If you are traveling outside Kenya for any reason, you must have a Kenyan passport. The Kenyan Passport ranks 68th globally, with a mobility score of 77 on the Passport Ranking Index, highlighting its significance and global acceptance. In addition to its ranking, the passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 74 countries. Over the years, the passport application process in Kenya has become more accessible, particularly with the introduction of the eCitizen Portal, a centralized government platform for accessing all Kenyan government services online, including passport applications, renewals, and status tracking.
All things Passports in Kenya include the application process, and renewals are handled by the Ministry of Interior & National Administration through the Department of Immigration. The government of Kenya, over the years, has made the application process easier, cutting the process from the normal 10 to 15 days to less than 72 hours, but the process still demands precise attention to detail to ensure a smooth process throughout. So, what are the stages of passport processing in Kenya? Here is all that you need to know and understand.
Passport Types in Kenya and Current Fees
According to Kenya’s Constitution, which came into effect in 2010, every citizen is entitled to be issued a passport upon application. Therefore, for those unaware, the Department of Immigration offers various passport types and travel documents, each serving a specific purpose. In Kenya, there are seven main categories, comprising four passport types and three other travel documents.
Ordinary Passports
These are the most common passports issued to the general public. The passport has a blue cover and is divided into three series, mainly differentiated by the number of pages. The first is the A Series (34 pages), which serves those who travel less frequently and costs KSh 7,550. This is followed by the B Series, with 50 pages priced at KSh 9,550, best suited for frequent travelers who need extra pages for visa stamps. The last series is the C Series, with 66 pages and priced at KSh 12,050, ideal for frequent travelers who require the most pages for visa stamps.
Diplomatic Passports
While ordinary passports are reserved for regular Kenyan citizens, another key type of Kenyan passport is the diplomatic passport. This type of passport is issued only to top government officials in Kenya, mainly members of the Executive and the Judiciary. Diplomatic passports are easily identified by their maroon covers, and the application fee is KSh 15,050.
Interstate Pass (EAC)
The Interstate Pass is also known as the East African Community (EAC) pass. It is issued to Kenyan citizens who wish to travel within EAC member states for short visits. Currently, the Interstate Pass (EAC) is issued gratis, meaning no application fee is charged.
Mutilated and Lost Passports
If you damage or lose your passport, you must apply for a replacement immediately. A mutilated passport attracts a replacement fee of KSh 20,050. A lost passport also costs KSh 20,050 to replace.
Other Travel Documents
Besides the above passport types, the Department of Immigration in Kenya also issues the following travel documents:
- Certificate of Identity (for foreigners) – KSh 3,050
- Temporary Permit – KSh 1,050
The fees for passport application in Kenya can be sumamrised as follows:
| Type of Passport/Application | Number of pages | Amount (KES) | |
| 1 | Ordinary passports | A Series (34 Pages) | 7,550.00 |
| B Series (50 pages) | 9,550.00 | ||
| C Series (66 pages) | 12,050.00 | ||
| 2 | Diplomatic passports | 15,050.00 | |
| 3 | Mutilated passport | 20,050.00 | |
| 4 | Lost passports | 20,050.00 | |
| 5 | Certificate of Identity (for Foreigners) | 3,050.00 | |
| 6 | Temporary permit | 1,050.00 | |
| 7 | Interstate Pass (EAC) | Gratis |
Requirements for first-time passport applications
Now that you understand the various passport types offered, the next step is to make your application. However, before you apply, ensure you are eligible and have all required documents in order. If it is your first time applying for a Kenyan passport, below are the key requirements you must prepare.
For a successful passport application, you must prepare the following documents:
- An eCitizen pre-filled passport application form (Form 19) and 2–3 payment invoices/receipts, as generated on eCitizen
- Original birth certificate and a photocopy (for citizens of Kenya by birth)
- Certificate of Registration (for citizens of Kenya by registration, where applicable)
- Original National ID card and a copy (for adults aged 18 and above)
- Three current passport-size photos that meet immigration specifications
- Copy of the recommender’s National ID card (must be a Kenyan citizen, not a relative)
- Duly filled consent form/consent letter for minors (where applicable)
- Parents’ National ID cards and copies, and where required, parents’ birth certificates or death certificates (where applicable)
- Old passport and a copy of the biodata page for replacement applications
- Proof of payment of the prescribed passport fee
In addition to the above standard requirements, there are special requirements for different types of applicants.
- For minors: A consent letter or duly filled consent form from parents or legal guardians is mandatory, along with copies of parents’ National ID cards; in some cases, parents’ birth certificates or death certificates may also be required.
- For non-Kenyan citizens who are registered as Kenyan citizens: A Certificate of Registration as a citizen of Kenya must be provided in addition to the standard documents.
- For dual citizens: Proof of Kenyan citizenship (such as a Kenyan passport, ID, or registration documents) may be required where applicable.
- For applicants with name changes: A written explanation addressed to the Passport Control Officer is required, supported by relevant documents such as a deed poll and Kenya Gazette notice, a marriage certificate, or divorce/decree documents, depending on the reason for the name change.
