E-Passport Deadline Extended To December 31, 2021

The government has extended the deadline to acquire a biometric passport by 10 months from March 2021 to Dec 31, 2021, in what it termed as a result of the Covid-19 disruptions that led to the scaled-down operations of the Directorate of Immigration services.

Interior CS Fred Matiangi’ says Kenyans have until 31st December 2021 to acquire the new East Africa Community biometric e-passport. The tough-talking CS says that no more time will be added after the current extension elapses.

“For the avoidance of doubt, starting 1st January 2022, the old dark blue passport will be null and void. No Kenyan will be able to travel abroad without a valid East Africa Community biometric e-passport,” he said telling Kenyans to take advantage.

This is the third time that the government is extending the deadline to acquire the new East Africa Community biometric passport. The passport has a chip that contains all the information of the person for easy tracing and contact as well as update.

In January 2020, the government through the Ministry of Interior said that Kenyans will be able to get their passport within a record time of three days as opposed to the normal 7 days then. Cabinet Secretary for Interior Dr. Fred Matiang’i said the government was working towards ensuring that Kenyans do not wait beyond three days for their passport after applying.

Apart from Nyayo House, Kenyans can also get new passports in, Mombasa, Kisumu, Embu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisii. Kenyans have been called upon not to wait for the last minute before remembering about the passport.

READ: Kenyans Can Obtain Visa-On-Arrival In At Least 72 Countries