How to Apply for a Kenya Passport Online via eCitizen

How to Apply for a Kenya Passport Online via eCitizen

You can apply for a Kenya passport entirely online through the eCitizen portal, then attend one appointment for biometric capture. The 34-page ordinary booklet costs KSh 7,500 on first application; other options and fees vary, so check the current offer on eCitizen before paying.

What You'll Need Before Starting

Gather these documents in advance:

• Original national identity card or birth certificate
• Passport-sized photograph (35mm x 45mm)
• Your email address and mobile phone number

Scans or photos must be clear and legible. Upload formats and file-size limits appear when you reach the upload step on eCitizen.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register on eCitizen

Visit www.ecitizen.go.ke and create an account with your email and a strong password. Verify your email address to complete registration.

2. Navigate to Passport Services

Log in and go to Directorate of Immigration Services. Click on Passport Application. You'll see the available passport types and current fees.

3. Choose Your Passport Type

Currently, first-time adult applicants can select the 34-page Ordinary 'A' booklet at KSh 7,500. Other page counts and options—50-page at KSh 9,500, 66-page at KSh 12,500, diplomatic at KSh 15,000, or replacement of lost or mutilated passport at KSh 20,000—may also appear. eCitizen's portal is the final source of truth on what you can order and at what price.

4. Fill Out Your Application Form

Complete all fields accurately: personal information, contact details, and passport specifications. Double-check before submitting. Errors can slow processing.

5. Upload Your Documents

Scan your national ID, birth certificate, and photograph in JPG or PDF format (eCitizen will show the size limit). Upload each file as prompted.

6. Pay the Fee

eCitizen accepts M-Pesa, Airtel Money, bank transfers, and card payments. Keep your payment receipt and application reference number safe.

7. Book Your Biometric Appointment

After payment clears, select your nearest Immigration office and pick your appointment date. You'll get a confirmation email with your reference number.

After You Apply

It should take at least 10 working days to get your first passport once your form has been physically submitted at the Immigration offices. For all other application types, it should take at least 5 working days. Delays happen if information is missing or incorrect. You can check the status of your passport through the eCitizen platform.

On your appointment date, visit the Immigration office with your printed form, three payment receipts, original ID or birth certificate, and original photograph. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken. Then you wait for printing and collection.

Get Help on Kaziiko

Passport applications on eCitizen are straightforward, but if you hit issues—unclear requirements, rejected uploads, system errors—verified government service experts on Kaziiko can guide you through or handle it remotely. Find eCitizen experts on Kaziiko who specialise in passports, IDs, and certificates.

Quick Tips

• Check the official eCitizen portal for the exact current fee before paying. Fees and available options can shift.
• Ensure your ID and birth certificate scans are clear and legible.
• Keep your reference number visible on your phone or printed when you attend your biometric appointment.
• Use a stable internet connection when uploading documents to avoid timeouts.
• Applying for a child? Confirm the child-passport requirements and fee directly on eCitizen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What passport booklets are currently available?

Check the eCitizen portal when you apply. As of 8 October 2026, first-time adult applicants can order the 34-page Ordinary 'A' booklet at KSh 7,500. Other sizes and types—50-page, 66-page, diplomatic, or replacement—may also be available, but availability and exact fees change. Always confirm on eCitizen before making payment.

How long does a passport take?

The official eCitizen page states at least 10 working days for first-time applications from the date your form is physically submitted at an Immigration office. Other application types typically take at least 5 working days. Longer processing can occur if documents are incomplete or the system requires maintenance.

Can I apply from outside Kenya?

Yes. You can submit your application online from anywhere. However, you must attend a Kenyan embassy or consulate in person for biometric capture and final submission of printed documents. Processing times abroad are typically longer than in Kenya; contact your nearest embassy for specific timelines.

What if my documents are rejected?

eCitizen will notify you by email or SMS if uploads fail or documents are unclear. You can resubmit. If your application is rejected after submission, the eCitizen portal will explain why. You may need to restart with corrected documents or contact immigration support.