(213) 529 4037ask@kenyaconsulatela.go.keEmergency: (323) 350-1186
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Service guidance

Consular Services

Practical guidance for Kenyan citizens, visitors to Kenya and users seeking document support.

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How to use consular services

Consular services are organized around practical user needs: eligibility, requirements, forms, payments, appointments, mailing instructions and official service links.

Standard service flow

  1. Identify the service category that applies to your case.
  2. Read the eligibility and requirements carefully.
  3. Complete the official online application where required.
  4. Prepare originals, copies, photos, receipts, letters, affidavits or forms as applicable.
  5. Book an appointment or use the official mailing instructions where applicable.
  6. Provide a trackable self-addressed return envelope where the service requires return by post.

Full service directory

Consular services directory

Select a service to view requirements, forms, links and submission guidance.

Guidance for new passports, replacement/renewal, minors, lost passports and mutilated passports. Applications are initiated online through eCitizen, then printed, signed and submitted with supporting documents for appointment-based biometric capture where required.

Who this service is for

Kenyan citizens applying for a new, replacement, lost or mutilated passport. Dual citizens must first ensure citizenship status has been declared or regained where required.

Requirements checklist

  • Duly completed and printed passport application form from eCitizen.
  • Government and customer receipts printed in colour after payment.
  • Three passport-size photos taken within the last three months against a white background.
  • Original and copy of birth certificate, front and back where applicable.
  • Original and copy of Kenya national ID, front and back.
  • Original and copy of Kenya passport biodata page and other required pages.
  • Self-addressed trackable return envelope, preferably USPS flat-rate envelope, with sufficient postage.
  • For minors: parental consent, copies of parent passport and Kenya ID, and one passport-size photo of the submitting parent.
  • For lost/mutilated passports: police report, affidavit and personal statement explaining circumstances.

Guidance for persons born in Kenya or abroad before 27 August 1987 who acquired another nationality before 27 August 2010 and are required to regain Kenya citizenship before applying for Kenya ID or passport services.

Who this service is for

Kenyans who lost Kenya citizenship under the pre-2010 constitutional framework after acquiring another nationality before 27 August 2010.

Requirements checklist

  • Approved regaining citizenship form or online application printout as required.
  • Two copies of Kenyan passport biodata page; if never issued a Kenyan passport, provide parent Kenyan passport biodata page.
  • Two copies of valid foreign passport biodata page.
  • Two copies of foreign birth certificate where applicable.
  • Two passport-size photographs taken recently.
  • Supporting documents where names differ, such as marriage certificate or divorce decree.
  • Prepaid self-addressed return envelope with tracking.

Guidance for Kenyan citizens who hold another nationality and must declare dual citizenship before renewing Kenyan passports or seeking other citizenship-related services.

Who this service is for

Kenyans born abroad and Kenyans who hold another nationality. The source distinguishes applicants born before and after 27 August 1987 and directs some applicants to apply for regaining and dual declaration simultaneously.

Requirements checklist

Guidance for first-time Kenya national ID applications, replacement of lost/duplicate/mutilated ID cards, and change of particulars. Applications are in-person by appointment.

Who this service is for

Eligible Kenyan citizens, including first-time applicants, holders of first-generation ID cards, applicants requiring replacement, and applicants changing particulars.

Requirements checklist

  • Approved Kenya ID application form: Reg.136A, Reg.136D or the applicable form confirmed by the Consulate as applicable.
  • Passport photographs on white background: three for first-time applicants and two for replacement or change of particulars.
  • Original and copy of applicant birth certificate.
  • Original and copy of valid Kenyan passport.
  • Copy of Kenyan ID card of either parent for first-time applications where applicable.
  • Original first-generation ID for holders of first-generation ID cards.
  • For lost ID: police report or notarized affidavit explaining loss.
  • For change of particulars: original ID, marriage certificate where relevant, copies of spouse IDs, passport and related supporting documents.
  • Prepaid self-addressed return envelope with tracking.

