Kenya Passport Guide 2026 — Complete Application & Requirements Hub

Kenya issues four categories of passport, each serving a different purpose. All types are now issued exclusively as biometric ePassports conforming to ICAO 9303 standards.

The ordinary passport is the type most Kenyan citizens will apply for. Diplomatic and service passports are issued only through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon government approval.

The Kenya ePassport is a biometric travel document that stores your personal data, photograph, and fingerprints on an embedded electronic chip. It meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document 9303 specifications.

Key Features

• 66 pages — ample space for visa stamps and entry/exit records
• Biometric chip — stores facial image and fingerprints for enhanced security
• Machine-readable zone (MRZ) — enables fast automated border processing
• Enhanced security features — laser-perforated pages, holographic overlays, UV-reactive ink
• 10-year validity for adults (18+), 5-year validity for minors (under 18)
• ICAO compliant — accepted at all international borders with e-gates

Fees are paid online via the eCitizen portal using M-Pesa, Airtel Money, debit card, or credit card. Fees are the same for new applications and renewals. Applications made at Kenya embassies/high commissions abroad may incur additional consular fees.

All Kenya passport applications are processed through the eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke). Walk-in applications without an eCitizen account are no longer accepted.

1. Create or Log Into Your eCitizen Account

   Visit ecitizen.go.ke and register using your Kenya National ID number or Alien ID. If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.

2. Select "Department of Immigration Services"

   Navigate to the Immigration Department portal and select "Passport Application" for a new passport or "Passport Renewal" for an existing passport.

3. Fill in the Application Form

   Complete all required fields including personal details, next of kin, emergency contact, and travel history. Double-check all entries — errors will delay processing.

4. Upload Required Documents

   Upload scanned copies of your National ID (both sides), a passport-sized photograph meeting Kenya requirements, and your old passport (if renewing).

5. Pay the Fee (KSH 4,550)

   Pay through the eCitizen payment gateway via M-Pesa, Airtel Money, credit card, or debit card. Save your payment receipt and application reference number.

6. Book an Appointment

   After payment, book a biometric capture appointment at your nearest Immigration office. Available locations include Nyayo House (Nairobi), Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other regional centres. For diaspora applications, book at the nearest Kenya embassy or high commission.

7. Attend Your Biometric Appointment

   Arrive at the Immigration office on your appointed date with original documents (National ID, old passport if applicable, birth certificate for minors). Your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be captured digitally.

8. Track Your Application

   Track processing status on the eCitizen portal or via the passport tracking page. Normal processing takes 10 working days from biometric capture.

9. Collect Your Passport

   Once notified (via SMS and email), collect your ePassport from the same Immigration office where you did biometric capture. Bring your collection slip and National ID. For embassy applications, collect from the embassy/high commission.

For Adults (18 years and above)

• Kenya National ID card (original and copy, both sides)
• Passport-sized photographs — 2 recent colour photos (white background, 35mm x 45mm). See photo requirements
• Birth certificate (original and copy) — required for first-time applicants
• eCitizen application reference number
• Payment receipt (KSH 4,550)
• Old passport (if renewing — original must be surrendered)
• Police abstract (if old passport is lost — see lost passport guide)

For Minors (under 18 years)

• Birth certificate (original and copy)
• Parent/guardian National ID (both parents, both sides)
• Parents' passports (copies of bio-data pages)
• Consent letters from both parents (if one parent is not present during application)
• Court order (if applicable, for sole custody situations)
• 2 passport-sized photographs of the minor
• School ID or letter (if applicable)

For Diaspora Applicants (Applying from Abroad)

• All documents listed above, plus:
• Proof of legal residence in the country of application (residence permit, work visa, etc.)
• Completed consular application form (available at the embassy/high commission)
• Additional consular fee may apply (varies by mission)

Processing times are estimates. Delays may occur during peak periods (December–January, school holidays) or if there are discrepancies in your application. Track your application status on the tracking page.

Renewing your Kenya passport follows the same process as a new application, with a few additional considerations:

• Apply early — begin the renewal process at least 6 months before your passport expires, especially if you have upcoming travel
• Old passport required — you must surrender your old passport during the application process. It will be cancelled and returned to you with the new passport
• Same fee — KSH 4,550, same as a new application
• Previous data carried over — your passport number will change, but your identity data transfers to the new ePassport
• Update your records — after receiving your new passport, update your details with banks, airlines (frequent flyer programmes), immigration authorities in your country of residence, and any active visa applications

Full Renewal Guide

If your Kenya passport is lost or stolen, take immediate action:

1. Report to the police — file a report at the nearest police station and obtain a police abstract (OB number)
2. Report to Immigration — notify the Department of Immigration Services so the lost passport can be flagged in the system and cancelled
3. If abroad — report to the nearest Kenya embassy or high commission to obtain an Emergency Travel Document for your return journey
4. Apply for a replacement — follow the standard application process through eCitizen, submitting the police abstract as an additional document

Full Lost Passport Guide

Kenya passport photographs must meet these specifications:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm (standard passport size)
• Background: Plain white background
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
• Face coverage: Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame
• Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
• Head coverings: Not permitted unless for religious reasons (face must still be fully visible)
• Glasses: Remove glasses for the photograph
• Format: JPEG format for online upload, minimum 600 x 600 pixels

Full Photo Requirements Guide

The Kenya passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a growing number of countries. Key facts:

• Visa-free countries: Over 70 destinations accessible without a prior visa (including most of Africa, parts of Asia and the Caribbean)
• African Union free movement: Kenya is a strong advocate for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the AU free movement protocol
• EAC travel: Kenyan passport holders can travel freely within the East African Community (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) using their National ID or passport
• Global ranking: The Kenya passport typically ranks in the 70–80 range globally

Full Passport Ranking & Visa-Free Countries

If you are abroad and your passport is lost, stolen, or expired, you can obtain an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the nearest Kenya embassy or high commission. The ETD is:

• Valid for one journey only — typically for return to Kenya
• Issued within 24–48 hours in emergency situations
• Requires: police report, 2 passport photos, proof of Kenyan citizenship (any form), travel itinerary
• Fee: varies by embassy (typically USD 30–50)

Full Emergency Travel Document Guide