September 29, 2023

How to Apply for a Passport in Kenya: Costs and Steps

Introduction

Applying for a passport can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time. Whether you're a lawyer needing to travel for a case, a law student planning to study abroad, a justice seeker seeking asylum, or a small business owner looking to expand your horizons, having a passport is essential for international travel. In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for a passport in Kenya, including the costs involved. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of what you need to do to get your passport without any hassle.

Introduction
Step 1: Register on eCitizen
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Step 3: Pay the Passport Fees
- Ordinary Passport Fees Breakdown
- Diplomatic Passport Fees Breakdown
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Step 1: Register on eCitizen

The first step in applying for a passport in Kenya is to register on the eCitizen portal. The eCitizen portal is the Kenyan government's digital platform that provides access to various government services, including passport applications. To get started, you need to create an account on the eCitizen website.

Visit the eCitizen website: Go to eCitizen and click on the "Create an Account" button.
Fill in your details: You will need to provide your national ID number, your full name, and your email address. Make sure to use a valid email address as you will receive a confirmation email.
Activate your account: After filling in your details, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to activate your account. Click on the link to activate your account and complete the registration process.

Once you have registered and activated your account, you can log in and proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

After registering on eCitizen, the next step is to fill out the passport application form. This is a crucial step as any mistakes could delay the processing of your passport.

Log in to your eCitizen account: Use your credentials to log in to the eCitizen portal.
Navigate to the Department of Immigration Services: Click on the "Department of Immigration Services" and select "Passport Application."
Fill out the application form: You will be required to provide various details, including your personal information, contact details, and the type of passport you are applying for. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate and matches your supporting documents.

After filling out the form, review the information to make sure everything is correct. Any errors can lead to delays in processing your application.

Step 3: Pay the Passport Fees

Once you have filled out the application form, the next step is to pay the passport fees. The fees vary depending on the type of passport you are applying for. Payments can be made through mobile money, credit/debit cards, or online banking.

Ordinary Passport Fees Breakdown

32 Pages Ordinary "A" Series: Kshs. 4,550
48 Pages Ordinary "B" Series: Kshs. 6,050
64 Pages Ordinary "C" Series: Kshs. 7,550

Diplomatic Passport Fees Breakdown

48 Pages Diplomatic Passport: Kshs. 7,550
Replacement of a Mutilated Passport: Kshs. 10,050
Replacement of a Lost Passport: Kshs. 12,050

After making the payment, ensure you keep the payment receipt as you will need it for the submission of your application.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

The final step is to submit your application in person at the Immigration offices. You can choose to submit your application at Nyayo House in Nairobi, the Mombasa office, or the Kisumu office.

Gather your documents: You will need to bring the following documents:
- eCitizen pre-filled passport application form and three receipts.
- Original birth certificate and a photocopy.
- Original national ID card and a photocopy.
- Three current passport-sized photos.
- Recommender’s ID card copy.
- Consent letter for minors.
- Old passport for replacement (if applicable).
- Parents' national ID cards and copies (if applicable).
Visit the Immigration office: Present yourself at the Immigration office with all the required documents. Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be captured at this point.
Submit your application: Hand over all the documents to the Immigration officer. You will receive an acknowledgment slip which you should keep safe as it will be required when collecting your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to process a passport in Kenya?

It generally takes about 10 working days to process a passport application. However, it can take longer if there are discrepancies in your application or if additional information is required.

2. Can I apply for a passport online?

While you can fill out the application form and make payments online through the eCitizen portal, you will still need to submit your application in person at the Immigration offices.

3. What should I do if I lose my passport?

If you lose your passport, you should immediately report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a police abstract. You will then need to apply for a replacement passport through the eCitizen portal and submit the required documents, including the police abstract.

4. Can minors apply for a passport?

Yes, minors can apply for a passport. However, they will need a consent letter from their parents or guardians and copies of their parents’ national ID cards.

5. What are the payment methods for passport fees?

You can pay the passport fees using mobile money (such as M-Pesa), credit or debit cards, and online banking from local banks.

Conclusion

Applying for a passport in Kenya is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. Whether you are a lawyer, law student, justice seeker, or small business owner, having a passport is essential for international travel. Make sure to register on the eCitizen portal, fill out the application form accurately, pay the required fees, and submit your application at the Immigration office. For more detailed guidance and legal advice, you can always visit MWakili, a platform that offers free legal advice and assistance with various legal matters in Kenya.