New Visa Application System

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has implemented a new system to make the visa application process faster, simpler and less stressful for Kenyans seeking to travel to the United States.

Under the new procedures, applicants will be able to schedule a non-immigrant visa appointment via a new website or through the assistance of a call center at (254 20) 619-0600 (in Kenya) or (0001 703) 439-2302 (in the United States). Applicants are also now able to pay for the visa application fee at any of Postbank’s many branches or through Mpesa.

For more information visit the U.S. Embassy Nairobi. (PDF 6.8 KB)

Important Notice:

Parents traveling with children under age 18:

• If two parents are listed on the birth certificate, both must appear at the visa interview and give consent for their child to travel to the United States. Those who are now single parents must provide a court order confirming that they are the sole guardian of the child. If the certificate of birth was issued by the Republic of Kenya, the court order should be obtained from the Children’s Court of the High Court of Kenya.
•  Rights and Protection for Temporary Workers

How to Apply For a Visa

All applicants, including those for visa renewal and children must book an appointment. Applicants should be able to book appointments at their own convenience around the clock to schedule and reschedule their appointments.

It is important that applicants apply early, since appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis.  All applicants, including children, must appear in person for an interview Monday through Thursday morning at the given time of appointment. This service is not available on Fridays and the last Wednesday of every month. Please carry a printout of your appointment details on the given date of appointment.

Public Inquiries:

The preferred and recommended method of inquiry is via email: VisitorVisaNairobi@state.gov.  It generally takes 2-3 working days to receive an email response.  Please include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, passport number and contact information.

Phone Inquiries:

While email inquiries are the preferred method of inquiry, for rare cases that require a phone call, the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit is available on phone at +254 (0) 20-363-6622 between 1pm and 4pm Nairobi time Monday through Thursday and 8am and 10am on Fridays.

Required Documents

1. Valid Passport (must be at least six months valid from the intended date of return from the United States) If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
2. Completed Form DS-160 for each applicant, all questions answered.
3. Important Notice:  Please answer all questions on the DS 160 online form accurately.  For example, ensure that your name and date of birth on your visa application are exactly the same as they are printed in your passport, ensure that you are applying for the correct visa class, etc.  If you enter incorrect information on the DS-160, you will have to correct those errors, which will lead to delays in the application process.  DS 160 Online Form (Sample) (PDF 98 KB)
4. A passport sized photograph (2” x 2”): When you submit your visa application online, you are required to upload a photograph. For more information visit the Department of State Travel Site for photo guidelines.
5. Confirmation of payment of non-refundable application fee (PDF 8 KB) at Postbank or through Mpesa.

Note: submission of supporting documents does NOT guarantee that you will be issued a visa.

With few exceptions, applicants for visas must appear personally for an interview before a visa may be issued. Interviews are by appointment only.

Non-Immigrant Visa Pick-up

If you qualify for a visa, the Consular Section will return passports and visas via courier a week after the interview. Occasionally, however, we will be unable to do so due to circumstances and technical issues beyond our control.

Fraudulent Documents

Please be informed that submission of fake documents or misrepresentation of facts in any way could render you permanently ineligible for a Non-immigrant visa to the United States of America.

Travel Plans

Since no assurance regarding the issuance of non-immigrant visas can be given in advance, final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable air tickets should not be made until you are approved and have the visa in hand.

Expedited appointments

The Visa section will only consider requests for expedited appointments in emergency cases only. These are: 

• Medical treatment for applicant as well as any persons desiring to travel in support (for example parent caring for child).
• Death of immediate family member (ie Parent, Sibling, Child).
• For expeditious appointment visit the U.S. Visa Service. 

Attention: Any applicant who obtains a visa appointment under false pretenses will be denied entry for their interview.

Visa Waiver Program

Canadians and foreign nationals from certain countries are able to be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for a limited time without obtaining a visa. Click on the link above for further information.

Important Note: Wait times for an interview can vary. We suggest that applicants bring reading material to occupy themselves while they wait for their interview. Refreshements are also available at the Consular Section. We advise that applicants bring cash if they think that they might want to avail themselves of snacks or drinks.

Important Note: A non-immigrant visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission for temporary visit; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.