United States Visa RequirementsFor Kenya passport holders
Kenyan citizens need a B1/B2 (tourist/business) visa to visit the United States. The US Embassy in Nairobi is one of the busiest US missions in Africa, processing a high volume of Kenyan nonimmigrant visa applications.
Kenya passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov to fill the DS-160 form, then pay the visa fee and schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi (United Nations Avenue). The visa application fee (MRV fee) is $185 USD, paid before booking the interview. The interview requires your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, recent photo (5cm x 5cm, white background), and supporting documents: bank statements, employment letter with salary and confirmed leave, evidence of ties to Kenya, and accommodation plans in the US. Processing after interview is typically a few business days to a few weeks.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Completed DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form (online)
Valid Kenyan passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Passport photo (5cm x 5cm, white background)
MRV visa application fee payment receipt ($185 USD)
Interview appointment confirmation letter
Bank statements (last 3-6 months) showing sufficient funds
Employment letter with salary and confirmed leave
Evidence of ties to Kenya (property, family, employment)
Hotel bookings or host invitation letter in the US
Previous US or international travel history documentation Recommended
Current Travel Situation
Kenya to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States is a major destination for Kenyan travellers for tourism, business, academic conferences, and family visits. Kenya has a large Kenyan diaspora in the US, particularly in Washington DC, Atlanta, and Boston. The US Embassy in Nairobi processes a high volume of nonimmigrant visa applications. The B1/B2 visa requires an in-person interview at the embassy. Processing times and interview wait times can vary significantly, and approval is at the consular officer's discretion.
How to Get There
Kenya Airways operates a direct Nairobi (NBO) to New York JFK (JFK) flight, one of the longest routes of the national carrier. The direct flight takes approximately 14-15 hours. Ethiopian Airlines connects via Addis Ababa to multiple US cities (New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles). Other options include connecting via Amsterdam (KLM), London (British Airways), or Doha (Qatar Airways).
Money & Banking
The United States uses the US dollar (USD). Kenyan Visa/Mastercard bank cards work at US ATMs and in shops and restaurants. The US is moderately expensive; budget $100-200 USD per day for mid-range travel depending on the city. New York and San Francisco are the most expensive cities; Atlanta and Houston are more affordable.
Practical Tips
The US Embassy in Nairobi handles a very high volume of applications; interview appointment wait times can extend to several months during busy periods. Book your interview as early as possible, at least 6 months before intended travel during peak season. If your application is refused, you may reapply, but address the reason for refusal in your new application. Strong employment record, property in Kenya, and family ties significantly strengthen your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from Nairobi to the United States?
Yes. Kenya Airways operates a direct Nairobi (NBO) to New York JFK (JFK) flight -- one of the longest routes of the national carrier. The direct flight takes approximately 14-15 hours. Ethiopian Airlines also connects to multiple US cities via Addis Ababa.
How long does a US visa interview wait take in Nairobi?
Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy in Nairobi vary significantly and can extend to several months during busy periods. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov and book your interview as early as possible, at least 6 months before your intended travel date during peak seasons.
What is the US visa fee for Kenyan citizens?
The nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) is $185 USD for B1/B2 tourist/business visas. This fee is paid before scheduling your interview and is non-refundable even if the visa is refused.