Dependant Pass

A Dependant Pass is an official document specifically granted to a person who has a close family member legally authorized to enter Kenya.

According to Regulation 27(1) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012, this pass is granted to:

1. Spouses of a person lawfully entitled to enter Kenya.
2. Children whose parents are legally permitted to enter Kenya.
3. A person under the guardianship of someone who has legal entry rights to Kenya.

This pass allows the dependant to reside in Kenya alongside their qualifying family member or guardian.

Eligibility for a Dependant Pass in Kenya is determined by specific criteria.

A Dependant Pass can only be applieed and issued to persons who are Dependants of: 

• Kenyan citizens
• Holders of a valid permit
• Exempted persons
• Permanent residents

The dependant should also fulfill one of the following conditions:

• Be a legally married spouse of the opposite sex (a marriage certificate is required).
• Be your child under the age of 18 (birth certificates showing your relationship are required).
• Be any other person who completely depends on you, such as parents, brothers, or sisters (documentary evidence like medical documents is required).

The dependent must have a valid passport with blank pages for the visa.

The following documents are required for a Kenya Dependant Pass Application:

1. Completed and signed Form 28 from the eFNS Portal.
2. Detailed cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, signed by the applicant.
3. Two recent colored passport-size photographs of the dependant.
4. Copies of valid national passports or IDs (bio-data pages) for both applicant and dependant.
5. Certified evidence of relationship (e. g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, or death certificate).
6. Proof of sufficient income to support both parties.
7. Documentary evidence of dependency conditions (e. g., medical conditions, disability, age).
8. Valid work permit copy for applicants with one (must be at least six months old).
9. English translations of any foreign language documents from an embassy, public notary, or authorized institution.

The application process for a Dependant Pass in Kenya involves several steps and is done online on the eFNS ( Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) Portal. See below a detailed breakdown of the procedure to apply:

1. eFNS Account Creation: Begin by creating a login account on the eFNS Portal.
2. eFNS Portal Access: Use your newly created credentials to log into the eFNS portal.
3. Application Initiation: Once logged in, locate and click on the "Apply now" link.
4. Submission: Navigate to the "Submit Applications" tab and select the dependant pass option.
5. Application Review: After submission, your application will be reviewed. Upon approval, an invoice will be generated.
6. Invoice Access: To view your invoice, go to the "Dashboard" and then the "Payments" tab.
7. Payment Options: You can pay online through various methods. If online payment is not possible, you may print the invoice and pay via banker's cheque at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi.
8. Application Tracking: The system will send automatic notifications via email and update your online account regarding the progress of your application.

The Dependant Pass in Kenya comes with several important restrictions and limitations that holders should be aware of:

1. Dependant Pass holders are not permitted to receive education or undergo training at any educational or training establishment in Kenya.
2. The pass does not allow the holder to engage in any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, within Kenya.
3. Holders are prohibited from engaging in any business or trade activities in the country.
4. The pass restricts holders from participating in any income-generating activities within Kenya.

A dependant's pass may become invalid under several circumstances. These include:

1. The dependent no longer relies on the applicant for support.
2. The applicant fails to or cannot maintain the dependant.
3. The applicant leaves Kenya, and it appears their absence will be long-term.
4. The dependant engages in employment or any income-generating activities.
5. The applicant's permanent residence status is terminated.
6. The applicant passes away.
7. In the case of a child dependant, they reach the age of 21 years.

eFNS Portal

Kenya Re-entry Pass