When planning a trip abroad, one of the most essential documents you’ll need is a valid passport. In Kenya, understanding the passport requirements is crucial to avoid any last-minute hiccups or travel disruptions. The Republic of Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services has established strict regulations for passport requirements, which can be complex and confusing for individuals seeking to obtain or renew a Kenyan passport.
In Kenya, there are three types of passports: Ordinary, Diplomatic, and East African. The Ordinary Passport is the most common type, issued to Kenyan citizens for international travel. The Kenyan passport is issued to Kenyan citizens in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and as provided for in the Kenya Citizens and Immigration Act that commenced on 30 August 2011. In addition issuance process is regulated by Legal Notice No. 64 (the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012). Since September 2017, Kenya issues the new East African format ePassport. This is inline with digitization of Kenya. The new color adopted on the Kenyan ordinary passport, light blue, is the official color of the East African Community. The old ordinary passport was phased out by 31 August 2019 (extended to 1 March 2021) and rendered unusable and cease to being recognized as travel documents.
According to the department of immigration under Ministry of Interior and National Coordination, and read together with the Kenyan constitution, Kenyan passports are valid for ten years after date of issuance. Children and persons under eighteen years are required to have their own government issued passport separate from the parent. Minors application is done on the parents e-citizen account. This passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue unless otherwise stated.
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply for a Kenyan passport, you must be a Kenyan citizen. If eligible, an individual can apply for a New Passport, Renewal Passport and Replacement Passport.
General Instructions:
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- 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 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.
- All applicants are advised to apply for a passport replacement at least six months before its expiry date.
- Dual Citizens are required to declare their other nationality prior to renewing Kenya passports.
Steps to Apply:
- Go to the ePassport and click on the passport application form.
- Read the instructions carefully, then fill the application form.
- Make payment online.
- Download and print the application form, requisite requirements, and three payment invoices.
- Wait for an official response from the High Commission giving the date and time for your appointment.
- Submit the application in person at the Kenya High Commission Canberra during your appointment.
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 (see below) and submit them in person at the Embassy (2249 R St NW Washington D.C.
The application process for a Kenyan passport typically takes 10-15 working days. The processing time for passports, after submission of duly filled application form and provision of requisite requirements, is 8 weeks. The processing time for a Kenyan passport application varies depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the Department of Immigration Services. On average, it takes 6-8 weeks to process a passport application, but this can take longer in some cases. It is essential to apply for a passport well in advance of your travel date to avoid any delays.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification to collect your passport. If your passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it at the Immigration Department offices. To renew your Kenyan passport, you must apply in person or online and submit the required documents.
Required Documents
To apply for a Kenyan passport, you will need to provide the following documents: a completed application form, your national ID or birth certificate, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of residence in Kenya. In addition, you will need to provide a police report if your passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
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Requirements for new (initial) applications:
- A duly filled passport application Form 19.
- Two (2) payment invoices for the prescribed fee.
- Original Birth Certificate and a copy for citizens of Kenya by birth (If born abroad, Birth Certificate for Kenyan children born abroad.
- Duly filled parental consent Form for minors.
- Certified Copies of parents’ national identity cards and Death certificates where applicable.
- Three colored passport size photographs (Size 35 X 45 mm-Australian standard).
- And any other additional document(s) as may be required.
Requirements for replacement of passports:
- A duly filled passport application Form 19.
- Current valid/old original passport and copy.
- Two (2) payment invoices for the prescribed fee.
- Original Birth Certificate and a copy for citizens of Kenya by birth (If born abroad, Birth Certificate for Kenyan children born abroad.
- Duly filled parental consent form for minors.
- Certified Copies of parents’ national identity cards and Death certificates where applicable.
- Three colored passport size photographs (Size 35 X 45 mm-Australian standard).
- And any other additional document(s) as may be required.
Requirements for mutilated/damaged passports:
- A duly filled passport application Form 19.
- Current valid/old mutilated/damaged passport and copy.
