Getting official documents renewed is a nightmare in Egypt, especially if you’re not prepared or don’t know what documents you need.
Last week, I was renewing my Egyptian passport and I had to go back twice to get it done right.
So, If you’re looking to renew your passport, here’s what you need to know:
1.Make sure your National ID isn’t expired
You know that National ID that you’ve pretty much never used in your life until now? Well, nothing and I mean absolutely no official governmental papers can be done without it. So, it’s time to get it out and make sure it isn’t expired (or else you’ll need to renew it first before getting anything done).
2. Check the address listed on your National ID, and find the closest government office (kesm) for your district
3. Prepare the documents you need before you go
Or else you’ll end up standing in one loooooong queue to be told to come back later (like what happened to me!). And, to be honest, every representative has a different list, so here’s the full list of everything you MIGHT need, just in case:
- If your National ID still says student (and you’ve graduated), you’ll need to bring your original graduation certificate with you as well as a copy ( yes, this was why I was sent back).
- You’ll also need three passport-sized photos with a white background (make sure Kodak don’t put their touch when it comes to backgrounds and make it seem like the picture was taken in Neverland).
- Photo copy your National ID (and bring the original, too).
- Photo copy the first two pages of your expired passport and the last entry stamp.
- If you’re recently married, you need to bring your marriage certificate, a copy of your marriage certificate and a copy of your spouse’s National ID, too.
- If you’re registered as working in a certain place on you’re National ID, you’ll need to bring a document of proof that you work there, as well as a copy of it, too.
4. Passport documents are accepted from 9-11 AM
I went there once at 11:30 AM and they told me to come back the next day, so, the next day I went at 8:30 AM thinking I’d be smart enough to arrive before everyone, but boy was a wrong! There were at least 80 people before me in the queue and it looked like they’d been working for at least an hour. So even though they say 9-11 AM, I’d say be there at 7 AM or be prepared to wait (for at least) two hours until it’s your turn.
5. Pick up the renewal application from the front desk and fill it in while you’re waiting for your turn.
Only fill in the first page or else they’ll make you fill it in again.
6. Have 136 LE ready in cash, because most of the time they don’t have any change.
7. If you’ve forgotten to photo copy any of the documents mentioned above, there is a photo copy machine available in most offices, just have some coins on you, because they also never have any change.
8. Bring a cap, a bottle of water and something to keep you entertained while you wait for God knows how long.
It takes three working days for a passport to be renewed, and you’ll be asked to come back and pick it up between 12-3 PM. Happy traveling !
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss Countries Egyptians Can Travel to Without a Visa.
