In recent years, the Kenyan government has transitioned to issuing e-passports, a more secure and globally accepted travel document. Whether you are renewing your current passport, replacing a lost or damaged one, or applying for the first time, the e-passport is your go-to travel document. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to apply for an e-passport in Kenya, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
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Complete Online and Physical Process Guide on How to Apply for an E-Passport in Kenya
Applying for the Kenyan e-passport is a two-step process: one part is done online through the E-Citizen portal, and the other involves submitting physical documents at the immigration office. Every step is crucial to avoid delays, so follow each instruction carefully.
1. Create an E-Citizen Account
The first step in the application process is to create an E-Citizen account. This online portal is where you will manage your passport application. To register, you need a valid Kenyan ID number. You can sign up on your smartphone, laptop, or at a local cyber café. After successfully registering, keep your login credentials secure, as you will need them to access your application.
Once logged in, navigate to the passport application service, which will guide you through the rest of the process.
2. Fill in All Required Personal Details
After logging in, you will be asked to fill out a personal information form. The portal will ask for a variety of details, including:
- Full names (as per your official documents)
- Date and place of birth
- National ID number
- KRA PIN
- Marital status
- Occupation
- Residential address
Additionally, you’ll need to specify the type of passport you’re applying for. This includes whether it’s your first passport, a renewal, a replacement for a damaged or lost passport, or if you’re applying for a mutilated passport. Be sure to enter all details accurately, as mistakes or discrepancies can delay or cause rejection of your application.
3. Upload Mandatory Supporting Documents
Once you’ve filled in your personal details, the system will prompt you to upload supporting documents. These documents help verify your identity and eligibility for the passport. Make sure that each document is scanned clearly and is legible.
The following documents are typically required:
- A valid National ID card
- A birth certificate
- Parents’ ID cards or death certificates (if applicable)
- Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
- Spouse’s ID card (if married)
- Recommender’s ID card (if applicable)
Ensure that all documents are uploaded in the correct format, with scans being sharp and readable. PDFs are preferred due to their compact size.
4. Make Passport Payment Through E-Citizen
Once your documents are uploaded, the next step is to make the payment for your e-passport. E-Citizen allows for multiple payment methods, including MPESA, Visa cards, and Airtel Money. Among these, MPESA is the most commonly used option due to its convenience.
Here is the official fee structure for Kenyan e-passports:
| Passport Type | Fee (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 32 Pages Ordinary A Series | 4,550 |
| 48 Pages Ordinary B Series | 6,050 |
| 64 Pages Ordinary C Series | 7,550 |
| East African Passport | 990 |
| Diplomatic Passport (48 Pages) | 7,550 |
| Mutilated Passport | 10,050 |
| Lost Passport | 12,050 |
Before making the payment, verify the passport category you selected to ensure that the fee matches your application.
5. Print Invoice and Application Forms
After payment is successfully processed, you will be redirected to a page where you can download your application forms and invoice. These documents need to be printed out — three copies of each. These printed forms, along with your supporting documents, will be required during the next phase of your application.
6. Prepare Three Sets of Physical Documents
You must prepare three complete sets of documents for submission to the immigration office. Each set should include:
- National ID card
- Birth certificate
- Parents’ ID cards or death certificates (if applicable)
- Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
- Recommender’s ID card (if applicable)
- The last three pages of your old passport (if renewing)
- Police abstract, affidavit, and explanation letter for lost passports
Additionally, bring the original copies of these documents for verification.
7. Visit Immigration Offices for Biometrics
After you have prepared all necessary documents, visit the nearest immigration office to complete the application. Kenya has several passport offices located in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Nakuru, and Embu. At the immigration office, the officials will review your documents, capture your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs), and verify your identity.
Processing your passport takes about ten working days. Once your passport is ready, you will receive an SMS notification informing you that it is available for collection.
8. E-Passport Travel Benefits You Should Know
The Kenyan e-passport offers numerous benefits to travelers. It is accepted globally and complies with biometric security standards, making it safer and easier for border control agencies to process. Holders of the Kenyan e-passport enjoy visa-free access to all East African Community countries and selected international destinations, including:
- Burundi
- Barbados
- The Cayman Islands
The e-passport’s digital chip also enhances the speed of processing at immigration checkpoints and better protects your personal information.
