On August 31, 2017, the government rolled out the new generation Kenyan e-passport that is to replace the old ones currently in circulation.
The three main differences between the current passport and the e-passport are:
- the colors – navy blue vs sky blue;
- the new generation passport has ‘East African Community’ engraved on it in addition to ‘ Republic of Kenya’ in line with the drive for regional integration; and
- the smaller top right picture on the bio data page of the new generation passport has a map of Kenya engraved on it unlike the current one which is some random circle.
Following are some of updates on the new Kenyan passport that every Kenyan traveler should know.
But first,
A Disclaimer: I don’t work at any of the Kenyan Immigration offices. I am a travel blogger who blogs about my travel experiences and those of others who choose to share their experiences with me. So, while I try to exercise due diligence in researching all information I publish on this blog, I unfortunately do not take liability for any inaccuracies. Furthermore, while the information here was correct as at the publishing of this post and as per my personal experience, Kenyan passport requirements are constantly changing as you will soon learn as you read further down. Hence, some of the information may not be valid by the time you read this post. Please confirm any of your doubts with the official government immigration department as some things may have changed over time.
What's Covered in This Article
You need to upgrade your current passport to the new generation e-passports by 2019 (or 2020)
When are old Kenyan passports expiring? This is the most frequently asked question I get concerning the Kenya e-passport.
Initially, at the launch of the new Kenyan e-passport, Kenyans had until August 31, 2019 to use the current passports, and thereafter they would be unusable.
However, on 1st December 2018, Deputy President William Ruto announced a new deadline of 2020 saying that the initial August 31, 2019 cut-off date was not due to the current backlog at Nyayo House.
In July 26, 2019 again, Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna Thursday said President Kenyatta had ordered the extension from the initial deadline of August 31 and extend the deadline for Kenyans to travel on the new Kenya e-passport to 1st March, 2020.
In February 24, 2020, the government yet again extended the deadline for old Kenyan passport replacement to March 2021.
“The government hereby extends the deadline for voiding the current dark blue machine-readable passport by 12 months. As such, its holders may continue using it until March 1, 2021 when it will no longer be valid for travelling,” part of the statement noted.
But its Kenya, guys.
Today they say this, tomorrow they say that.
Therefore, depending on what end of the risk quantum you fall, either go by the August 31, 2019 until we get official communication from The Ministry of Internal Security or take the risk and wait for 2020 ujipate kwa mataa.
All passport applications and renewals are done online
With effect from May 1, 2015, all Kenyan passport applications and renews are done online via the e-citizen platform.
After which, one visits any of the immigration offices in Nairobi, Mombasa or Kisumu to submit their fingerprints, have their digital photo and signature taken, as well as to drop any required documents.
Click on this link for a step by step process on how to apply for your Kenyan passport via e-citizen.
It may take (not) a shorter time to get your Kenyan passport
According to Immigration DG Kihalangwa, the department of immigration acquired new machines that can print 1,200 passports more per day than the older machines do.
Thus according to him, it will take eight days for new applications and three days for renewals.
In reality though, I am not certain this is actually happening.
I know people who’ve received their passports in the stipulated time frame.
I also know of others who applied for their passport renewals more than 2 months ago and are yet to receive them.
So its probably a matter of luck.
Or kujuana
The e-passports will be printed locally in collaboration with Kenya’s subsidiary of De La Rue.
I am not exactly sure what is the implication of this from a traveler’s standpoint.
The Government announced plans to achieve the issuance of passports in a day by July 2021.
It may get easier and faster to cross international borders as a Kenyan passport holder
According to Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i (Interior), the e-passport will ease travel for Kenyans, especially when using automated border clearances or e-gates, automated issuance of boarding passes and faster travel arrangements with airlines and immigration checks worldwide.
This he attributed to the fact that Kenya had fully complied with standards and guidelines set by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and EAC Chief of immigration on travel document design, processing and issuance.
You can now track your passport application status via Twitter
Simply send @ImmigrationDept the tracking number using the hash tag #AskImmigrationKE
Kenyans in the diaspora can now apply for the new Kenyan passport from Kenyan embassies and consulates abroad
Are Kenyans in Diaspora able to apply for the new Kenyan passport from Kenyan embassies and consulates overseas?
Yes and No.
As at introduction of the new generation Kenyan e-passport in 2017, it could only be applied for in Kenya.
Therefore, Kenyans in Diaspora had to travel to Kenya to get the new passport.