Guidance for emergency travel documentation issued only in genuine emergencies. The application is completed online, printed, signed and submitted with supporting documents.

Who this service is for

Kenyan citizens requiring emergency travel documentation where a passport is unavailable or cannot be issued in time for urgent travel.

Requirements checklist

  • Fully completed, printed and signed emergency certificate application form.
  • Two recent passport-size photographs.
  • Original expired passport or lost passport details and copy where available.
  • Copy of birth certificate, front and back.
  • Copy of Kenya national ID card, front and back.
  • Application letter explaining the emergency and proposed travel itinerary.
  • Home and work telephone numbers.
  • Self-addressed stamped return envelope with delivery confirmation.

Guidance for registering the death of a Kenyan citizen who dies outside Kenya.

Who this service is for

Kenyan citizens whose death occurs abroad; application may be handled by next of kin or authorized applicant with knowledge of the death.

Requirements checklist

  • Original and copy of medical certificate from medical practitioner.
  • Original and copy of death certificate issued abroad and English version where applicable, certified by the Kenyan Mission abroad.
  • Original and copy of disposal permit or burial permit issued abroad.
  • Identification documents for the deceased.
  • Duly completed BDA 2 form.
  • Original and copy of identification documents of the applicant.

Guidance for registering the birth outside Kenya of a child who is a citizen of Kenya. This service is important for children born abroad who later require Kenyan documents.

Who this service is for

A birth can be registered where documentary proof of the birth is produced and the child is eligible for Kenya citizenship through the parent(s).

Requirements checklist

  • Duly completed Form BDA 1.
  • Certified or notarized copy of child foreign birth certificate.
  • Copy of child foreign passport, if any.
  • For applicants 18 years and above: proof of dual citizenship disclosure where applicable.
  • Copy of both parents current Kenyan passports, birth certificates and second-generation ID cards.
  • If one parent is non-Kenyan: certified or notarized copy of foreign passport and birth certificate.
  • Copy of both parents Kenyan passport valid at time of birth of the child.
  • Self-addressed stamped return envelope.

Guidance for requesting a copy or search of a marriage certificate issued in Kenya.

Who this service is for

Applicants seeking search/copy of a marriage certificate record through the Registrar of Marriages.

Requirements checklist

Guidance for Kenyan and non-Kenyan applicants seeking a Kenya police clearance certificate. Applicants must provide fingerprints, identification documents, application letter and supporting documents.

Who this service is for

Kenyan citizens and non-Kenyan citizens who require a Kenya police clearance certificate. Non-Kenyan applicants must show proof of legal stay in Kenya.

Requirements checklist

  • Complete set of rolled and plain fingerprints taken at a local police station with official stamp or before an attorney and certified.
  • For Kenyan citizens over 18: copy of Kenyan second-generation ID card.
  • For applicants under 18: certified copy of birth certificate.
  • Application letter.
  • Biographic details / description of applicant form or DCI eCitizen printout as applicable.
  • For non-Kenyan citizens: two passport photos, certified passport copy and proof of legal stay in Kenya.
  • Self-addressed certified stamped return envelope with delivery confirmation.

Guidance for visitors to Kenya using the official eTA portal, including required documents, additional documents by travel purpose, typical processing time and exemptions.

Who this service is for

Most travelers to Kenya unless exempt under the applicable Kenya Citizenship and Immigration rules or other official exemption categories.

Requirements checklist

  • Valid passport with minimum six months validity and at least one blank page.
  • Selfie or passport-type photo.
  • Contact details including email and phone number.
  • Travel itinerary with arrival and departure details.
  • Accommodation booking confirmation.
  • Payment method such as credit or debit card.
  • Additional documents depending on purpose: medical referral, conference letter, employment contract, resettlement documents, vaccination/test certificates, business invitation and company registration, family host documents, or diplomatic official letter.

Guidance for families and funeral homes seeking a letter of no objection for transportation of the remains or ashes of a deceased Kenyan to Kenya.

