Cost and Process of Applying for a Passport in Kenya

Kenya's Immigration Department began issuing e-passports in 2017 to replace the generation of paper travel credentials

A passport is a document issued to Kenya citizens by the Directorate of Immigration services to enable them travel abroad.

It is usually valid for a maximum period of ten (10) years

Applying for a Kenyan passport is no longer a hectic and time-consuming process. With only a few steps, you can apply for the passport of your choice.

Moreover, Kenya’s Immigration Department began issuing e-passports in 2017 to replace the generation of paper travel credentials and doing away with the long queue at the department.

In this article, we highlight the step-by-step process of application and the documents you will need while applying for an e-passport in Kenya.

Notably, applicants under the age of eighteen must submit written authorization from their parents or legal guardians.

Govt Makes Changes to Application of IDs, Birth & Death Certificates — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on September 19, 2023. PHOTO/Kithure Kindiki

Type of Passports

1. Ordinary Passports

Ordinary passports are the most often used in Kenya. This passport has a ten-year expiration date, making it very straightforward to administer.

Likewise, ordinary passports are divided into three types: A-series, B-series, and C-series depending on the number of pages and cost.

The A Series ordinary passport has 34 Pages. For this passport, applicants must part ways with Ksh4,550.

For the B Series ordinary passport, you will part ways with Ksh6,050 according to the immigration department. This series has 50 pages.

Finally, the C Series, which has 66 pages, costs Ksh7,550 for applicants.

2. Diplomatic Passports

A diplomatic passport accords its holder special benefits while traveling across the world because their trips are considered official businesses on behalf of the Kenyan government.

These passport holders enjoy several benefits including priority during custom checks.

Because diplomatic passport holders pose no security risk, they are typically offered preferential entry and exit lanes at airports and other border crossings.

At the same time, some nations may exempt diplomatic passport holders from visa restrictions to enable official government work.

Moreover, diplomatic passport holders may be eligible for particular aid from foreign governments, such as medical treatment or transit inside the country.

According to the immigration department applicants part ways with Ksh7,550 for this passport.

Also Read: How to Confirm Your Passport on Immigration Portal

Nonetheless, individuals eligible for the diplomatic passport include members of the executive, members of parliament, ministers and cabinet secretaries. Others are officials from the Judiciary, army Generals, governors, senators, and ambassadors.

3. Mutilated Passports

This type of passport includes damaged passports.

Damaged passports are the ones destroyed through different causes including water, fire, tears or scratches, ink among others.

To apply for a new passport after mutilation, applicants will part ways with Ksh10,050 according to the immigration department.

4. Lost Passports

Lastly, if you lose your passport and need a new one, it will cost you Ksh12,050 according to the immigration department.

Also Read: Kindiki Gives Ultimatum for New Passport Owners

What do you Need for a Passport Application?

The first document you will need is your original birth certificate and a copy of the same.

Additionally, you will need to submit your original National ID Card and a copy, as well as three current passport size photos.

During the application process, the immigration department will also require you to provide copies of your parent’s National ID cards or Death Certificate if deceased.

For applicants who are adopted, the original adoption certificate, clearance letter from the children’s department, and or, the Court ruling or award will be required by the immigration department.