Immigration Department Asks Kenyans to Acquire ePassports Ahead of 2019 Deadline

The Department of Immigration Services has asked Kenyans holding the old generation passports to acquire the digital ones by August, 2019.

Kenya launched the issuance of ePassports in August last year in compliance with guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), making them admissible globally.

"We introduced an epassport, all passport holders should change theirs to the new one by next year August," the Immigration Department said on Thursday.

To get the digital travel document, an applicant must personally present themselves to Kenyan immigration offices for the capture of biometrics such as fingerprints, photo, and signature.

Holders of current passports will be required to replace them with the ePassports at a cost of Sh4,550 for a 32-page, Sh6,050 for 48-page document and Sh7,550 for diplomatic and 64-page passports.

The processing period for the digital passport is 10 working days. The ePassport enhances quick clearance at points of entry and exit. It is also highly secure and is hard to reproduce or tamper with.

 “The e-passport provides the immigration officers with a new tool to help determine the presenter’s identity,” the Immigration department said during the launch last year. “E-passports now include digital and physical security technologies.”

Kenyans living and working abroad can renew or get a new ePassport through any Kenya Embassy. One is required to carry an original ID and a copy, original Birth certificate and a copy, recommender ID copy, online filled forms, 3 Invoices, 3 passport size photos and parents ID copies while applying for the travel document.

“Holders of valid current passports will be allowed to use them up to 31st August 2019 after which they will be rendered invalid,” the department said in a public notice.