Kenyan Passport Renewal: Requirements and Procedures

Nov 24, 2025 0

The process of applying for a Kenyan passport has been significantly streamlined to improve efficiency and reduce processing time. With advancements in digital services, the Kenyan government has integrated passport applications into the eCitizen platform, making the process more accessible and convenient.

Here are the essential guidelines and requirements you should know before submitting your application.

General Instructions

One must create an account on the e-citizen portal to access the passport application service.
All passport applications MUST be duly completed online via ecitizen.go.ke portal. Manual applications will NOT be accepted.
Please ensure you have read and understood the guidelines and Requirements before submitting your application.
All applicants are advised to apply for a passport replacement at least six months before its expiry date.

Applications for passports are accepted between 9.30hrs-13.00 hrs. (Monday - Thursday) by Appointment only.

Online Application Process

New passports or replacement of passports are applied through e-citizen portal www.ecitizen.go.ke. The entire passport application process is conducted online through the eCitizen platform. You can apply for a new passport or replace your current passport through the ecitizen portal www.ecitizen.go.ke. You’ll have to download and print out a form at the end. You must sign and date the form, add the documents and photographs that are required and submit them in person at the Embassy.

You will require to download and print out the form at the end, sign, date the form and attach the required documents.

Important Note: All Kenyan Passports are now applied and paid online; therefore no deposit should be made in the Kenya High Commission Account.

Passport Fees

The cost of obtaining an ordinary Kenyan passport varies based on the number of pages.

Here is a breakdown of the passport fees:

Passport Type	Cost (Ksh)
50 pages Ordinary “B” series	9,550
66 pages Ordinary “C” series	12,550
50 pages Diplomatic Passport	15,050
Mutilated passport	20,050
Lost Passport	20,050

a. Debit or Credit card payments made on submission of applications at the counter.

How to apply for a Passport on eCitizen in Kenya

Required Documents

Here is a list of documents you will need to prepare:

Read also: Travel Tips for Ghana

Print out of duly filled in the online form (2 copies)
2 colour, passport size photos (with a white background and pictures are to show all facial features clearly, no ear rings, no head bands.)
Passport copy
National ID copy
Proof of payment from ecitizen

For Lost/Mutilated Passport

Fill in declaration for lost/mutilated passport application.
2 colour, passport size photos (with a white background and pictures are to show all facial features clearly, no ear rings, no head bands.)
Passport copy
National ID copy
Police abstract
Sworn Affidavit (Obtainable from a lawyer)
Proof of payment from ecitizen

For Minors

Fill and sign consent letter for minors.
2 colour, passport size photos and one colour passport size photo from parent (with a white background and pictures are to show all facial features clearly, no ear rings, no head bands.)
Original authentication Certificate (Obtainable from the Department of International Relations, OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutspansberg Rd, Rietondale, Pretoria or your nearest High court of South Africa.)
Copy of authentication certificate
Original and copy of RSA unabridged birth certificate
Copies of both parents’ passports and Kenyan ID
Proof of payment from ecitizen

For Emergency Passport

Fill in application form completely
Fill in Form 21A completely.
Police Affidavit
Sworn Affidavit (Obtainable from a lawyer)
Kenyan national ID and your parent Kenyan Nation ID
Copy of Air Ticket
Copy of passport
Recent 2 colour passport size photos and pictures are to show all facial features clearly, no ear rings, no head bands.
Payment of R250 (See payment options above)

For Children Born in RSA

Fill in application form completely
Authentication certificate AND copy
RSA Birth certificate AND copy
Copies of parents passports
Recent 2 colour passport size photos and pictures are to show all facialfeatures clearly, no ear rings, no head bands.
Payment of R250 (See payment options above)

Additional Requirements

All passport applications must be recommended by a Kenyan Citizen in possession of a Valid Passport/National Identity Card and who is not a relative on ( section 7 ) of the application form.
Dual Citizens are required to declare their other nationality prior to renewing Kenya passports.
Persons born before 27th August 1987 and have acquired citizenship of other countries before promulgation of Kenya Constitution on 27th August 2010 will be required to provide proof of having regained and declared Kenya Citizenship.
Those required to apply to regain Kenya citizenship are expected to await completion of the regaining process.
Note that Birth Certificate Entry. No. is the number that appears on the left-hand side of the birth certificate above the date of birth.
Persons born abroad must apply and obtain a Kenya born abroad birth certificate first.

Biometrics and Submission

Once payment is completed, schedule an appointment at your preferred immigration office for biometric data capture. During this appointment, you will provide fingerprints and have your photograph taken. Bring the printed application form and payment receipt, original documents used in the application (ID, birth certificate, etc.), and three recent passport-sized photographs.

Documents uploaded should be picture format (jpeg/jpg)

Submit the application form in person at the Kenya Embassy - Washington D.C.

When scanning documents:

For computer - On the left hand side under export settings type in 150 (make sure ‘KB’ is selected next to it.
For Phones - At the bottom click on resize, then under export settings type in 150 (make sure ‘KB’ is selected next to it.
Clear Pictures. Part of the application process involves scanning of your documents.

Passport Collection

After biometric capture, you can track your passport status through the eCitizen portal. Once notified, visit the designated immigration office with your original ID card and acknowledgment receipt to collect your passport.

Important Considerations

Ensure accuracy in your application to avoid delays.
Submit clear and legible scanned documents.
Attend your biometric appointment as scheduled.

Additional Information

You may bring someone else with you to your appointment (examples: an attorney, an interpreter, or a family member).
The processing time for routine passport renewals can be up to 8 weeks.
Please note, the consular section does not have translators available. It is the responsibility of the applicants - not the Embassy - to bring translators.
For minor passport renewals, please note that if your child’s physical appearance has changed significantly since the last passport photograph, the consular officer will request age progression photos as proof of identity.

Important Reminders:

Mobile phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the embassy.
The Embassy and the embassy guards are not liable for any loss or damage to your cell phone while it is checked.
Any oversize handbags and travel bags, large backpacks, briefcases, or suitcases are prohibited.
You must arrive to the appointment with the completed passport form, passport photo, and all additional documents.

The list provided above is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff.

Need assistance with passport services? Contact the Embassy Nairobi or use the Citizen Services Navigator.

Emergency services can include: a need for urgent travel; needing a new passport for foreign visa requirements; or other life-or-death situations.

Visit Forms to find the form you need and begin the process of completing and submitting your passport application.

By following these steps, applicants can secure their passports with ease and minimal delays. The digitalization of the passport application process has enhanced efficiency and accessibility.