Relief as government extends e-passport deadline

The government has extended the deadline for travel on the new e-passport to 1st March 2020, government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna has said.

This comes as the deadline set earlier by the government, August 31 2019, nears with massive application of the new e-passport continues country wide.

In a press circular Col (Rtd) Oguna said that the President has directed the Cabinet Secretaries for the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Monica Juma and Interior and Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang’i to work with foreign missions across the world to facilitate the issuance of visas to Kenyans on the current passports.

“Kenyans are urged to take advantage of the extension and not wait until the last minute to apply,” said Mr Oguna.

In August 2017, the government began phase out the old passports, with holders required to change to new digital passports. This is after the East Africa Community (EAC) directed its members to begin issuance of the new digital passport by January 31, 2018.

The A, B, C series and diplomatic passports will cost Ksh4,550, Ksh6,050, Ksh7,550 and Ksh7,550, respectively and payments will be made via mobile phone or credit cards.

{ Read: Govt unveils e-passports: How and where to get one }

The e-passport has a chip which provides travellers benefits such as use of automated border clearance and will enhance faster clearance at points of entry and exit. It is highly secure, hence avoids passport reproduction and tampering.

The old documents will become obsolete starting September 1, 2019.