How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport
As long as you are eligible to apply for a passport, obtaining a Kenyan passport is now more straightforward thanks to the introduction of the e-passport system. The eCitizen platform has significantly improved access to a range of government services offered by various ministries and departments. The process involved are as follows:
Step 1: Create or Log in to Your eCitizen Account
Passport applications in Kenya are done through the eCitizen portal. This means that you must log in or register to access all the services the platform offers. If you don’t have an active account, here is how to create one quickly:
- Visit the official eCitizen website at https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/en/login.
- Click “Register” to start creating your account.
- Select your account type (e.g., Kenyan Citizen or Resident)
- Fill out the registration form with your ID number and name as required.
- Enter your email address, create a password, agree to the terms and conditions, and click “Continue.”
- Verify your email address, and you will now have an eCitizen account.
Step 2: Access the Directorate of Immigration Services
Once logged in, navigate to immigration.ecitizen.go.ke or access the Directorate of Immigration Services section directly from the main portal and select “Passport Application”. Here, you will see several services listed, including Dependant Pass, Special Pass, Student Pass, Work Permits, eVisa Application, Interstate Pass Application, Temporary Permit Applications, and Passport Application.
Step 3: Select Your Passport Application Category
Select your specific passport application from the list of services and click “Next” until you reach the passport form. Carefully read all instructions before proceeding with the application form.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form meticulously, ensuring all details are accurate and match your supporting documents exactly. Upload scanned copies of all required documents. Double-check everything before proceeding to avoid application rejections that could delay your passport processing.
Step 5: Process Payment
Before officially submitting your application, pay the applicable passport fee through the eCitizen platform. The platform accepts multiple payment methods, including M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and credit/debit cards. Ensure your payment is successfully processed before moving to the next step.
Step 6: Book Your Biometric Appointment
Once payment is confirmed, book an appointment for biometric capture (fingerprint scanning and photo) through the eCitizen portal. Select from the following Passport Processing Centres: Nairobi (Nyayo House), Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Embu, Kisii, Kericho, and Bungoma. Choose the centre most convenient for you and book your preferred date and time.
Step 7: Attend Your Biometric Appointment
Visit your selected immigration centre on your scheduled appointment date with all original documents, the printed application form, and payment receipts. The biometric process typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the centre’s workload. Ensure you arrive on time with all required documents to avoid rescheduling.
Step 8: Collection and Tracking
Processing for first-time passport applications takes at least 10 working days after biometric submission at the immigration offices. For renewals and replacements, processing takes at least 5 working days. Track your application status on the eCitizen portal, and you will be notified via SMS or email when your passport is ready for collection at your chosen processing centre.
How to Track Your Passport Application Status
Once you have applied for your Passport, you can track its status via the Posta Booking and Collection Portal. Here’s how:
- Visit the Posta Kenya passport tracking portal.
- Enter the tracking number provided on your photo token receipt.
- Click the “Track my passport” button to view your application status.
Department Of Immigration Contacts
For immediate assistance, the following contacts can be of great help to you:
| 1 | Nairobi | +254 20 2222022+254 20 2218833 | Nyayo House, Nairobi |
| 2 | Embu | +254 110 922 056 | PC’s Office, Embu |
| 3 | Nakuru | +254 110 922 057+254 773 386 698 | Provincial Commissioners Building, Nakuru |
| 4 | Kisumu | +254 110 922 058+254 756 542 122+254 780 596 071 | New PC’s Office, Kisumu |
| 5 | Kisii | +254 110 922 059 | DC’s Office / County Commissioners Building, Kisii |
| 6 | Eldoret | +254 110 922 060 | Public Works Building, Eldoret |
| 7 | Mombasa | +254 110 922 061 | Uhuru na Kazi Building, Mombasa |
| 8 | Kericho | +254 742 884 863 | Ardhi House, 4th Floor, Kericho |
| 9 | Bungoma | — | (No contact provided) |
FAQs
How much does it cost to apply for a passport in Kenya in 2026?
Ordinary passports start at KSh 7,550 for the A Series (34 pages), KSh 9,550 for the B Series (50 pages), and KSh 12,050 for the C Series (66 pages). Diplomatic passports cost KSh 15,050, while replacements for lost or mutilated passports cost KSh 20,050 each; other documents, such as temporary permits, cost KSh 1,050 each.
What are the requirements when applying for a passport in Kenya?
Key items include an eCitizen pre-filled form with payment receipts, an original birth certificate (plus a copy), a National ID (plus a copy), three passport photos, a recommender’s ID copy, and consent for minors. For first-timers, ensure photos meet specs and documents match exactly to avoid rejection.
What documents should I carry for a passport appointment?
Bring originals of your birth certificate, National ID, parents’ IDs (for minors), consent letter if applicable, printed eCitizen form, payment receipts, and three photos. Carry the recommender’s ID copy too as the Immigration verifies everything on-site.
How long does it take to get a Kenyan passport in 2026?
First-time applications process in at least 10 working days after biometrics; renewals or replacements take 5 working days.
