How to Apply for a Special Pass in Kenya

To Apply for a Special Pass in Kenya Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal. Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal. Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link. Click on the “Submit Applications” tab and select the Special pass tab.

Procedure on How to Apply for a Special Pass in Kenya

• This is a document issued to person(s) who wish to enter Kenya or remain in Kenya for a limited period for the purpose of applying a review of a decision denying a permit, applying for a permit or pass or temporarily conducting any business, trade or profession (i.e. Specific employment by specific employer) for a short duration not exceeding three (3) months.
  

Apply Online

1. The first step is to register with the Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal through the following link eFNS Online Platform.
2. Click on create account then click on the Create an Account to register.
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3. You will need to fill in your personal information so to register for an eFNS account For Kenyan citizens, you will need your national ID number while foreigners residing in Kenya will need your foreigner certificate. If you do not have national ID or foreigner certificate, select other and use passport details to register.
4. Once you have registered you will then need to login to your eFNS account and under the Submit application tab click on Submit new applications.
5. This will direct you to the next page where you should make your next selection. Under the Permit and Passes Services Section, click on the Apply Now link in the Special Pass Tab.
6. This will direct you to next page; here you should read the instructions carefully; make sure you have all the requirements to make the application and then click on the Apply Now button which will direct you to the online application form.
7. Fill in the online application form with all the required details and upload supporting documents. These details include:-
   (a) Start by selecting pass type you wish to apply for ( special pass/ prohibited immigrant’s or an inadmissible person’s pass)
   (b) Full names
   (c) Nationality
   (d) Date and place of birth
   (e) Gender
   (f) Passport ( number, date of issue, expiry date )
   (g) Job title and job description.
   (h) Employers (name, Postal and physical address , phone number )
   (i) Kenyan Contacts ( phone number, postal address, physical location )
   (j) Application type ( new application / renewal )
   (k) Profession
   (l) Date of arrival in Kenya
   (m) Period of time required
   (n) Upload passport photo.
   Then click on save.
8. This will direct you to the next page where you are required to print your special pass application.
9. You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application
10. After your application is approved, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment.
11. If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your invoice by clicking on “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab (If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your invoice). Present your invoice and Banker’s cheque at the Immigration Office Counters and pay for the pass at the port of entry.
12. Make sure you present all the required documents to the immigration offices.
13. Once you have made the payment of Ksh, 15000, the special pass application from will be stamped and you will be able to use it to enter into Kenya.
14. Once you are in Kenya approach the organisation/ institution that you have business/ affiliation with to have the special pass endorsed (stamped)

Required Documents

1. A duly filled and signed Form 32 – Special Pass. You will print out the form at the end of the application for a special pass.
2. Detailed and Signed Cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services from the applicant/organization
3. Two (2) recent passport size colour photos.
4. Copy of passport (the bio-data page)
5. Current Immigration status if in the country
6. Copy of Registration Certificate for the organization.
7. Certified copies of academic and professional certificates of the applicant
8. Copy of any permit or passes held.
9. Copy of any official receipt or acknowledgement for those waiting for permits processing.
10. Clearance letter from the relevant authorities.
    

Note:

• Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorized /recognized institution
  

Office Locations & Contacts

Department of Immigration Services
Nyayo house
Passport Section Ground Floor,
Kenyatta Avenue/ Uhuru Highway
P.O. Box 30191, 00100 Nairobi. Tel: +254-20-2222022, +254-20-2217544,+254-20-2218833
Email: dis@immigration.go.ke
Website: Department of Immigration Website

Mombasa-Immigration Department Office
PC’s Office Building
Tel: +254-41-2222676

Kisumu-Immigration Department Office
New Provincial Headquarters
Tel: +254-057-2024935/2025438/0700596071

• Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal

Eligibility

Any foreigner who;

• Remains in Kenya for a limited period for the purpose of applying a review of a decision denying a permit
• Is applying for a permit or pass
• Is temporarily conducting any business, trade or profession.
• Is a Prohibited Immigrant or an inadmissible person
  

Fees

• Processing fees is free of charge
• Issuance Fees (Payable upon approval) is Kshs.15,000/= per month or part thereof
• All citizens of the East Africa Community (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi) are exempted from payment of the special pass fee.
  

Validity

• The validity period is one month.
  

Documents to Use

• Applications are done online though the Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal

Processing Time

• The processing time online is immediate.
• Approval of the application takes five working days.

Instructions

1. Register with the Kenya electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal through the following link eFNS Online Platform.
2. Login to your eFNS account and under the Submit application tab click on Submit new applications.
3. Under the Permit and Passes Services Section, click on the Apply Now link in the Special Pass Tab.
4. Read the instructions carefully; make sure you have all the requirements to make the application and then click on the Apply Now button which will direct you to the online application form.
5. Fill in the online application form with all the required details and upload supporting documents, then click on save.
6. This will take you to the next page where you are to fill in your Academic/Professional/Technical qualifications. Click on save then click on the proceed button.
7. This will direct you to the next page where you are required to print your special pass application.
8. After your application is approved, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on Dashboard then Payments Tab.
9. If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your invoice by clicking on Dashboard then PaymentsTab. Present your invoice and Banker’s cheque at Immigration Office Counters and pay for the special pass at the port of entry.
10. Once you have made the payment of Ksh, 15,000, the special pass application from will be stamped and you will be able to use it to enter into Kenya.
11. You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application
    

Required Information

1. Type of pass you wish to apply for
2. Full names
3. Nationality
4. Date and place of birth
5. Gender
6. Passport ( number, date of issue, expiry date )
7. Job title and job description.
8. Employers (name, Postal and physical address , phone number )
9. Kenyan Contacts ( phone number, postal address, physical location )
10. Application type ( new application / renewal )
11. Profession
12. Date of arrival in Kenya
13. Period of time required

Need for the Document

• The special pass allows individuals who wish to enter Kenya or remain in Kenya for a limited period for the purpose of applying a review of a decision denying a permit , applying for a permit or pass or temporarily conducting any business, trade or profession ( i.e.specific employment by specific employer) for a short duration not exceeding three (3) months.
  

Information which might help

• Any kind of payment made should be done through the provided online module.
• The organization is required to provide all information regarding any previous permit/passes applied for and/or issued. It is an offence under section 53(1) (a) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 for a person to knowingly mislead an Immigration Officer.
• Notification of approval is not an authority to engage in business, profession, employment or residence without first obtaining actual Special Pass.
• Failure to pay for the Special Pass within thirty (30) days from the date of notification will render the approval null and void (section 56 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012).
• Additional information or documents may be required
• All citizens of the East Africa Community(Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi) are exempted from payment of the special pass fee

External Links

• Checklist of requirements
  

Others

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Engaging in any form of business or employment without a requisite permit or pass is an offence.
• Application print-outs must be presented to the Immigration headquarters
• The institution is required to provide all information material regarding any previous permit/passes applied for and/or issued. It is an offence under section 53(1) (a) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 laws of Kenya for a person to knowingly mislead an Immigration Officer.