Consular guidance

What to do if your passport or travel document is lost, stolen or destroyed abroad.

1. If it was stolen, report it to the local police and keep a copy of the report.
2. Gather any copy or photo of your passport, your national ID or birth certificate, your travel plans and passport-style photographs if you can.
3. Submit a request under 'Lost or stolen passport', or book an appointment for an emergency travel document at your mission.
4. Check the visa, residence and exit rules of the country you are in. A mission cannot waive local immigration requirements.

Emergency travel documents are usually valid for a limited journey and may take time to issue. Process and fees are confirmed by the Ministry.

For Kenyans working abroad who face unpaid wages, abuse, a withheld passport, unsafe housing or a contract that does not match what was promised.

1. If you are in danger or being harmed, contact local emergency services first. Move to a safe place if you can.
2. Keep copies or photos of your contract, job offer, payslips, messages with your employer or agency, and your employer's and agency's details.
3. Submit a request under 'Employment or labour problem'. Tell us a safe way and time to contact you. We will not contact your employer without discussing it with you first.
4. In many countries a withheld passport is unlawful. Tell us if your employer is keeping yours.
5. The mission cannot act as your lawyer or force an employer to pay, but it can advise on options, liaise with local authorities and refer you to welfare or legal support where available.

Do not pay anyone who offers to 'fix' your case for money. Embassy staff never ask for payment through personal accounts.

How to report a death, register it, and understand the options for repatriation of remains.

1. Family members, employers or friends can report the death by submitting a request under 'Death of a Kenyan abroad'.
2. Local authorities issue the official death documents. The mission can explain how to get them certified and registered for use in Kenya.
3. Repatriation or burial abroad is usually arranged by the family, an insurer or an employer. The mission can advise on procedures and required documents but does not normally pay costs.
4. We will only share information with people who can show they are next of kin or have the family's agreement.

Our deepest condolences. Take your time — the team will explain each step in plain language.

If you or a family member has been arrested or detained abroad.

1. Ask to contact the Kenyan mission. Staff can often visit and share lists of local lawyers, but cannot act as your lawyer.
2. Stay calm, be polite and do not sign documents you do not understand.
3. A family member can submit a request on your behalf. We will check consent before sharing information.
4. The mission cannot get you released or pay legal fees, and cannot interfere with local legal processes.

Getting help when you or a family member is seriously ill or injured abroad.

1. Call local emergency services first. The mission is not an emergency medical provider.
2. Contact your travel or health insurer as soon as possible, as they can approve treatment and transport.
3. Tell the mission if you want us to help contact your family in Kenya. We will only do so with your consent.
4. Keep receipts and medical reports. They may be needed by your insurer.

How the mission communicates during natural disasters, unrest or other emergencies.

1. Keep your registration and contact details up to date so we can send verified alerts.
2. Follow instructions from local authorities and check verified embassy alerts only.
3. Respond to wellbeing checks with 'Safe', 'Need help' or 'Not in the affected area'. Sharing your location is always optional.
4. Evacuation or assisted departure is not guaranteed. Make your own contingency plans and keep a valid travel document ready.

Not receiving a reply from you never means we assume you are missing or in danger.

Support if you have been a victim of crime or feel unsafe.

1. Move to a safe place and contact local emergency services if you are in danger.
2. Report the crime to local police and request a copy of the report.
3. Submit a request for consular support if you need advice, contact with family, or help replacing documents.

Understand the limits of registering your travel with the mission.

1. It helps the mission contact you with verified alerts and gives staff context if you ask for help.
2. It does not replace visas, residence permits or any immigration registration required locally.
3. It does not guarantee assistance. Support depends on each mission's services and capabilities.
4. It does not replace local emergency services.