Kenya Passport & Visa Processing Times 2026
Current processing times for all Kenya embassy and immigration services. Times are approximate and may vary during peak periods, public holidays, and by individual embassy.
Passport Processing Times
| Service | In Kenya | From Abroad (Embassy) |
|---|---|---|
| New ePassport Application | 10-14 working days | 4-8 weeks |
| Passport Renewal | 10-14 working days | 4-8 weeks |
| Lost/Stolen Replacement | 2-4 weeks | 6-10 weeks |
| Emergency Travel Document | 1-3 working days | 1-3 working days |
| Child's Passport | 10-14 working days | 4-8 weeks |
Applications from abroad take longer because they must be forwarded to the Immigration Department in Nairobi for processing, then the completed passport is shipped back to the embassy.
eTA Processing Times
| eTA Type | Standard Processing | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | 48-72 hours | Apply at least 1 week before travel |
| Transit eTA | 48-72 hours | Apply at least 1 week before travel |
| East African Tourist Visa | 3-7 working days | Apply at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Referred Visa | 2-4 weeks | Apply at least 1 month before travel |
Consular Service Processing Times
| Service | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Document Authentication / Legalisation | 1-5 working days |
| Notarial Services (Affidavits, Declarations) | Same day - 3 days |
| Birth Registration Abroad | 2-6 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 2-4 weeks |
| Dual Citizenship Declaration | 2-4 weeks |
| Police Clearance Certificate | 2-4 weeks |
| Power of Attorney | Same day - 3 days |
Factors That Affect Processing Time
- Peak periods: Processing may take longer around holidays, school breaks and summer months when more people apply
- Incomplete applications: Missing documents or incorrect information will cause delays. Ensure all required documents are submitted
- Embassy location: Some embassies process faster than others depending on staffing and volume of applications
- Shipping delays: For applications from abroad, passport delivery from Nairobi to the embassy may be affected by postal/courier delays
- Security checks: Some applications may require additional security verification, which adds time
- System maintenance: The eCitizen portal occasionally undergoes maintenance, which can cause brief delays
Tips for Faster Processing
- Apply online as early as possible - do not wait until your passport expires
- Ensure all documents are complete and correctly formatted before submission
- Pay the fee immediately after submitting your application
- Book your biometric appointment as soon as your eCitizen application is submitted
- Follow up with the embassy if you have not heard back within the expected timeframe
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for reference