Re-entry Pass

A re-entry pass in Kenya is an official authorization document issued to a person who holds a dependant pass and is legally residing in Kenya. This pass serves two primary purposes:

1. It allows the holder to leave Kenya temporarily and return without complications.
2. It provides a solution for those who, while legally present in Kenya, left the country temporarily without applying for a re-entry pass beforehand, due to reasons deemed valid by an immigration officer.

A re-entry pass is needed for dependant pass holders who are lawfully in Kenya and intend to leave the country temporarily. It is also required for those who have already left Kenya temporarily and were lawfully present at the time of departure.

The application process for a re-entry pass can be completed online through the Kenya Electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal. 

To apply for a re-entry pass, the following requirements must be met:

1. A completed and signed online application form. This form can be printed at the end of the application process for the re-entry pass on the eFNS Portal. 
2. The dependant's original passport bio data page, along with a photocopy.
3.  If the principal is a resident, both the original and a copy of their work permit are required.
4. If the principal is a Kenyan citizen, both the original and a copy of their Kenyan passport bio data page are necessary.
5. The original dependant pass and a photocopy of it.

The immigration officer endorses a re-entry pass in the holder's passport after carefully considering the application. This is done if the officer is satisfied that the applicant's presence in Kenya upon re-entry would be lawful, excluding the re-entry pass itself.

The validity period of a Kenyan re-entry pass is determined based on the following criteria:

1. Duration: The pass is valid for the expected period of absence from Kenya.
2. Maximum Limit: Regardless of the planned absence duration, the validity cannot exceed two years.
3. Start Date: The two-year maximum period begins from the date of issue.
4. Absolute Limit: Under no circumstances can the validity extend beyond the two-year maximum, even if the planned absence is longer.

Holders of a dependant pass, with a re-entry pass, have the privilege of multiple entries into Kenya within a specified period. This pass allows them to enter and exit the country as needed, without any restrictions on the number of entries.

Kenyan Dependant Pass

eFNS Portal