A Special Pass is a short-term immigration document issued to foreign nationals who need to remain in Kenya temporarily for a specific purpose that does not fall within any work permit class — such as pending processing of a work permit, attending to urgent business, completing a short-term assignment, or during an appeal period. It is issued by the Director General of Immigration Services and is typically granted for periods of one month at a time.
Under the 2024 fee revision, Special Pass charges switched from a KES-denominated monthly rate to a USD-denominated monthly rate.
Special Pass Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application processing fee | Free (no processing fee) | Special Pass applications are not charged a processing fee |
| Monthly issuance fee | USD 200 per month | Revised from KES 15,000 per month under 2024 gazette notice |
The issuance fee moved from KES 15,000/month to USD 200/month effective from the 2024 immigration revisions.
Key Requirements
Applications for a Special Pass are accompanied by a letter explaining the specific circumstances requiring the pass, evidence of the underlying purpose (e.g., a work permit application acknowledgement, contract, or assignment letter), and a valid passport. Special Passes are not automatically renewable and are intended as a short-term measure; holders should not rely on repeated renewals in lieu of obtaining the appropriate work permit class.
