What you need to know about the Kenyan East African e-Passport

Kenya’s Department of Immigration will be rolling out usage of a secure e-Passport starting September 2017 phasing out the current ones.

Many people may be interested to know more as far as the whole procedure of either applying for a new passport or replacing the old one with the new one goes.

Here are some FAQ’s answered by the Department of Immigration that may be helpful:

What will be the process of acquiring an ePassport?
– All the applications and payments will be conducted through www.ecitizen.go.ke

– One will have to visit the Department of Immigration offices for biometrics. Other required documents should be carried along.

– The ePassport will be ready to be collected after a period of 10 working days.

How much will the ePassport cost?
– A series (32 pages) 4550/=

– B series (48 pages) 6050/=

– C series (64 pages) 7550/=

– Diplomatic 7550/=

What of those with Valid visas in the current ordinary passports?
– They will remain valid even after replacement since the holder will retain the ordinary booklet and will be issued with the new ePassport.

Will those with valid ordinary passports be charged when replacing them with the ePassports?
– Yes

What will be the processing period for an ePassport?
– 10 working days.

What about people living in the Diaspora?
– Their applications can be submitted through consulates/ Embassies

What is the difference between the current Ordinary passport and the ePassport?
– The current passport does not have a chip that stores the passport holder’s info while the ePassport has one. Thus it facilitates faster clearance at ports of entry and exit.

What are the modes of payment the ePassport?
– Through M-Pesa

– Credit cards

What will happen to the temporary permits for East Africa?
– They will remain available, for those traveling within EAC

How does one know whether they have a biometric or an ePassport?
– There will be a biometric symbol on the front cover of your passport, which looks like a camera.

When will the Department of Immigration start issuing the ePassport? and when can Kenyans start applying for one?
– Applications and all the processes of issuing will begin on 1st September 2017.

Can one use the ePassport traveling outside East Africa?
– Yes. It is an International Passport.