The Kenyan government has introduced e-passports as a more secure and efficient way for citizens to travel abroad. E-passports contain an electronic chip that stores the passport holder’s biometric information, such as their photograph, fingerprints, and signature. This technology makes it more difficult for someone to forge or alter a passport, and also allows immigration officials to quickly and easily verify the identity of the passport holder.
If you are a Kenyan citizen living abroad and need to renew or apply for a new passport, you will need to apply for an e-passport. The process for applying for an e-passport is similar to applying for a regular passport, but there are a few additional requirements.
First, you will need to make an appointment to apply for an e-passport at the nearest Kenyan consulate or embassy. You can do this by visiting the consulate or embassy’s website or by contacting them directly. Once you have an appointment, you will need to bring all of the required documents with you, including a completed passport application form, a copy of your birth certificate, and a copy of your current passport (if you have one). You will also need to provide two passport-sized photographs and pay the relevant fees.
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for your e-passport to be processed. The processing time for e-passports can vary depending on the consulate or embassy where you applied, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks. Once your passport is ready, you will need to pick it up in person at the consulate or embassy where you applied.
It’s important to note that not all countries accept e-passports, so it’s a good idea to check the requirements of the country you plan to visit before applying for an e-passport. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that the process of applying for an e-passport can be more complex than applying for a regular passport, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and gather all of the required documents well in advance of your planned trip.
In summary, an e-passport is an efficient and secure way for Kenyan citizens living abroad to travel, but the process of applying for one can be more complex than a regular passport. Appointments and required documents must be considered before applying. It’s always a good idea to check the acceptance of e-passports in the country you plan to visit before applying and to plan ahead for the process.
