Get a temporary permit to travel within East Africa
Directorate of Immigration Services · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Apply and pay KSh 1,050 on eCitizen, then take the printed form, invoices, your ID (or passport) and two passport photos to an immigration office or border point. The permit lets you travel within East Africa for one year.
- Fee
- KSh 1,050Temporary permit (East Africa)
- How long
- Immediate, according to the DIS service charter
- Where
- Online on eCitizen (Directorate of Immigration Services), then in person at an immigration office or border point
What you need
- Adults: original national ID and a copy, or original passport and a copy
- Children: original birth certificate and a copy
- Two passport-size photos
- Two printed copies of the completed application form and two invoices from eCitizen
Steps
- Create an eCitizen account if you don't have one.
- Fill in the temporary permit application online and pay the fee.
- Print two copies of the completed form and two invoices, and attach copies of your documents.
- Hand them in at the nearest immigration office or at the border point where you leave or enter.
Watch out
- It only works within the East African region. For travel anywhere else you need a passport.
- A child needs their own permit, applied for with the child's birth certificate.
Who can apply
- Kenyans travelling within the East African region. The permit is valid for 1 year.
Official sources (4)
- Temporary Permit immigration.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Type and Fees immigration.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Directorate of Immigration Services Delivery Charter 2025 immigration.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Kenya Citizenship and Immigration - eCitizen dis.ecitizen.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026