Step-By-Step E-Citizen Passport Application Process

Article in brief.

How Long Should I Wait to Collect my Passport?

A Kenyan passport is a government-issued identification that allows its holders to travel abroad for up to ten years.

Kenya began issuing e-Passports in accordance with ICAO document 9303 and the East African Community Summit decision, which were introduced in September 2017.

Currently, Passport Application and Processing Stations are operational in Nairobi, Kisumu, Embu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisii, and in six foreign missions, I.e., Washington DC, London, Dubai, Paris, Berlin, and Pretoria.

The application process can currently take place online, from first-time applications, renewal, or replacement to paying the application fee via mobile money, online banking, debit cards, or credit cards. However, in the end, you’ll be asked to print, fill out, and sign a form before returning it for processing.

ECitizen Passport Application Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the e-citizen passport application process:

STEP 1: Create an account on the eCitizen portal if you don’t have one. You’ll need to provide some personal information and choose a password.

STEP 2:The next step is eCitizen passport login, after a successful registration. The login process will need your ID number or email address and a password. Then proceed to the Directorate of Immigration Services. Choose the New Application option. Click Get Service. Confirm your identity to proceed.

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STEP 3: The next page presents you with various eCitizen services such as Passport application, InterState Pass Application, Temporary Permit Application, eVisa Application, Permits, Endorsement, Student Pass, Special Pass, and Dependent Pass. Select Passport Application from the list.

STEP 4: On the next page, choose the category of passport you are applying for. From the dropdown menu, select between Your Application and Your Child’s Application (UNDER 18 YEARS) options and press the NEXT button.

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STEP 5: If the application is yours, the succeeding page gives you instructions on how to apply, how long the process takes, the requirements for submission, and passport fees. Read the instructions and click next.

STEP 6: You will then proceed to the dual nationality section where you will select between YES or NO. Click Next.

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STEP 7: Select the passport type you are applying for, whether diplomatic or ordinary. If ordinary, choose the ordinary application type. If you’re a first-timer, enter the passport page count and who in your family has a passport. Click next.

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STEP 8:Fill in your application details, including your birth location, height, and residential details. Click next when done

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STEP 9: Next, you will provide the details of your parents, next of kin, and particulars of your children (if any).

STEP 10: Make payment via your preferred mode. The available modes include Debit/Credit Card, Airtel Money, Prepaid Debit Card, eCitizen Agent, and M-PESA Pay Bill. The payment takes only a few minutes (about five) to reflect.

STEP 11: Click Complete to finish the application process after making the payment and submitting the form.

STEP 12: Book an appointment on the next page and select a date that aligns with the working days of the immigration centre you intend to submit the application for biometric capture and submission.

STEP 13: Download and print the complete application form. You also print three application receipts available in the following links: Invoices and Downloads.

How Long Should I Wait to Collect my Passport?

After physically submitting your passport to the immigration centres, you should wait at least 10 working days for your first-time passport to be ready for collection. On the other hand, other application types normally take approximately five working days to be ready. Delays can only happen when you have provided incomplete information or there is a need for correction in the application.

ECitizen passport tracking is also another way to know when your passport is ready for collection. After making a successful application and submission, you can track your passport status from your eCitizen passport account. After your biometrics have been taken, the generation process for your passport starts. Your status on eCitizen transitions from one stage to another. The first stage is LOADING, then PRODUCTION, and finally, RECEIVING, signifying that the passport is now available for collection.

Submission Requirements

Original copy and a photocopy of your birth certificate
An original and a photocopy of your national ID
Three latest passport-sized pictures
Applicants need to appear in person for Biometric capture and submission
An eCitizen passport form (pre-filled), and three copies of invoices.
Consent letter if you are below 18 years.
A photocopy of the recommender’s identification card is required.
The old passport and photocopies of the document’s three most recent pages (for replacement/renewal)
Photocopies of your parents’ national identification cards or death certificates where applicable.
A police abstract, a sworn affidavit, and an explanation letter are necessary if applying because of a lost Passport.
An explanation letter in case of a mutilated Passport. The letter should explain the circumstances that led to the mutilation.

Passport Type Fees

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Passport Collection

When your passport is ready, the passport delivery is handled by Postal Corporation services in the country. For applicants in diaspora, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles the delivery.

You will receive an SMS notification with instructions on how to pick up your passport. Follow the directions to pick up your passport after clicking on the link.

Alternatively, you can go to your ecitizen passport login to book a collection appointment. Ecitizen passport collection booking online system allows you to select the date and time you intend to collect your passport. This can be done when booking an appointment for biometric enrolment.

The ecitizen passport collection appointment is aimed to cut down the long hours citizens spend queueing outside passport application and processing centres.

However, ecitizen passport collection appointment does not apply to government officials with important postings abroad, the sick, business executives, and students with pressing tasks overseas. They will, however, have to provide documentation that verifies their travel arrangements.

Conclusion

The e-citizen passport application process is fast and straightforward. The best part is that it can all be done online without having to visit any government offices. All you need is a computer or smartphone and an internet connection. You also need to have all the required documents and information on hand before starting the application process.

We hope this guide was helpful in providing a step-by-step process on how to apply for an e-citizen passport. If you have any questions leave them in the comment section below.