainly Form 19, and provide all the relevant details you may require. Remember, you should provide accurate data and not apply for someone else.
- Applicants must pay the application fees, depending on the type of Passport, during the application process. The costs for Passport applications are covered below
- The following documents are also required:
- Original birth certificate and one photocopy
- Original National ID Card and one photocopy
- Three current passport-size photos
- One photocopy of the recommender’s ID card
- Old passport for replacement plus photocopies of its last three pages
- Photocopies of parents’ National ID cards(if available) or Death Certificates (if deceased) if applying for a child
- You MUST appear in person for Biometric Enrolment.
How To Apply For A Passport In Kenya
If you have met these requirements, applying for a new passport is easier. Passport applications in Kenya are strictly handled by the e-Citzen Portal. Here is how to make your application
- Login to your eCitizen Account. If you don’t already have one, visit the eCitizen website (www.ecitizen.go.ke) and create one.
- Once you’re logged in, navigate to the Directorate of Immigration Services.
- Choose the appropriate application form based on your needs (new passport, renewal, replacement).
- Provide accurate and complete information in the application form.
- Scan and upload clear copies of all the required documents, including your birth certificate, national ID, and recommender’s ID.
- Select your preferred mode of payment (M-PESA, credit card, debit card, etc.) and pay the prescribed fee.
- After successful payment, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at your preferred immigration office for biometrics capture.
- On the appointed date, visit the immigration office with the original documents and printed copies of your application and payment receipts.
Passport Fees In Kenya
One of the requirements or a must-do exercise when applying for a Kenya passport is that you must pay for it. The fees for your passport will vary depending on the type of passport pages you are applying for. Below is a table of all Kenyan Passport types and their respective fees as of 2024:
| Type of Passport/Application | Number of pages | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passports | A Series (34 Pages) | 7,550.00 |
| B Series (50 pages) | 9,550.00 | |
| C Series (66 pages) | 12,050.00 | |
| Diplomatic passports | 15,050.00 | |
| Mutilated passport | 20,050.00 | |
| Lost passports | 20,050.00 | |
| Certificate of Identity (for Foreigners) | 3,050.00 | |
| Temporary permit | 1,050.00 |
How long does it take to process a Kenyan visa?
Once your form has been physically submitted to the immigration offices, it should take at least 10 working days to get your first passport. However, if you have made mistakes in your passport form during the application process or face other challenges, the processing of your passport may take longer.
The End
And there you have it. I hope this guide has given you insights into the Requirements for passport application in Kenya. The digitization of government services online through the citizen portal has made it easier for Kenyans to apply for passports. By following the information that I have given you in the article, you can quickly secure your Kenyan Passport.