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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Passes

Special pass

For a limited stay to temporarily conduct a business, trade or profession, or while applying for a permit or pass.

Form 32 Invoice on approval
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Who it is for

A special pass is issued under regulation 34 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012 to a person who wishes to enter or remain in Kenya for a limited period to:

  • seek a review of a decision refusing a permit
  • apply for a permit or pass
  • temporarily conduct any business, trade or profession

What you need

Have these ready before you apply. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

  • Duly completed and signed Form 32, stamped by the institution, printed at the end of your online application

  • Detailed, signed cover letter from the applicant or organisation, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services

  • Two recent colour passport-size photographs

  • Copy of your passport (bio-data page)

  • Your current immigration status, if you are in Kenya

  • Copy of the organisation’s registration certificate

  • Certified copies of academic and professional certificates

  • English translations of any documents in other languages, by an embassy, a notary public or an authorised or recognised institution

  • Copies of any permits or passes held

  • Copy of any official receipt or acknowledgement, if you are waiting for a permit to be processed

  • Clearance letter from the relevant authorities

Fees

The fee for this application is shown on your invoice before you pay. All fees are paid through eCitizen.

How to apply

  1. Step 1: Sign in with eCitizen

    Use your Government of Kenya eCitizen account. If you do not have one yet, registration is free.

    Create an eCitizen account

  2. Step 2: Complete the application

    Fill in Form 32 online, for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and print it when you finish.

  3. Step 3: Pay once it is approved

    An invoice is raised when your application is approved. Pay it through eCitizen by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card.

  4. Step 4: Present your documents

    Take your printed application and the documents listed above to the immigration office named under “Good to know”.

  5. Step 5: Follow your application

    You receive email and account notifications as your application moves through each stage.

Good to know

  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Engaging in any form of business or employment without the requisite permit or pass is an offence.
  • Printed applications must be presented at Immigration headquarters.
  • The institution must provide all information about any permits or passes previously applied for or issued. Knowingly misleading an immigration officer is an offence under section 53(1)(a) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011.
  • Notification of approval is not authority to engage in business, a profession, employment or residence: you must first obtain the special pass.
  • If the special pass is not paid for within 30 days of the notification of approval, the approval becomes null and void (regulation 56 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012).