How to apply for a Kenyan passport on eCitizen

Faith Wambui·May 21, 2024

A passport is just as important as a national ID card, if not more important. Without one, moving freely around the world would be difficult. Additionally, it’s a reliable form of identification for both adults and minors that can be used abroad and in your country of origin.

In Kenya, the demand for passports is growing by the day. The government reported increased numbers of passport applications both online and at the immigration office over the past few years.

The Kenyan passport is ranked 65th on the Guide Passport Index which is a relatively medium ranking. It allows you visa-free access to 38 countries including Bahamas, Jamaica, Mauritius and Singapore. Such perks have incentivized many to apply for a Kenyan passport. Not to mention, the application process is fairly easy thanks to the online application system.

Online passport application is one of the many services that can be done through the eCitizen website. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a few minutes. If you’re a Kenyan citizen in need of a passport, here’s a guide on how you can apply for one online.

Requirements for a passport application

An application form
2 copies of payment reciept
Original birth certificate and a copy
Original National ID card and a copy
3 passport sized photos
Copy of the recommender’s ID card (friend, family member, trusted colleague, lawyer)
Copies of parents’ National ID cards/death certificates where applicable
Original parents’ birth certificates and copies
Consent letters from parents or guardians (for minors)

Photograph requirements for a passport application

The photographs must be in colour
They must be taken full face looking at the camera with both ears showing and without a headgear or hair covering the forehead
The skin tone and facial features must be clearly outlined against a white background without shadows in the back.
They should not have ink markings or creases
The photographs should not be more than 6 months old
The size of the photographs must be 2Â½ inches by 2 inches
The photographs must be printed on the normal thin photographic paper and must not be glazed on the reverse side.
The person recommending the applicant is required to endorse the reverse side of one copy of the photographs with the words: I certify that this is a true likeness of the applicant Mr. Mrs. or Miss and add his/her signature.

Application process for a passport application

Visit the eCitizen website and log into your account
On the dashboard, find the Directorate of Immigration (New Applications) tab then click on Get Service
Select the category of application ie your application or a child’s application then click Next
Indicate whether you have a dual citizenship or not then click Next
Select the passport type you’re applying for ie ordinary passport, diplomatic passport, East Africa passport, temporary passport, certificate of identity and the number of pages ie 34, 50, and 66 pages
Fill in the form with accurate details including your gender, eye colour and height
Give your parents’ details
Enter your next of kin and indicate whether you have children
Upload the necessary documents. The format should either be JPEG, PNG or JPG and the file size less than 195 KB
On the next step, you will be prompted to make payment using your preferred method eg Mpesa Airtel Money or debit card. Select one of the options and follow the instructions to complete the transaction. The fee for an ordinary passport is Ksh 4,550
Print out the application form and payment invoice the make 3 copies of the invoice
Book an appointment for biometrics at the immigration office in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisii, Mombasa, Kisumu, Embu, and Nakuru
Carry your original ID card and the confirmation email on the appointment day
An immigration personnel will take you through the biometric process. It takes at least between 4-6 weeks for the passport to be ready. Once it’s ready, you will receive a text notification for collection