A temporary passport in Kenya is issued to citizens who urgently need travel documents, especially for travel within East African countries. The process is done online through the eCitizen portal.
Step-by-Step Process & Timelines
Register or Log In (5 minutes)
Visit the eCitizen portal
Create an account or log in if you already have one.
Access Immigration Services (2 minutes)
On the dashboard, click on Directorate of Immigration Services.
Select Application Option (2 minutes)
Choose Temporary Passport Application.
Complete the Online Form (10–15 minutes)
Enter your personal and identification details accurately.
Upload Supporting Documents (5–10 minutes)
You’ll need to upload:A copy of your National ID card.
Two passport-sized photographs.
Any other documents requested in the form.
Pay the Fee (5 minutes)
Pay through the eCitizen system.
The fee is currently KES 350.
Print Documents (5 minutes)
Download and print two copies of the completed application form and invoices.
Submit to Immigration Office
Take the printed documents and attachments to the nearest Immigration office.
Processing Timeline:
A temporary passport is usually processed within 1–3 working days, but it is advisable to apply at least a week before travel to avoid delays.
What if You Don’t Have It at the Border?
If you arrive at the border without a temporary passport, you may not be allowed to cross, even for regional travel within East Africa.
However, depending on the urgency and your situation, Immigration officers may advise you to:
Return to the nearest Immigration office to apply immediately.
In some rare emergency cases (e.g., medical evacuation), special clearance may be given, but this is not guaranteed.
For smoother travel, always ensure you apply for and collect the document before your travel date.