- Two (2) payment invoices for the prescribed fee.
- Original Birth Certificate and a copy for citizens of Kenya by birth (If born abroad, Birth Certificate for Kenyan children born abroad.
- Duly filled parental consent form for minors
- Certified Copies of parents’ national identity cards and Death certificates where applicable.
- Three colored passport size photographs (Size 35 X 45 mm-Australian standard).
- Personal statement explaining circumstances for the damage.
- Sworn Affidavit to support above.
- And any other additional document(s) as may be required.
Requirements for lost passports:
- A duly filled passport application Form 19.
- Police report and case number on loss of passport.
- Personal statement explaining circumstances for loss.
- Sworn Affidavit to support above.
- Copy of the lost passport (bio-data page) if available.
- Original Birth Certificate and a copy for citizens of Kenya by birth (If born abroad, Birth Certificate for Kenyan children born abroad.
- Duly filled parental consent form for minors.
- Certified Copies of parents’ national identity cards and Death certificates where applicable.
- Three colored passport size photographs (Size 35 X 45 mm-Australian standard).
- And any other additional document(s) as may be required.
Additional Documents for Minors:
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- Register on www.ecitizen.go.ke
- Ecitizen pre-filled passport application Form and two payment receipts
- Original and a copy of Kenyan birth certificate
- Original Kenya National ID card of the parent presenting the child and copies of Kenyan IDs from both parents
- Copies of Parents’ passports (both parents)
- Copies of the Father’s / Mother’s Kenyan Birth certificate
- Signed parental consent Form
- Additional documentary proof of Kenya citizenship may be required if necessary
- Two recent passport size photographs on a white background (2 by 2 inches).
The table highlights the essential documents and procedures required for a passport application in Kenya. As you can see from the table, a certified copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), passport photos, national ID, and police clearance certificate (if applicable) are all required for a new passport application.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Duly filled and signed Form 19 |
| Birth Certificate | Original and copy for citizens by birth |
| Passport Photos | Three colored passport size photos (35 X 45 mm) |
| National ID | Certified copies of parents' national ID cards |
| Parental Consent | Duly filled parental consent form for minors |
| Payment Invoices | Two payment invoices for the prescribed fee |
Important Considerations
Having a pending court case or a criminal record may affect your eligibility for a Kenyan passport. In such cases, you may need to provide additional documentation or obtain a waiver from the Department of Immigration Services. A police report is required for lost, stolen, or damaged passports. To apply for a new passport, you must obtain a police report from the nearest police station and attach it to your application. It is essential to note that this requirement may be waived in cases of minor applicants (under 18 years) who are applying for their first passport.
Online Application
The Kenyan government has introduced an online passport application system, which allows eligible applicants to apply for a passport online. However, not all applicants are eligible for online application, and some documents must be submitted in person. In some cases, you may need to appear in person to apply for a Kenyan passport, particularly if you are applying for a first-time passport or if your application requires additional documentation. However, if you are eligible to apply online, you may not need to appear in person.
eCitizen Portal:
- Register on www.ecitizen.go.ke
- Go to the ePassport and click on the passport application form.
- Read the instructions carefully, then fill the application form.
- Make payment online.
- Download and print the application form, requisite requirements, and three payment invoices.
How to apply for a Passport on eCitizen in Kenya
Important Reminders:
- Mobile phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the embassy.
- 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.
- You must arrive to the appointment with the completed passport form, passport photo, and all additional documents.
- 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.
Obtaining a Kenyan passport requires careful attention to the passport requirements in Kenya. By understanding the eligibility criteria, documents needed, and application process, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. If you’re facing any challenges or have questions regarding your passport application, consider consulting with a legal expert. At Muthii W.M & Associates, we understand that navigating the passport application process can be complex and time-consuming. That’s why we’re here to help. Whether you need guidance on the required documents or assistance with the application process, our experienced lawyers are dedicated to providing you with expert advice and support.
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