How to Apply for a Passport in Kenya in 2026: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Get High Paying Surveys
Earn money online by completing simple surveys. No experience needed.
Start Earning →Quick Summary
- Apply online via eCitizen at ecitizen.go.ke
- Pay fees ranging from KES 4,550 to KES 7,550 depending on passport type
- Processing takes 10 to 15 working days for a standard application
- You must visit an immigration office in person for biometric capture
- First-time applicants and renewals follow slightly different processes
Introduction
If you need to travel internationally, a passport is the one document you cannot leave home without. Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost passport, knowing exactly how to apply for a passport in Kenya saves you time, money, and the frustration of being turned away for missing paperwork.
The good news? Kenya’s passport application process has improved significantly. Through the eCitizen platform, most of the process is now done online — from filling out your application form to paying fees. This guide walks you through everything you need to know in 2026, step by step.
What Is a Kenyan Passport and Why Does It Matter?
A Kenyan passport is an official government travel document issued by the Department of Immigration Services under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. It proves your citizenship and allows you to travel internationally, apply for visas, and in some cases, serves as a legal identity document abroad.
Kenya currently issues the East African e-Passport, a 32-page biometric passport that complies with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This biometric passport contains a chip with your personal and biometric data, making it more secure and harder to forge than older passport types.
If you were issued a passport before 2019 (the old maroon passport), it may still be valid until its expiry date — but many countries now require the e-Passport. Renewing early is advisable.
Who Can Apply for a Kenyan Passport?
You are eligible to apply if you are:
- A Kenyan citizen by birth (born in Kenya or to Kenyan parents)
- A citizen by registration or naturalization
- A minor (applied for by a parent or legal guardian)
You cannot apply for a Kenyan passport if you are not a Kenyan citizen. Foreign nationals should apply for travel documents in their home countries.
Documents Required for a Passport Application in Kenya
Getting your documents right before you start saves a lot of back-and-forth. Here is what you need:
For First-Time Adult Applicants
- Original National Identity Card (ID) — you must be 18 years or older
- Copy of your National ID (both sides on one A4 page)
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN Certificate — you must have a KRA PIN; apply at itax.kra.go.ke if you do not have one yet
- Birth Certificate (original or certified copy) — required to confirm citizenship
- Two recent passport-size photos (white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Proof of payment — receipt from the eCitizen payment
See also: How to Apply for a Kenyan ID Online | How to Register for SHA in Kenya
For Minors (Under 18 Years)
- Original Birth Certificate of the child
- Copy of both parents’ National IDs or passports
- Copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Two passport-size photos of the child
- Consent letter from both parents if only one parent is accompanying the child (must be signed and witnessed)
- If a parent is deceased — Death Certificate of the deceased parent
For Passport Renewal
- Current/expired Kenyan passport (original)
- Copy of the data page of the old passport
- National ID (original and copy)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Proof of payment
For a Lost or Stolen Passport
- Police Abstract — obtained from any police station in Kenya (usually issued the same day or within 24 hours)
- Sworn Affidavit — obtained from a Commissioner of Oaths or a magistrate’s court
- Copy of old passport (if available)
- National ID (original and copy)
- Two passport-size photos
- Proof of payment
Passport Fees in Kenya (2026)
The following are the official passport fees in Kenya as of 2026. All payments are made through eCitizen and can be settled via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or debit/credit card.
| Passport Type | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| East African e-Passport (standard 32 pages) | KES 4,550 |
| East African e-Passport (64 pages) | KES 7,550 |
| Emergency Travel Certificate | KES 2,050 |
| Diplomatic/Official Passport | As directed by the Ministry |
Note: Fees quoted are subject to change. Always confirm the current fee on the official eCitizen portal before payment.
There is no separate fee for minors — the same rates apply.
How to Apply for a Passport in Kenya: Step-by-Step Process
Online Application via eCitizen (Recommended Method)
The eCitizen platform is the official and most efficient way to apply. Here is exactly how to do it:
Get High Paying Surveys
Earn money online by completing simple surveys. No experience needed.
