Date of publication:
08/21/2025
Kenya
Do domestic laws and policies provide access to travel documents and entry/exit visas for family members of forcibly displaced and stateless persons for the purpose of family reunification?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Kenya’s domestic laws and policies establish mechanisms that enable family members of Kenyan citizens and legal residents to obtain travel documentation and entry visas for the purpose of family reunification. The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, serves as the primary legislation governing these processes, detailing provisions for the issuance of passports, refugee travel documents, and entry permits to facilitate the legal entry and stay of family members seeking reunification.
Under the Act, eligible family members—including spouses, children, and dependents—may apply for passports or other recognized travel documents if they meet the necessary legal requirements. Additionally, the Immigration Regulations, 2012, provide guidelines for the issuance of entry visas and dependent passes, allowing family members of Kenyan citizens or legal residents to lawfully enter and reside in the country. Foreign spouses and children may also qualify for permanent residence or citizenship by registration, depending on the duration and nature of their relationship with the principal applicant.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act
- Year: 2011
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Work & Workplace rights, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2011/en/123212
Legal provision
Article 25 - Types of Passports and other travel documents.
Travel Document issued subject to the provisions of the Refugee Act, and any other Humanitarian Convention.
Section 24 - Persons entitled to passports and other travel documents.
(1) Every citizen is, subject to this Act, entitled upon application, in the prescribed manner, to be issued with a passport or other travel documents to facilitate international travel. (2) A passport or travel document issued under this Act shall remain the property of the Government of Kenya. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a passport validly issued under this Act must remain in the possession of its holder until such time as there is lawful cause for its withdrawal, suspension or confiscation (4) The Cabinet Secretary may subject to the Constitution and subject subsection (1), prescribe the information to be provided in a passport or travel document.
Section 26.8 - Validity of passports and other travel documents.
Travel Document issued to a refugee shall be valid for travel to all countries except the country of the holder’s nationality and shall be valid for a period of five years.