Applying for a passport for a child in Kenya is different from applying for an adult passport. A minor does not have a national ID card, so the parent or legal guardian must provide additional documents to establish the child’s identity, citizenship and relationship with the parent or guardian.
The good news is that the application process is largely completed online through the Kenyan government’s eCitizen platform. However, the child must still be presented for passport processing and biometric enrolment at the designated Immigration office.
This guide explains the requirements for passport application for minors in Kenya, how to apply, the documents parents should prepare, passport fees, consent requirements, biometrics, collection and common problems that can delay an application.
Important: Requirements and government fees can change. The information below is based primarily on the current requirements published by the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS). Always check the official Immigration website and eCitizen portal before submitting an application.
Also see: Affidavit for Loss of Passport Template – Word Format
What is a minor passport in Kenya?
A minor’s passport is an ordinary Kenyan passport issued to a child who does not yet qualify for an adult national identity card.
Children travelling outside Kenya generally need their own travel document. A parent should therefore apply for a passport for the child before making international travel arrangements.
The Directorate of Immigration Services states that Kenyan passport applications are made online and that applicants must subsequently book an appointment to submit documents and enrol biometrics at a passport processing centre. Current passport processing centres listed by Immigration include Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Embu, Kisii, Kericho and Bungoma.
For minors, the process includes additional parental consent and documentation.
Requirements for passport application for a minor in Kenya
For a first-time passport application for a Kenyan child, prepare the following documents:
- Original birth certificate and a copy
- Applicant’s passport size photo on white background (JPG/JPEG)
- Applicant’s signature on white background
- Duly completed consent form for the minor
- Copies of the parents’ national identity cards
- Death certificate where applicable, if one of the parents is deceased
- Completed passport application Form 19 and payment invoices
- The child must be presented for biometric enrolment
- Any additional documents requested by Immigration, depending on the circumstances of the application
These requirements are listed by the Directorate of Immigration Services under its passport application requirements.
It is advisable to carry the original documents as well as photocopies when attending the appointment.
Who should accompany the child?
Ideally, the child’s biological parent should accompany the child to the passport appointment.
Immigration specifically states that, because of child protection laws, it is the duty of the biological parent to apply and present the child for biometrics unless another person has legal guardianship from the courts.
This is particularly important in situations involving:
- Separated parents
- Divorced parents
- Single-parent families
- Deceased parents
- Court-appointed guardians
- Adoption
- Children living with relatives
If your situation is unusual, prepare the relevant legal documents before booking or attending the appointment.
Step-by-step: How to apply for a Kenyan passport for a minor
Step 1: Create or access an eCitizen account
Start by accessing the Kenyan government’s eCitizen platform.
Passport applications are submitted online through the government system.
The official eCitizen passport information instructs applicants to register or log in, access the passport application service, complete the application and make payment online.
Parents applying for children should carefully follow the account and application instructions presented on the current portal.
Step 2: Select the passport application service
After logging into eCitizen, access the Directorate of Immigration Services passport application service.
Select the appropriate application type.
For a child applying for a passport for the first time, choose the relevant new passport application option.
Read the instructions before completing the form.
Step 3: Enter the child’s details
Enter the child’s details exactly as they appear on the birth certificate.
Pay particular attention to:
- Full names
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Citizenship information
Avoid abbreviations unless the official form specifically requires them.
Step 4: Upload the required documents
Upload the documents requested by the online system.
Depending on the application, these may include the child’s birth certificate, parental identification documents and other supporting documents.
Make sure scans or photographs of documents are:
- Clear
- Complete
- Readable
- Not cropped
- Correctly oriented
Poor-quality uploads can make processing more difficult.
Step 5: Complete the consent requirements
Complete the required consent form for the minor.
The consent requirement exists to provide authorization for issuance of the child’s passport.
Parents should make sure the information on the consent form agrees with the child’s application and supporting documents.
Step 6: Pay the passport fee
The passport application fee is paid through the official online process.
Current fees published by the Directorate of Immigration Services are:
| Passport type | Pages | Current fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passport | 34 pages | KSh 7,550 |
| Ordinary passport | 50 pages | KSh 9,550 |
| Ordinary passport | 66 pages | KSh 12,050 |
The current official Immigration fee schedule lists these amounts.
Fees can change, so check the amount displayed on the official application portal before making payment.
Step 7: Download and print the application documents
After completing the application and payment, download the required application documents and receipts.
The official eCitizen passport information states that applicants should download and print the application form and receipts before submitting the application.
Keep the printed documents together with the original supporting documents.
Step 8: Book a passport appointment
Book an appointment through the eCitizen system.
The Directorate of Immigration Services currently lists passport processing centres in:
- Nairobi
- Kisumu
- Mombasa
- Eldoret
- Nakuru
- Embu
- Kisii
- Kericho
- Bungoma
Select a centre that is convenient for you and follow the appointment instructions.
