Kenya Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

If you are stranded abroad without a valid passport, an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) allows you to travel urgently. ETDs are issued by Kenya embassies and high commissions for emergency situations.

Emergency Only

Emergency Travel Documents are issued only for genuine emergencies. They are not a substitute for a passport. Apply for a full ePassport as soon as possible after using an ETD.

When Can You Get an ETD?

  • Lost or stolen passport and you need to travel urgently
  • Expired passport and no time to wait for a renewal (4-8 weeks)
  • Damaged passport that is no longer accepted by airlines or border authorities
  • Medical emergency requiring urgent travel for treatment
  • Death of a relative in Kenya requiring immediate return
  • Deportation or removal from a country without travel documents

About the Emergency Travel Document

ValiditySingle journey only, typically 7-30 days
PurposeReturn to Kenya or travel to a specific destination
Processing Time1-3 working days
FeeKSH 2,500-5,000 (varies by embassy)
LimitationsNot accepted by all countries for entry; check with destination and airline before travel

How to Apply for an ETD

  1. Contact the Nearest Kenya Embassy

    Find your embassy. If outside normal hours, use the emergency contact number. Explain your situation and request an ETD.

  2. File a Police Report (if passport lost/stolen)

    Report the loss or theft to local police. Bring the police report or reference number to the embassy.

  3. Visit the Embassy in Person

    You must apply in person. Bring all supporting documents.

  4. Provide Required Documents

    See the list below. The embassy will verify your identity and Kenyan citizenship.

  5. Pay the Fee and Collect Your ETD

    Pay the ETD fee and receive your emergency travel document, usually within 1-3 working days.

Required Documents

  • Police report (if passport lost or stolen)
  • Kenya national ID card or any other proof of Kenyan citizenship
  • Any copy of the lost/stolen passport (if available)
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Travel itinerary / flight booking showing urgent travel need
  • Payment of ETD fee
If you have no identity documents at all, the embassy may verify your identity through their records or by contacting the Immigration Department in Nairobi.

Important Notes

  • An ETD is not a passport. It is a temporary document for emergency travel only.
  • Some countries may not accept an ETD for entry. Confirm with your airline and any transit/destination countries before travel.
  • You must apply for a full ePassport upon return to Kenya or at the nearest embassy as soon as possible.
  • The ETD must be surrendered to immigration at the Kenya port of entry.
  • If you are in a country with no Kenya embassy, contact the nearest embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

ETDs are primarily for returning to Kenya. However, in some cases, the embassy may issue an ETD for travel to a specific destination. You must confirm with the destination country and airline that they will accept the ETD.

In genuine emergencies, an ETD can sometimes be issued on the same day. Standard processing is 1-3 working days. For extreme urgency (medical emergency, death of relative), explain the situation to the consular officer.

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