The Kenyan passport is the fifth cheapest worldwide, a recently released report by Compare the Market, a research firm, has shown.
Released on April 10, the report estimated the cost of acquiring a 10-year passport in Kenya at Ksh6,500 ($49.28), placing it below the United Arab Emirates, India, Hungary and South Africa.
UAE's 5-year passport which has visa-free access to 183 countries was the cheapest at Ksh3,550 ($27.13) followed by India whose 10-year passport has access to 62 countries visa-free at Ksh3,630 ($27.70).
Hungary, whose 5-year passport has access to 188 countries visa-free costs Ksh4,160 ($31.78) while that of South Africa costs Ksh6,350 ($48.44) and can access 108 countries visa-free.
Kenya's passport can access 76 countries visa-free.
"The travel insurance comparison experts compiled a list of passport fees around the world and compared them based on price, years valid and power – finding some nations’ passport power can come with a high price tag," read the report in part.
"Despite having powerful passports, nations such as Australia, the USA and Canada consistently found themselves nearing the bottom of the list due to high passport fees relative to other countries."
The study also showed that Mexico's 10-year passport was the most expensive costing Ksh46,400 ($353.90) followed by Australia's 10-year passport at Ksh45,400 ($346.00) and USA's 10-year passport at Ksh33,150 ($252.72).
Commenting over the findings, Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, urged travellers to ensure their documents are kept safe when in foreign lands.
“Damage, loss or theft of your passport is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas. It is important to stay vigilant and take care of these vital documents, as even minor damage can stop you from travelling in some instances," he stated.
“If your passport is lost, damaged or stolen while overseas, it is important to contact the relevant authorities as fast as possible, as in some cases you could be charged or fined if you cannot present appropriate and valid identification.”
The report, however, only analysed 29 passports worldwide.
Kenya's pricy passports
In March, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki effected new fees that saw all categories of passports cost more.
The new charges hiked by up to 75 per cent including Ksh7,500 for an ordinary 34-page booklet while the ordinary 50-page booklet will cost Ksh9,500.
The charges for an ordinary 66-page booklet increased from Ksh7,500 to Ksh12,500.
Replacing lost passports will cost Ksh20,000, up from the previous fee of Ksh12,000.
Those seeking replacement of a mutilated passport will be subject to a fee of Ksh20,000, compared to the initial charge of Ksh10,000. Additionally, obtaining an express passport will now cost Ksh30,000.
"You may recall that the effective date for implementing these charges was January 1, 2024. However, the said charges were to be subjected to public participation before taking place. The purpose of this circular is therefore to inform you that from March 1, 2024, the revised charges, fees, and levies take effect and all our services will be charged accordingly," Kindiki stated at the time.