However, according to the circular below from The Ministry of Internal Security, as from 14th January 2019, Kenyans in the Diaspora will be able to apply for the new Kenyan passport any one of the following Kenyan embassies and consulates overseas.
- Washington DC, US
- London, UK
- Berlin, Germany
- Paris, France
- Dubai, UAE
- Pretoria, South Africa
If you have been able to successfully apply at any of the centers above please share with us your experience in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I have a visa that is still valid on your current passport?
It remains valid even after replacement.
I just completed my application and noticed some of the information I entered was erroneous. Is there a way to edit your Kenya passport application after submission on e citizen?
Yes.
There there is a way to edit your passport application after submission on e citizen.
You will need to go to Nyayo House with a valid passport or ID card + your printed Kenya passport application forms.
Since you will probably find a queue, please walk straight to the askaris/guards and explain your issue letting them the issue is for counter 12 e-citizen (this counter usually has no queues. You’ll probably find only 1 or 2 people) so no need to queue. They will let you go straight to that counter.
At counter 12, once your ID is established, the immigration staff will re-open the application on e-citizen. Then you will need to go back to e-citizen, correct the error, then re-submit you application.
This amendment can easily be done at any one of the many nearby cyber cafes, then you print your corrected application, head back to Nyayo House and submit your documents.
What do I enter for the space provided as BIRTH ENTRY NUMBER when applying for the new Kenya e-passport?
The birth certificate number is also known as the ‘Birth Entry No.” in the birth certificate. On the birth certificate, it is located on the first row and first column of the table bearing your details.
How much will I be required to pay to change from the old passport to the new e- passport?
A series (32 pages) passport – 4550/=
-B series (50 pages) passport – 6050/=
-C series (64 pages) passport – 7550/=
-Diplomatic passport – 7550/=
How long does it take to get the new passport after application in Kenya?
15 working days. That is about 3 weeks total. This is the standard official time. But you can get it earlier or later depending on various factors that I wish not to discuss in this post.
The Government announced plans to achieve the issuance of passports in a day by July 2021.
How long does it take to get Kenyan e-passport applied abroad?
This varies from embassy to embassy.
In the Kenyan High Commission in Berlin Germany for instance, issuance of the new Kenyan e-passport started on 19th July 2019. From what I gather, after submitting your application, it takes three to four weeks before you’re issued with the new Kenyan e-passport.
Not sure what the situation is like at the other embassies.
Kindly share your experience in other Kenyan High Commissions in London UK, Paris France, Washington DC US, Pretoria South Africa, and Dubai UAE where Kenyans in the diaspora can apply for the new e-passport. Thanks in advance.
What color is the Kenyan new generation e-passport?
It depends on the category of passport.The ordinary passport is sky/light blue whole the diplomatic passport is red.
While applying for a Passport renewal, should I select replacement or new in the portal?
When applying for a passport replacement online on ecitizen platform, please select replacement option
Based on travel urgency, is there any possibility of getting my passport early?
Yes, make a request when submitting application. Have proof of urgency e.g. airline ticket, if medical case for instance, attach relevant documents. Last time I checked, this was possible at an extra cost.
Can I apply for the new e-passport outside of Kenya? i.e at the embassies?
Yes you can now apply for the new e-passport outside Kenya at the Kenyan High Commissions in Berlin Germany, London UK, Paris France, Washington DC US, Pretoria South Africa, and Dubai UAE .
I have received confirmation from Kenyans in the diaspora who have been attended to at the Kenyan High Commissions in London UK, Paris France, and Berlin Germany.
Check out Twitter post below by Prof. Judi Wakhungu about the Kenya e-Passport Registration ongoing at the Kenya Embassy in Paris.
Not sure about the other Kenyan embassies. If you have an experience, kindly share so I can update here. Thanks!
If I am applying for a passport as a first timer, will i still need my parents IDs?
Yes. You need that of your mother and father or their passports.
Where are the passport offices control centres in Kenya located?
In order to ease passport replacement, the Government has set up four passport control centres in Nakuru, Kisii, Eldoret and Embu, and six others in the diaspora.
Can I get a US visa if I don’t have the new Kenyan e-passport? Do you or do you not need a digital passport to get a US visa?
Yes and no depending on when you’re asking this question.
If it is before 1st May 2019, NO US visa for Kenyan passport holders without the new passport.
If you’re reading this post after 1st May 2019, then Yes, you can travel with your old passport since the US embassy u-turned on their prior directive above.