Start Earning →Step 1: Create or Log In to Your eCitizen Account
Go to ecitizen.go.ke on your phone or computer. If you are a first-time user, click “Register” and fill in your National ID number, name, email address, and phone number. You will receive a verification code via SMS. Enter the code to activate your account.
If you already have an account, simply log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to the Department of Immigration Services
Once logged in, you will see a dashboard with various government services listed. Look for “Department of Immigration Services” and click on it. From the list of services displayed, select “Passport Application.”
Step 3: Select the Type of Application
You will be asked to choose from:
- New passport application
- Renewal of passport
- Replacement of lost/damaged passport
- Child/minor passport
Select the option that applies to you.
Step 4: Fill in the Online Application Form
Complete all fields in the application form carefully. The form will ask for:
- Personal details (full name as on your ID, date of birth, gender, ID number)
- Contact information (phone number, email, physical address)
- Next of kin details
- Employment or occupation details
- Travel plans (optional but may be requested)
Common mistake to avoid here: Make sure your name on the application matches your National ID exactly — including spelling and order of names. Any mismatch will delay or reject your application.
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
After completing the form, the system will prompt you to upload scanned copies or clear photos of your required documents. Upload them one by one in the correct format (JPG or PDF, usually under 1MB per file).
Make sure the documents are:
- Clear and fully visible (not blurry or cut off)
- The correct document type requested
- Current and valid (no expired IDs or photos more than 6 months old)
Step 6: Pay the Passport Fee
Once all documents are uploaded, you will be directed to the payment page. Select your preferred payment method:
- M-Pesa (most common and instant)
- Debit/Credit Card
- Bank transfer via the eCitizen payment gateway
After successful payment, you will receive a payment confirmation and a reference number. Save this — you will need it at the immigration office.
Step 7: Print Your Application Reference
After payment, download and print your eCitizen application reference slip. This is your proof that you have submitted and paid for your application online.
Step 8: Visit the Immigration Office for Biometric Capture
This is the one step you cannot do online. You must physically visit an immigration office to have your fingerprints, photograph, and signature captured. This is what makes it a biometric passport.
When visiting the office, carry:
- Your printed eCitizen reference slip
- All original documents you uploaded
- Your National ID (original)
Immigration offices that handle passport applications include:
- Nyayo House, Nairobi (Ground Floor, Passport Section) — the main office
- Mombasa Immigration Office
- Kisumu Immigration Office
- Nakuru Immigration Office
- Eldoret Immigration Office
- Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Kisii, and other regional offices
Arrive early, especially at Nyayo House — queues can be long. The biometric capture itself takes about 10–20 minutes once you are attended to.
Step 9: Wait for Processing
After biometric capture, your passport goes into production. Standard processing takes 10 to 15 working days. You will receive an SMS or email notification when your passport is ready for collection.
You can also track your application status online by logging into eCitizen and checking under your applications.
Step 10: Collect Your Passport
Once notified, go back to the immigration office where you submitted your biometrics to collect your passport. Carry your National ID and the collection slip (or your eCitizen reference). Passports are not delivered to homes — you must collect in person.
Offline/Walk-In Application (Where eCitizen Is Not Available)
In rare cases — for example, urgent applications or special circumstances — you may be able to apply in person directly at the immigration office. However, as of 2026, the Department of Immigration strongly encourages all applicants to use eCitizen first. Walk-in applications without eCitizen pre-registration may face longer delays.
If you must apply offline (for example, for elderly applicants without internet access), you can:
- Visit your nearest immigration office or Huduma Centre
- Request the physical application form (Passport Application Form)
- Fill it out manually and attach all required documents
- Pay at the designated bank or M-Pesa counter
- Submit the form and await the biometric appointment date
Note that Huduma Centres in Nairobi (GPO, Westlands, Kibera, Embakasi) and across counties can assist with guidance and document verification, but final biometric capture usually happens at the immigration office.
Passport Renewal in Kenya: What’s Different?
Renewing a Kenyan passport follows almost the same process as a new application via eCitizen. The key differences are:
- You select “Passport Renewal” on eCitizen instead of new application
- You upload the data page of your old passport instead of a birth certificate
- You must surrender your old passport when you go for biometric capture — you will not get it back
- If your old passport has valid visas you still need, take photos of all visa pages before surrendering it
If your passport expired less than 10 years ago, renewal is straightforward. If it expired more than 10 years ago, you may be required to provide additional supporting documents.
