How to apply for a passport in Kenya, amount it will cost and documents required

In situations where one lacks their identity card, a passport can serve as a substitute.

In this article, we outline the procedure for applying for a passport, the necessary documents, associated costs, and the expected duration before collection.

1. Create and Log in to Your e-Citizen Account

The initial step in applying for a passport is to create and log in to your e-Citizen account. This website provides access to various government services in the country. Registration on the website requires the following information:

National ID number
Full name
Date of birth
Phone number
Email address
Personal details

Upon completing the registration process, you will receive a verification link to activate your account, allowing you to log in using your ID number and password.

READ: How to check your NHIF status in 2024: A comprehensive step-by-step guide

2. Access Immigration Department Services

Once logged into your e-Citizen account, you'll find a dashboard displaying several government services.

Locate the 'Department of Immigration Service' and click 'Get Service'. This section will present all services provided by the immigration department.

Navigate to 'passport application' and select 'Get Service'. You'll then be prompted to specify the type of account you are creating (for an adult or a child).

There are various passport types available, each with its associated fees:

Ordinary Passport (32 Pages Ordinary 'A' Series) - Sh4,550
Ordinary Passport (48 pages Ordinary 'B' Series) - Sh6,050
Ordinary Passport (64 Pages Ordinary 'C' Series) - Sh7,550
Diplomatic Passport (48 pages) - Sh7,550
Mutilated Passport - Sh10,050
Lost Passport (For those renewing their lost Passport) - Sh12,050
Certificate of Identity for a foreigner - Sh3,050
Temporary permit - Sh350

A man holding a Kenyan passport A man holding a Kenyan passport Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Inside government's plan to issue 1 million passports & 3 million IDs

Documents required for first-time applications:

A completed application Form 19 and two payment invoices
Original Birth Certificate and a copy for Kenyan citizens by birth
Certificate of Registration for Kenyan citizens by registration
Original applicant’s national identity card and a copy for adults
Copy of the recommender's national identity card
Duly filled Consent Form for minors
Copies of parents’ national identity cards/ Death certificates where applicable
Original and copies of parents’ birth certificates
Any other additional documents as may be required

Documents required for replacing passports:

A completed application Form 19 and two payment invoices
Original national identity card and a copy for adults
Duly filled Consent Form for minors
Previous Passport and a copy
Any other additional documents as may be required

Documents required for replacing lost passports:

A completed application Form 19 and two payment invoices
Original ID and a copy for adults
Personal Statement explaining circumstances for the damage
Sworn Affidavit to support the statement above
Police Abstract for the loss of passport
Copy of the lost passport biodata page if available

People queue at Department of Immigration Services office at Nyayo House Pulse Live Kenya

READ: How to replace KCPE or KCSE certificates

Documents required for mutilated passports:

A completed application Form 19 and two payment invoices
Original ID and a copy for adults
Previous Passport and a copy
Personal Statement explaining circumstances for the damage
Sworn Affidavit to support the statement above

Upon submission of all documents, you'll be prompted to make payment on the next page. Payment methods include Credit/Debit card, Airtel Money, M-Pesa, and eCitizen Agent. Once payment is completed, proceed to the next stage.

3. Biometric booking of an appointment

You'll be required to book an appointment for biometrics, a critical stage in passport production. Failure to capture biometrics will result in a delay in passport processing. Select the location nearest to you, and the system will automatically schedule a biometrics appointment. Print out the application schedule and three copies of your payment invoice.

Passport application centers in the country:

Nairobi – Nyayo House Ground Floor
Mombasa – Uhuru na Kazi Mombasa
Kisumu – New PC’s office Kisumu
Embu – Embu PC’s office
Nakuru - Regional Commissioner’s Big Nakuru
Kisii – County Commissioners Building
Eldoret – Public Works Building

A photo of Nyayo House A photo of Nyayo House Pulse Live Kenya

4. Visit the immigration office

On the appointment day, carry your payment invoice and schedule print-out to the immigration office. Only fingerprints and a photo will be captured at the office, a process taking less than 10 minutes. Ensure all documents are arranged in the specified order.