The cost and wait for a passport in Africa

Dar es Salaam. In today's increasingly globalized world, a passport is more than just a travel document—it is a key to opportunity, education, business, and a myriad of international experiences.

However, the cost and processing time for obtaining a passport can vary significantly from country to country.

In East Africa and Africa in general, these factors present unique challenges, particularly when compared to other regions of the world.

In this story, we explore the cost of passports across various African countries and compare them with the rest of the world, shedding light on both the financial burdens and bureaucratic hurdles that come with international travel.

 Costly and time-consuming

Across much of Africa, the price of a passport is relatively high compared to average income levels, and the processing time can be lengthy.

These factors can often make acquiring a passport a daunting task for many people. For example, in Kenya, a regular adult e-passport costs $40 for a 32-page passport, while in Nigeria, the cost for a 32-page passport is $55, with an additional $45 charged for express services.

 This makes it clear that for many low-income individuals, these costs can represent a significant portion of their earnings.

The situation is similar in countries like South Africa, where the cost of a 10-year adult passport is $21, but the fee increases for expedited processing.

 In Ethiopia, the cost for a regular passport for adults is $20, but getting a passport quickly can push the fee even higher. In Tanzania a 32-page passport costs $55, in Cameroon it costs $184, Mozambique $34, Zimbabwe $170, Angola$30, DRC $130, Rwanda $50, and in Uganda a passport costs $68

Processing times also vary, often stretching over weeks or even months, depending on the country. In Kenya, for example, regular passport applications can take up to 10 business days, while the expedited option might reduce this to 2-3 days.

Nigeria's processing time for a passport can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks in most cases, while express services can shorten this to around 2 weeks.

While these fees and wait times are significant, they are not unique to Africa. Many developing nations face similar barriers to passport access, particularly where there are administrative bottlenecks and the lack of a robust, efficient system.

Africa compared to other parts of the world

When comparing Africa to other parts of the world, it becomes clear that while there are countries where passport costs and processing times are relatively high, African nations face unique challenges due to lower incomes, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and logistical hurdles.

In Europe, the cost of a passport is generally higher but is balanced by higher average wages and efficient processing systems. For example, a German passport for an adult costs €80 (about $85) for a 10-year passport.

However, processing times are typically 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited services can have the passport ready in just 2-3 days.

Similarly, in the UK, the cost for an adult passport is £82.50 (about $100), but the processing time is generally 10 weeks for standard applications, or 1 week with the fast-track service.

In Asia, the passport cost can vary widely. In India, for instance, the cost of a 10-year passport for an adult is $18 USD, but processing time can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months. Meanwhile, in Japan, a 10-year passport costs about $110, and the processing time is typically around 1 week, even though Japan’s passport issuance system is extremely efficient.

In North America, passports are relatively more expensive. The cost of a US passport for an adult is $130 for a 10-year passport, while a Canadian passport costs $88 for a 5-year passport.

Processing times are generally 6-8 weeks for standard applications, but expedited services can have passports ready in 24 hours to 1 week.

Challenges in Africa

While it’s clear that Africa's passport fees are lower than in many Western countries, the high cost relative to the income levels and the often long processing times pose a serious challenge for many people. These barriers to access can limit travel opportunities for citizens, curtailing access to international business, education, and healthcare.

Additionally, inefficiencies in administrative systems, lack of infrastructure, and in some cases, corruption, can make acquiring a passport a stressful and costly process.

 Applicants in many African nations are often required to deal with long queues, unclear requirements, and at times, bribery or other informal payments to expedite services.

For example, in Ethiopia, where passports cost $20 for adults, the process may take up to 3 months in some cases, and many applicants report difficulties with tracking their applications or getting clear information from government offices.

Similarly, in Congo, the cost for a passport is around $130 , but the administrative process can take several months, causing delays that can interfere with important international travel plans.

While there are some similarities in passport fees and processing times across regions, Africa faces a unique set of challenges related to lower average incomes, inefficient government systems, and the economic realities of travel.

These barriers hinder free movement and limit opportunities for many Africans, making it more difficult for them to access the global community.

In comparison, countries in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia benefit from more streamlined, modernized passport systems, which make it easier for their citizens to travel without the same financial or bureaucratic burdens.

Studies show that while African governments are working toward improving passport access and efficiency, there is still much progress to be made.