Step 9: Attend the appointment with the child
Take the child to the selected passport centre on the appointment date.
Carry:
- Original birth certificate
- Copies of required documents
- Parent’s original ID
- Copies of parents’ IDs
- Parents’ birth certificates
- Consent documentation
- Printed application documents
- Payment receipts
- Guardianship or death certificate documents where applicable
It is better to carry more supporting documentation than to arrive without an important original.
Step 10: Biometric enrolment
The child’s biometric details will be captured as part of the passport processing procedure.
This is why the child needs to attend the appointment.
The application process involves submission of the application and biometric enrolment at the selected passport centre.
Parents should therefore plan enough time for the appointment.
Step 11: Wait for passport processing
The Directorate of Immigration Services’ current service charter gives a timeline of 14 working days for issuance of passports.
However, applicants should avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements based solely on the standard processing timeline.
Processing can take longer if:
- Documents are incomplete
- Information does not match
- Additional verification is required
- The application has an error
- There are technical or administrative delays
The official eCitizen passport information also warns that applications can take longer if additional information is needed or the application has not been correctly completed.
How to check the status of a child’s passport application
You can monitor the application through the eCitizen account.
The Directorate of Immigration Services says applicants can check the progress of a passport application by logging into their eCitizen account. It also provides an SMS option using the application number to 22222.
Keep the application number and payment documents safe.
They may be useful when following up on the application.
Passport collection for a minor
Once the passport has been printed and is ready for collection, the applicant will receive a notification.
The Directorate of Immigration Services says that passport collection requires the relevant invoice and the original birth certificate for minors.
The collection should normally be done at the application centre where the biometrics were captured. Immigration’s FAQ states that a passport applied for at a particular centre is collected from that passport centre.
Parents should therefore keep the original birth certificate safely until the passport has been collected.
Passport application checklist for minors in Kenya
Before going to the passport appointment, use this checklist:
- Child’s original birth certificate
- Copy of child’s birth certificate
- Completed passport application
- Payment receipt/invoices
- Completed minor consent form
- Parent’s original national ID
- Copies of parents’ national IDs
- Parents’ original birth certificates
- Copies of parents’ birth certificates
- Death certificate where applicable
- Legal guardianship documents where applicable
- Required passport photographs or photo information requested by the current system
- Child present for biometric enrolment
- Appointment confirmation
- Any additional documents requested by Immigration
This checklist is based on the current official Immigration requirements, but individual applications can require additional documentation.
Conclusion
Applying for a passport for a minor in Kenya becomes much easier when all documents are prepared before starting the application.
The most important documents to focus on are the child’s original birth certificate, parents’ identification documents, parents’ birth certificates, minor consent form and the required passport application documents.
The child should also attend the appointment for biometric enrolment, and parents or legal guardians should carry original documents and copies.
The process starts online through eCitizen, but the application is not completely online. After completing the application and paying the required fee, you must book an appointment and submit the application at an approved passport processing centre.
For the latest requirements, fees and processing information, use the official Directorate of Immigration Services website and the Kenya eCitizen portal before making your application.
Government requirements can change, so the information displayed on the official portal at the time of application should take precedence over older articles, social media posts or unofficial checklists.
Read: How to Print Passport Size Photo
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main requirements for a child’s passport in Kenya?
The main requirements include the child’s original birth certificate and copy, minor consent form, parents’ identification documents, parents’ birth certificates, completed passport application documents, payment of the prescribed fee and the child’s attendance for biometric enrolment. Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances.
Can I apply for my child’s passport using eCitizen?
Yes. The passport application process is initiated online through the eCitizen platform. After completing the application and payment, the applicant must book an appointment and attend the selected passport processing centre for document submission and biometric enrolment.
Does a minor need a birth certificate to apply for a passport?
Yes. The Directorate of Immigration Services lists the original birth certificate and a copy for Kenyan citizens by birth applying for a new passport.
Is parental consent required for a minor’s passport?
Yes. Immigration lists a duly filled consent form for minors as a passport application requirement.
Can a guardian apply for a child’s passport?
A legal guardian may be able to apply where the appropriate legal guardianship exists. Immigration’s FAQ states that where a person other than a biological parent is presenting a child for biometrics, legal guardianship from the courts is required.
How much is a child’s passport in Kenya?
Current ordinary passport fees published by Immigration are KSh 7,550 for 34 pages, KSh 9,550 for 50 pages and KSh 12,050 for 66 pages.
How long does a Kenyan child’s passport take?
The current Immigration service charter gives 14 working days for passport issuance. However, applications may take longer where additional verification or information is required.
Need assistance applying for a passport for a minor in Kenya?
Don’t worry! JO-TECH Cyber is here to make the process easier. We can assist you with the online application, document preparation, and appointment booking.
📱 WhatsApp: +254 710 200 886
📧 Email: info@jotechcyber.co.ke
