Renewing your Kenyan passport from Thunder Bay: what to know before you book

Planning a trip home, or is your passport running out? Renewing a Kenyan passport from Thunder Bay takes some planning, because part of it happens in person in Ottawa. Here are the five things to know first. For every step and document, see our full Kenyan passport guide for Canada. Everything comes from the Kenya High Commission’s passport page.

1. You can’t do it all by mail

You apply and pay online on eCitizen, then hand in your documents in person at the High Commission in Ottawa. Email immigration@kenyahighcommission.ca to book an appointment.

2. Start early

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks after your appointment, and your new passport comes back by courier. You can renew up to 6 months before your passport expires, so don’t leave it until the month you fly.

3. Fees are paid on eCitizen, in shillings

A 34-page passport is KSh 7,550, 50 pages is KSh 9,500, and 66 pages is KSh 12,500. Bring the eCitizen payment invoice to your appointment.

4. Became Canadian? Sort out your citizenship first

If you took Canadian citizenship, you may need to declare dual citizenship, or regain Kenyan citizenship if you became Canadian before August 27, 2010, before you renew. Our dual citizenship guide explains which applies to you.

5. Children born here need a Kenyan birth certificate first

A child born in Canada needs a Kenyan “born abroad” birth certificate before they can get a Kenyan passport. It costs CAD $210 and takes 4 months or more, so start well before any trip.

The full checklist

Our e-passport guide lists every document for renewals, first passports, children and lost passports, plus the photo rules.

Going to Ottawa? If several of us need passports or IDs, travelling together saves money. Tell us when you’re planning to go, and we can let others know.

Wakenyatbay is not part of the Kenya High Commission. Always confirm details with the High Commission before you travel or pay.