Who this service is for

Next of kin, authorized representatives or funeral homes handling remains or ashes of a deceased Kenyan citizen.

Requirements checklist

  • For remains: proof the deceased was Kenyan, such as passport, birth certificate or Kenyan ID.
  • US locally issued burial and/or transit permit.
  • Certified copy of death certificate.
  • Letter from local health authority confirming the deceased did not die of contagious disease.
  • Metal hermetically sealable casket recommended.
  • Letter from funeral home director stating how the body was embalmed.
  • For ashes: certified death certificate, crematorium certificate, funeral director certificate confirming contents, and proof deceased was Kenyan.
  • Prepaid self-addressed return envelope with tracking.

Guidance for applicants seeking a Kenya no-objection or clearance process connected to a J-1 waiver request. Applicants should confirm the current routing before submission, as this service may involve onward handling through the Kenya Embassy in Washington, DC and relevant Kenyan authorities.

Who this service is for

Kenyan applicants who require Government of Kenya clearance or a no-objection process in support of a J-1 waiver request.

Requirements checklist

  • Formal letter of application giving reasons for the requested J-1 visa waiver or change.
  • Copy of the letter from the U.S. Department of State showing the applicant's case number.
  • Copy of Form AP-66/DS-2019 or the current J-1 programme document as prescribed.
  • Letter of no objection from the sponsor who facilitated the J-1 visa, where applicable.
  • HELB clearance certificate.
  • Clearance letter from previous employer in Kenya, where applicable.
  • Copy of the J-1 visa.
  • Copy of KCSE certificate or equivalent.
  • Copy of passport biodata page.

Guidance for authentication or legalization of documents for use in Kenya or abroad. The source separates requirements for Kenya nationals and foreign nationals.

Who this service is for

Kenyan nationals and foreign nationals requiring authentication/legalization of eligible documents.

Requirements checklist

  • For Kenyan nationals: original document and copy issued by a competent government authority.
  • For foreign nationals: original document authenticated by the U.S. Department of State or relevant government mission, plus copy of the original document.
  • Accompanying request letter.
  • Money order/cashier check as applicable.
  • Self-addressed stamped return envelope with delivery confirmation.

Service links

Frequently used official portals

All serviceseCitizen PassportsImmigration Services VisitorsKenya eTA Good conductDCI Services AuthenticationMFA eCitizen Forms & checklistsGeneral Downloads Common questionsConsular FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Consular service FAQs

Answers to common questions drawn from existing Consulate guidance and updated for the new website structure.

Kenya consular services in the United States are handled through the Embassy in Washington, DC and the Consulates in New York and Los Angeles. Users served by the U.S. West Coast should start with the Los Angeles Consulate service guidance and contact channels.

Contact Los Angeles ConsulateOfficial links

Applicants with urgent passport or travel-document needs should write to the Consulate explaining the emergency and provide contact details, travel timelines and supporting documents. Emergency Certificate guidance is also provided in the service directory.

Email immigration sectionEmergency Certificate guidance

No. Biometric collection is sensitive and has security implications. Applicants should use the official appointment and biometric capture process communicated by the Consulate or Directorate of Immigration Services.

Passport guidanceImmigration Services

Kenyans born before 27 August 1987 who acquired another citizenship before 27 August 2010 may be required to regain Kenyan citizenship before applying for some services. Kenyan dual citizens who have reached the age of majority should complete dual citizenship disclosure where applicable.

Regaining citizenshipDual citizenship declaration

The Consulate supports families by issuing a letter of no objection where the required documents for transportation of remains or ashes to Kenya have been provided and verified.

Transportation of remains guidanceContact the Consulate

Visitors should use the official Kenya eTA portal. Avoid unofficial third-party websites that may charge unnecessary fees or provide misleading information.

Apply on official eTA portaleTA guidance

Downloads

Forms and checklists required

Downloadable forms and checklists are available through the central downloads section and official service portals.