Can Kenyans travel to the US with the old passport / without the new Kenyan e-passport?
Yes, as at the writing of this post you can travel to the US with your old Kenyan passport.
What happens if you have a valid US Visa in the old Kenyan passport, do you travel with it and the new one to the US?
Yes, you will need to travel will both.
How do I apply for a Kenyan temporary permit?
Temporary permits can be issued from border points including at the airports after doing an online application. It’s not a must for one to visit Nyayo house,(HQ).
After doing an online application on http://ecitizen.go.ke, print the applications and attach the required documents – i.e. the ID original and a copy, birth certificate and 3 passport size photos. Submit them at Immigration desks.
For approval, that can be done from Border points, Airports or Nyayo house, (HQ), Mombasa or Kisumu regional offices.
How much does it cost to get the Kenyan passport?
- A series (32 Pages) is 4,550/=;
- B series (50 pages) is 6,050/=;
- Diplomatic (50 pages) is 7,550/=;
- Lost passport is 12,050/= ;
- Mutilated passport is 10,050/=;
- Kenya re-entry pass fee is Ksh.1,000/= ;
- FEE FOR DEPENDANT PASSES: Ksh.5,000/=;
- FEE FOR STUDENT PASSES: Ksh.5,000/= per year or part thereof;
I need a Kenyan e-passport. What is the application process for a Kenyan #epassport? – Do an online application and payment through http://ecitizen.go.ke – Print the documents and attach other requirements, bring them in person to immigration office at Nyayo House in Nairobi or for Bio-metrics – Check your application status after 2 weeks.
What do I need to apply for a Kenyan Diplomatic e – passport?
- Duly completed Passport application form online
- Letter showing that the person meets the criteria set out in the third schedule of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012 Legal Notice No.64.
- Old Passport or original Birth Certificate
- National Identity Card together with their respective photocopies
- Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card
- Three colored Passport size photographs
What do I need to apply for replacement a lost Kenyan passport? I lost my Kenyan passport before the change to eCitizen one ,…is there a thing like replacement? Or what’s the process? Replacement of a Lost Kenyan Passport
- Original Birth Certificate and a copy
- Duly completed Passport application form online
- Three colored Passport size photographs
- An affidavit detailing the circumstances under which the loss occurred
- Police abstract
- Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card
- Letter explaining circumstances of loss
- ID original and copy
What are the requirements for the replacement of a mutilated passport?
- Duly completed Passport application form online
- Mutilated Passport to be replaced and its copy
- An affidavit detailing the circumstances under which the mutilation occurred
- Three colored Passport size photographs
- Applicant ID and a copy of it
- Certified copy of the recommender’s National Identity Card
If I want to replace my Kenyan passport will I get the same passport number?
No. Every passport comes with a new and different passport number.
Where can I check Kenya passport application requirements?
Go to http://www.immigration.go.ke .
Where do I submit my application for Kenya passport?
The application site is http://www.ecitizen.go.ke for both adults and minors.
What is a special pass and how much is it?
The special pass is a document issued to person(s) given specific employment by specific employer for a short duration not exceeding three (3) months. Fee for Special pass is: Ksh.15,000/= Per month or part there of. Re-entry pass fee is Ksh.1,000/=
What is a student pass?
This is a document issued to person(s) seeking to enter and remain in the country for the purpose of receiving education or training at an educational or training establishment within the country.
What are the requirements to apply for a student pass?
- Application form(form 8) dully filled signed and stamped
- Cover/forwarding letter from school stating the course and course duration
- 3.Copy of the passport • biodata pages • visa page
- Two passport size photos
- Commitment letter from parent/legal guardian/sponsor
- The institution applying must be registered as an educational establishment. If the institution is relatively new a copy of registration must be submitted together with the application.
Is http://www.kenya-evisa-online.com the Kenyan government website for online visa applications?
No. This website is NOT the official Kenyan government website for online visa applications.It is a Scam E-visa Application Website
What is the Kenya visa fee for children under 16 years?
Effective 1st February 2016, the Government Of Kenya waived visa fees for all children aged 16 years and below who accompany their parents to Kenya.
Disclaimer: Although the information here was correct as at the publishing of this post and as per my personal experience, please confirm everything you read on here with the official government immigration department as some things may have changed over time.
Do you have any other questions concerning the new Kenyan e-passport? Please share in the comments below and I will try my best to answer them.
What has your experience been like applying for the new generation Kenyan passport? Share with us your experience in the comments below.
