Losing your Kenyan passport can be a stressful experience, whether at home or abroad. The good news is that the replacement process is now largely digital and straightforward. This guide provides the expert tips and proven methods you need to navigate it smoothly.
Replacing a lost passport in Kenya is managed by the Directorate of Immigration Services. The primary platform for this procedure is the government’s eCitizen portal. Understanding the correct steps can save you time, money, and unnecessary anxiety.
This complete guide will walk you through every stage, from reporting the loss to collecting your new travel document. We cover costs, required documents, and specific procedures for Kenyans both within the country and overseas.
Immediate Steps After Losing Your Passport
Acting quickly is crucial to protect yourself from identity fraud and to initiate the official replacement process. Do not delay these first actions.
1. Report to the Police and Obtain an Abstract
Your first stop should be the nearest police station. File a formal report about the loss or theft of your passport. The police will issue you a Police Abstract, a vital document you must pay for (typically Ksh 1,050). This abstract proves the loss was reported and is a mandatory requirement for your application.
2. Report Loss to Immigration (If in Kenya)
If you are within Kenya, you should also report the loss directly to the Directorate of Immigration Services. You can do this by writing a formal letter detailing the circumstances of the loss and submitting it, along with a copy of the Police Abstract, to their offices at Nyayo House in Nairobi or any regional immigration office.
3. Notify Your Embassy (If Abroad)
For Kenyans who lose their passport overseas, the process starts at the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate. Report the loss there immediately. They will guide you on the specific process for applying for an Emergency Travel Document or a new passport from abroad, which involves additional documentation like a copy of your lost passport (if available) and proof of Kenyan citizenship.
Required Documents for Passport Replacement
Gathering the correct documents beforehand is key to a seamless application. Here is the complete checklist you will need to prepare.
- Duly Filled Form: The online application form printed from eCitizen after completion.
- Original Police Abstract: The certified copy from the police station (not a photocopy).
- Copies of Identity Documents: Clear copies of your National ID (original must be presented for verification) and your birth certificate.
- Copy of Lost Passport: If you have a photocopy or scan of the lost passport’s data page, include it. This is extremely helpful.
- Passport Photos: Two recent, identical, color passport-sized photos with a white background. These must meet the standard biometric photo requirements.
- Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the applicable passport fee, generated from the eCitizen portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process on eCitizen
The core of your passport replacement happens online. Follow these steps carefully to apply through the official eCitizen platform.
Step 1: Log In to Your eCitizen Account
Visit www.ecitizen.go.ke and log in using your ID number and password. If you don’t have an account, you must register first, which requires a valid phone number and email address for verification.
Step 2: Access Immigration Services
On your dashboard, find and select the “Directorate of Immigration Services” department. Then, click on the service for “Application for Replacement of a Lost Passport.”
Step 3: Fill the Online Application Form
Complete all sections of the digital form accurately. You will need to input details from your lost passport and your personal information. Double-check entries like your name (must match ID), date of birth, and place of birth to avoid rejections.
Step 4: Upload Documents & Pay the Fee
Upload clear scanned copies of the required documents. Next, proceed to pay the replacement fee. The standard 34-page passport costs Ksh 4,550, while the 50-page frequent traveler passport is Ksh 6,050. Payment is integrated via M-Pesa, debit/credit card, or bank transfer on the portal.
Step 5: Book an Appointment and Attend
After payment, the system will allow you to book a biometric capture appointment at your chosen immigration office (e.g., Nyayo House Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, or Eldoret). On the appointment day, carry ALL original documents and their copies for verification and biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Costs and Processing Time in Kenya
Budgeting correctly and managing expectations on timing will help you plan your next steps, especially if you have urgent travel.
| Passport Type | Replacement Fee | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 34-Page Passport | Ksh 4,550 | 10 to 15 working days |
| Frequent Traveler 50-Page Passport | Ksh 6,050 | 10 to 15 working days |
| Emergency Travel Document (for those abroad) | Varies by Embassy | 2 to 7 days |
Important Note: The Police Abstract fee (Ksh 1,050) and potential costs for travel to an immigration office or for photocopying are additional. Processing times are estimates; during peak periods (like school holidays), delays can occur. You can track your application status online via your eCitizen account.
Collecting Your New Passport and Final Steps
Once your application is approved and the passport is ready, you will receive an SMS notification via the phone number registered on eCitizen.
- Collection Location: Collect it in person from the immigration office where you submitted your biometrics. You cannot send a representative; your fingerprints will be verified again at collection.
- Documents for Collection: Bring your original National ID and the old receipt or acknowledgment slip. Your old, lost passport will be formally invalidated in the system.
- After Collection: Immediately sign your new passport on the designated page. Check all personal details for any errors. If you have pending visas in the lost passport, you must contact the respective embassies to have them transferred, which is a separate and often complex process.
Conclusion: Regain Your Travel Freedom Efficiently
Replacing a lost passport in Kenya is a clear, multi-step process centered on the eCitizen platform. The key to success lies in swift action—reporting the loss to police immediately—and meticulous preparation of your documents. By following this official guide and leveraging the integrated online payment systems like M-Pesa, you can navigate this inconvenience with confidence.
Remember to use the official eCitizen portal for all steps to avoid scams. With your new passport in hand, you can resume your travel plans securely. Use this guide as your checklist to navigate the replacement process efficiently and get back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the very first thing I should do after losing my passport in Nairobi?
Go directly to the nearest police station, such as Central Police Station, and file a report. Pay for and obtain the original Police Abstract. This document is the foundation of your replacement application for a lost Kenyan passport.
How long does it take to get a replacement passport in Mombasa or Kisumu?
The standard processing time is 10 to 15 working days after your biometric appointment, regardless of whether you apply at the Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi, or Eldoret immigration office. Delays may occur during public holidays or application surges.
Can I replace a lost passport if I am outside Kenya?
Yes. You must contact the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate. They will guide you to apply for an Emergency Travel Document or a full replacement passport, a process that involves additional verification and may have different fees and longer timelines.
What is the total cost to replace a lost 34-page passport?
The total approximate cost is Ksh 5,600+. This includes the Ksh 4,550 passport fee on eCitizen and the Ksh 1,050 Police Abstract fee. Factor in extra for transport and photocopying.
Do I need an appointment to submit my documents for a lost passport?
Yes. After applying and paying online via eCitizen, you must book a biometric enrollment appointment at your selected immigration office. Walk-in services for lost passport replacement are typically not accepted.
What if I don’t have a copy of my lost Kenyan passport?
While a copy is very helpful, you can still proceed. You will need to provide alternative proof of citizenship and travel history. The Police Abstract and your National ID become even more critical in this scenario.
How can I check my lost passport replacement status?
Log into your eCitizen account, navigate to the Immigration Services department, and look for “Track Application” or check your dashboard. You will also receive SMS updates on the phone number linked to your account.
