Passport Application Cost in Kenya: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Dreaming of a seamless travel experience, whether for a business trip or a leisurely vacation? It all starts with one essential document: your passport. For airlines, airport authorities, and immigration offices across the globe, this is the most reliable form of identification and proof of citizenship. If you’re a first-time applicant, need to renew an old one, or replace a lost or damaged passport, understanding the process and the current passport application cost is your first step.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

How Much is a Passport Application in Kenya?

The cost of applying for a passport in Kenya is not a one-size-fits-all figure. The passport application cost varies depending on the type of passport you need and the reason for your application.

The prices are set by the Directorate of Immigration Services and are subject to change, but as of 2025, the standard fees range from Kshs. 4,550 to Kshs. 12,050 for ordinary passports.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees for different passport types and scenarios:

Type of Passport	Details	Amount (KES)
Ordinary Passport	A Series (34 Pages)	Kshs. 4,550
Ordinary Passport	B Series (50 Pages)	Kshs. 6,050
Ordinary Passport	C Series (66 Pages)	Kshs. 7,550
Diplomatic Passport	For government officials	Kshs. 7,550
Mutilated Passport	Replacement for a lost passport	Kshs. 10,050
Lost Passport	Replacement for lost passport	Kshs. 12,050

Key Takeaway: If you are a frequent traveler who requires many visa pages, investing in the B or C series passport is more cost-effective in the long run. The significantly higher fees for lost or mutilated passports underscore the importance of safeguarding your travel document.

How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide

The entire passport application process in Kenya is now digitalized through the eCitizen platform. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to help you navigate it smoothly.

Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account

Your first port of call is eCitizen.go.ke. If you don’t have an account, you will need to register using your national ID number and a valid phone number.

Step 2: Access the Immigration Portal

Once logged in, navigate to the “Departments” tab and select The Directorate of Immigration Services. From there, you can find and click on the “Apply for Passport” service.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

This is the most detailed part. You will need to accurately fill in all required information, including:

• Your personal details.
• Your parents’ details and their ID card numbers.
• The details of a recommender (a person who has known you for at least two years, who is not a relative, and who has a valid Kenyan ID).
• Your job information.

Step 4: Make the Payment

After completing the form, you will be prompted to pay the applicable passport application cost. The eCitizen platform offers multiple convenient payment options, including:

• M-Pesa
• Debit and Credit Cards
• Online Banking via integrated Kenyan banks

Step 5: Book an Appointment for Biometrics

After successful payment, you will be able to schedule an appointment at your preferred Immigration office. The main offices are in Nairobi (Nyayo House), Mombasa, and Kisumu.

Step 6: Submit Hardcopy Documents and Capture Biometrics

On your appointment date, you must physically go to the Immigration office with the following:

• A printed copy of your completed application form.
• Three printed copies of the payment receipt/invoice.
• Your original ID card and a copy.
• Your original birth certificate and a copy.
• Copies of your parents’ ID cards (or death certificates if deceased).
• A copy of your recommender’s ID card.
• Three recent, colour passport-size photos (with one signed at the back by your recommender).

At the office, your photo, fingerprints, and signature will be captured digitally.

Kenya Passport Application Requirements

Having the correct documents is critical to avoid delays. The requirements differ slightly based on your application type.

For First-Time Applicants:

• Completed the eCitizen passport application form.
• Three copies of the payment invoice.
• Original birth certificate and a copy.
• Original national ID and a copy.
• Photocopies of parents’ ID cards.
• A photocopy of your recommender’s ID.
• Three recent passport-size photos (one signed by the recommender).

For Passport Renewals:

• All documents required for first-time applicants.
• Your old, expired passport.

For Lost or Mutilated Passports:

• All documents required for first-time applicants.
• A official letter explaining the circumstances of the loss or damage.
• A sworn affidavit from a commissioner of oaths.
• A police abstract (especially for lost passports).

How Can I Track My Passport Application in Kenya?

After submitting your biometrics, the waiting game begins. Fortunately, you can actively track your application status through two main methods:

1. Tracking via the eCitizen Portal:
   Log back into your eCitizen account and navigate to your application. The status will progress through stages like:
   • Loading: Your application is being processed.
   • Production: Your passport booklet is being printed.
   • Receiving: Your passport is ready for collection at the selected office.
2. Tracking Using Your Tracking Number:
   Use the 10-digit tracking number provided on your photo token receipt.
   • Go to the passport tracking portal.
   • Enter your tracking number.
   • Click “Track My Passport.”
   • The portal will display the current status of your application.

The official waiting period is at least 15 working days, but this can vary based on demand. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of any planned travel.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the passport application cost and process in Kenya is straightforward when you have the right information. By following this guide, you can ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently, bringing you one step closer to your next adventure.

Remember, your passport is a vital document. Keep it safe, and always check its validity long before you plan to travel.

Are you planning to apply for or renew your Kenyan passport? Share your questions or experiences in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.