Passport renewal in Kenya
Renewing a Kenyan passport typically involves applying online through the official eCitizen platform, providing necessary documentation, and attending an interview at an immigration office or Kenyan embassy/high commission.
It is generally advisable to apply for a passport renewal several months before its expiry date. This allows sufficient time for appointment scheduling, processing, and potential unforeseen delays. Processing times can vary, and it's prudent to account for possible backlogs, especially during peak travel seasons.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential appointment waiting times, the processing period for the application (which can range from weeks to months), and any unforeseen administrative delays. Planning ahead ensures the passport is renewed well before any travel plans or its expiry date.
The process
- 1Register or log in to the eCitizen portal.
- 2Navigate to the Directorate of Immigration Services section and select 'Passport Application'.
- 3Complete the online application form accurately, choosing the appropriate passport type (e.g., 34-page A Series, 50-page B Series, etc.) and selecting the renewal option.
- 4Pay the applicable passport renewal fee online through the available payment methods.
- 5Download and print the filled application form and three payment invoices/receipts.
- 6Book an interview appointment at a selected immigration office in Kenya or a Kenyan embassy/high commission abroad through the eCitizen portal.
- 7Attend the interview appointment with all required original documents and photocopies, where biometric data will be captured.
What to bring
- Original national ID card and a photocopy (for adults).
- Original birth certificate and a photocopy.
- Original expired passport and a photocopy of its bio-data page.
- Three (3) passport-sized photographs (taken against a white background, without spectacles, with both ears visible).
- Copy of recommender's National ID.
- Duly filled and printed eCitizen passport application form.
- Three (3) printed eCitizen payment invoices/receipts.
- For applicants replacing a lost passport, a police abstract and a sworn affidavit.
- For applicants replacing a mutilated passport, the mutilated passport and a sworn affidavit.
Who handles it
Directorate of Immigration Services (Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani na Uratibu wa Serikali ya Kitaifa)
Fees vary depending on the type of passport (e.g., 34-page, 50-page, diplomatic) and whether it's a first-time application, renewal, or replacement for a lost/mutilated passport. Current fees are displayed on the eCitizen portal during the application process. Payment is made online through the eCitizen platform using various methods such as M-Pesa, debit/credit cards, or bank transfers.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all information entered on the eCitizen platform is accurate and consistent with supporting documents to avoid delays or rejection.
- Photographs must meet the specified biometric requirements; non-compliant photos may lead to application rejection.
- Applicants must attend the interview appointment in person; applications are not processed without biometric capture.
- Processing times can vary; confirm current estimated processing times with the Directorate of Immigration Services, especially if there are urgent travel plans.
Sources
- Directorate of Immigration Services - Passport immigration.go.ke
- eCitizen Portal ecitizen.go.ke
Other documents in Kenya
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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