What is a passport?
A passport is an official document issued by a government that identifies the holder as a citizen of that country and allows them to travel internationally. It contains the holder’s personal information, such as their name, date of birth, and photograph, as well as information about the issuing country, such as its emblem and coat of arms. Passports are typically required for entry into foreign countries and serve as proof of the holder’s identity and citizenship. They are also used for various purposes, such as opening bank accounts or obtaining visas for travel to other countries.
Types of passports
In Kenya, there are three types of passports that you can apply for, which are:
- Ordinary Passport: This is the most common type of passport and is issued to citizens for ordinary travel, such as for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
- Diplomatic Passport: This type of passport is issued to Kenyan diplomats who are traveling abroad for official government business.
- Service Passport: This type of passport is issued to Kenyan government officials who are traveling abroad for official business purposes other than diplomatic missions.
All three types of passports in Kenya are issued by the Department of Immigration Services under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
How do you get a passport in Kenya?
To get a passport in Kenya, you need to follow these steps:
- Gather the required documents: You will need to gather the necessary documents such as your original birth certificate, national identity card, and two passport-sized photos.
- Create an eCitizen account: You will need to create an account on the eCitizen portal (https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/) and fill out the passport application form.
- Pay the passport fee: The fee for a Kenyan passport depends on the type of passport you are applying for and the duration of validity. You can pay the fee online using mobile money, debit/credit card or through a bank deposit.
- Book an appointment: Once you have paid the passport fee, you will need to book an appointment at one of the immigration offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu or Eldoret. The appointment will be for the submission of your passport application form and documents.
- Attend the appointment: On the day of your appointment, you will need to show up at the immigration office with your application form, documents and two passport-sized photos. Your biometric data (fingerprint and digital photo) will be captured and you will be required to sign a declaration.
- Wait for processing: After your appointment, your application will be processed, and your passport will be printed. You can then collect it from the immigration office or have it delivered to an address of your choice.
The processing time for a Kenyan passport can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, the type of passport, and the number of applications being processed. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
How can you get your passport faster in Kenya?
In Kenya, if you need to get a passport faster than the regular processing time, you can apply for an expedited service. Here are the steps to follow:
- Make an application: Apply for your passport through the eCitizen portal, selecting the “expedited” option.
- Pay the expedited service fee: The fee for expedited service is higher than the regular service fee, and it varies depending on the type of passport you are applying for and the duration of validity.
- Book an appointment: After paying the expedited service fee, you will need to book an appointment at the immigration office of your choice.
- Attend the appointment: Show up at the immigration office with your application form, documents, and two passport-sized photos. Let the immigration officer know that you have paid for expedited service.
- Wait for processing: After your appointment, your application will be processed on a priority basis, and your passport will be printed faster than the regular processing time. You can then collect it from the immigration office or have it delivered to an address of your choice.
The processing time for an expedited passport in Kenya is typically shorter than the regular processing time, usually ranging from 1 to 3 days, depending on the number of applications being processed.
It’s important to note that the expedited service is only available for certain types of passports and may not always be guaranteed, so it’s best to check with the immigration office for the latest information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a passport in Kenya involves gathering the necessary documents, creating an eCitizen account, paying the passport fee, booking an appointment, attending the appointment, and waiting for processing. If you need your passport faster than the regular processing time, you can apply for an expedited service, which involves paying a higher fee and following the same process as regular processing.
At Fly Me, we understand the importance of having a valid passport for international travel and offer our clients assistance in obtaining their passports in good time. Our team of experts is knowledgeable about the passport application process and can provide guidance and support to ensure that our clients’ passport applications are completed accurately and on time.