Apply for an East African Community (EAC) passport or emergency travel document
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026
Find out how to apply for a regional East African Community (EAC) electronic passport or secure a one-way Emergency Certificate if you are stranded abroad. This page covers fees, eligibility rules, and travel boundaries on eCitizen.
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Quick facts
- Processing time
- 7 to 14 working days for an EAC passport; 1 to 3 working days for emergency repatriation certificates.
- Base cost
- From Ksh 1,050 to Ksh 1,550 flat fee
- How to apply
- Hybrid (Online form and physical attendance required)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- EAC Passport: The applicant must be a legally documented Kenyan citizen. This booklet restricts travel strictly to EAC partner states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DRC). It cannot be used to travel to Europe, Asia, or the Americas.
- Emergency Certificate: Issued only to Kenyan citizens currently stranded in a foreign nation who have lost their main passport or require emergency one-way repatriation to Kenya.
Documents you need
- For EAC Passport: Scanned color copy of your original National ID card and your standard Birth Certificate.
- For Emergency Certificate (Abroad): Scanned copy of a valid Police Report from the local foreign city detailing the passport loss, proof of Kenyan citizenship (ID/Birth certificate scan), and your confirmed one-way flight ticket back to Kenya.
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| East African Community (EAC) Regional Passport Booklet Fee | Ksh 1,500 |
| One-Way Emergency Certificate / Repatriation Clearance Slip | Ksh 1,000 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge | Ksh 50 |
Office visits
- EAC Passport (Local): Physical document check and photo capture at an Immigration desk. Emergency Certificate (Abroad): In-person interview, identity vetting, and hardcopy clearance sheet collection. — EAC passports are processed at Nyayo House (Nairobi) or regional immigration branch offices. Emergency Certificates must be collected from the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate in your foreign country of residence.
You may also use a Huduma Centre where the service is offered.
Questions
Can I get an emergency certificate if I am inside Kenya and need to travel out urgently?
No. NTSA and Immigration rules restrict the Emergency Certificate solely to citizens stranded abroad looking to return home. If you are inside Kenya and have an urgent medical or corporate emergency, you must apply for an ordinary passport booklet and request expedited emergency tracking at the Nyayo House customer care counter.
Does an EAC passport require a physical biometric data capture if I already hold a standard Kenyan passport?
Yes. The regional EAC electronic passport is managed under a separate system network ledger. You must book an appointment slot and physically attend an immigration terminal to map your digital fingerprints and secure profile photos for the regional booklet chip.