How to Apply for the New East African ePassport

How to Apply for The New East African ePassport.

Recently,the Kenyan government kick-started a new initiative to phase out old passports (the booklet) by introducing the ePassport. According to the immigration department, this project is aimed at hastening the clearance process at entry and exit points.

For this reason, the application for the new epassport is now open. If you are wondering what will happen to the old ones, well, the government has stated that the booklet passports will be in operation for two years, after which it will be rendered obsolete; to be specific, on 31st August 2019.

In this article, you’ll be taken through step by step application process as well as the requirements of the new epassport.

What is unique with this epassport?

• It has biometric identifier
• Possesses a digital photograph of the holder
• Has an electronic chip that stores all the information contained in the old passport
• The ePassport will be registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Comes with a security feature that prevents forgery and impersonation forgery

The application process for the new ePassport was opened from 1st September 2017.

Application requirements

The application process is the same as the old one, and it is completed through ecitizen.co.ke. Even the cost of application is still the same.

Most importantly, the applicant is required to appear in person for digital photography. Also, don’t forget a dully-filled passport application form found on the eCitizen website.

Other requirements include;

• Original National ID along with its photocopy
• Original birth cert and its copy
• Three most current photos (passport size)
• Recommenders ID copies
• Your parent’s ID copies and if deceased, carry their death certificates
• If you are seeking to renew your old passport for this new one, carry the old one and copies of its last pages. If lost, carry an affidavit along with a police abstract to the immigration offices.

The cost of the applying for the new East African epassport.

As we mentioned earlier, the cost of the ePassport is still the same, i.e.

• A series (32 pages) costs Kshs. 4550
• B series (48 pages) costs Kshs. 6050
• C series (64 pages) costs Kshs. 7550
• Diplomatic costs Kshs. 7550
• Lost passport costs Kshs. 12,050
• Mutilated passport costs Kshs. 10050

How to apply for the ePassport

1. Go to www.ecitizen.go.ke and register a new account
2. After successfully opening a new account, log in and navigate to Department of Immigration Services then choose the any of the options that fit your needs
3. Click on the passport application form, then read and understand the instructions before proceeding
4. After reading the instructions, click on Apply Now
5. Complete the application form
6. Pay the application fees. Select the mode of payment you want, M-PESA, Airtel Money, eCitizen Agent or Credit/debit card
7. After paying, download the application form and print it. Don’t forget the three application fee receipts you’ll need them.
8. Visit in person the nearest immigration office, either in Nairobi, Kisumu or Mombasa. Submit the application form plus other documents.

If your application is successful, your new ePassport will be available for collection after 15 working days.

Conclusion

The old passports with valid visas will remain valid even after completing the renewal process.