How Long Does a Kenyan Passport Last?
- Adults: 10 years from the date of issue
- Children (under 18): 5 years from the date of issue or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes are responsible for most application delays and rejections:
- Name mismatch — Your application name must match your National ID exactly. Do not use nicknames or abbreviated names.
- Blurry or cropped document scans — Immigration officers will reject unclear uploads. Use good lighting and scan all edges.
- Using an old or borrowed photo — Photos must be recent (within 6 months), have a white background, and show a clear frontal face.
- Paying before completing the form — Some applicants pay and then realize they made errors in the form. Complete and review the form first, then pay.
- Going for biometrics without original documents — Copies alone are not accepted during the physical visit.
- Not having a KRA PIN — First-time applicants sometimes skip this. Get your KRA PIN at itax.kra.go.ke before starting the passport application.
- Applying with an expired National ID — Your ID must be valid and not damaged.
Tips to Get Your Passport Faster
- Apply early in the week — Monday to Wednesday visits tend to have shorter queues at Nyayo House.
- Arrive before 8:00 AM — Immigration offices get crowded by mid-morning.
- Double-check your uploads before payment — Resubmitting after a rejection adds days to your timeline.
- Track your status on eCitizen — Check regularly and respond promptly to any notifications from the immigration department.
- Use regional offices if you are outside Nairobi — Offices in Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru often have shorter queues than the Nairobi head office.
- For urgent travel, contact the Department of Immigration at their helpline to inquire about emergency processing — this is handled on a case-by-case basis and may attract higher fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to get a passport in Kenya in 2026?
Standard processing takes 10 to 15 working days after biometric capture. Delays can occur during peak periods such as school holidays when many parents apply for children’s passports. Always apply at least one month before your travel date to be safe.
2. Can I apply for a Kenyan passport without a KRA PIN?
No. A KRA PIN is a mandatory requirement for passport applications in Kenya. If you do not have one, visit itax.kra.go.ke and register for a PIN — it is free and takes about 20–30 minutes online.
3. What happens if I make a mistake on my eCitizen passport application?
Before payment, you can go back and correct errors. After payment, you will need to contact the Department of Immigration or visit the office to request a correction — this may delay processing. Always review your form carefully before paying.
4. Can someone else collect my passport on my behalf?
Generally, no. Passports are biometric documents tied to your identity and must be collected in person. Exceptions may be made for health reasons with supporting documentation, but this requires prior approval from the immigration office.
5. What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen while I am abroad?
Contact the nearest Kenyan Embassy or High Commission immediately. They can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) to allow you to return to Kenya. Once back, report the loss to the police and start a fresh passport application through eCitizen.
6. Can I renew my Kenyan passport before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your passport at any time, even if it is still valid. Many countries require at least 6 months of validity remaining on a passport for entry, so it is wise to renew if you have less than that left.
7. Is the old maroon Kenyan passport still valid for travel?
If your old passport has not expired, it remains valid until the expiry date printed on it. However, some countries and airlines now require the biometric e-Passport. It is recommended to upgrade to the East African e-Passport even if your old one has not yet expired.
Conclusion: Start Your Passport Application Today
Applying for a passport in Kenya in 2026 is more straightforward than it used to be — thanks to the eCitizen platform. The key is to have all your documents ready, follow each step carefully, and visit the immigration office on time for biometric capture.
Here is your action plan right now:
- Gather your National ID, birth certificate, KRA PIN, and photos
- Log in or register at ecitizen.go.ke
- Select “Department of Immigration Services” → “Passport Application”
- Fill in the form, upload documents, pay, and print your reference slip
- Visit your nearest immigration office for biometric capture
- Wait for your SMS notification, then collect your passport
Do not wait until you have urgent travel plans. Apply early and travel with confidence.
See also:
- How to Register for SHA in Kenya
- Best Work From Home Jobs in Kenya
- How to Make Money Online in Kenya for Beginners
- How Students Can Make Money Online in Kenya
Get High Paying Surveys
Earn money online by completing simple surveys. No experience needed.
Start Earning →
