US Visa from Kenya 2026
Kenyan citizens need a visa to travel to the United States. Applications require completing the DS-160 form online and attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri.
Key Links
DS-160 Form: ceac.state.gov | Interview booking: usvisa-info.com/en-ke
US Visa Types
| Visa | Purpose | Fee (USD) | Fee (KES approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 | Business / Tourism / Medical | $185 | ~KSH 24,050 |
| F1 | Student (academic) | $185 | ~KSH 24,050 |
| J1 | Exchange visitor | $185 | ~KSH 24,050 |
| H1B | Specialty worker (employer-sponsored) | $205 | ~KSH 26,650 |
| K1 | Fiance(e) of US citizen | $265 | ~KSH 34,450 |
| CR1/IR1 | Spouse of US citizen (immigrant) | $325 | ~KSH 42,250 |
| C1/D | Transit / Crew | $185 | ~KSH 24,050 |
KES conversions approximate at 1 USD = KSH 130.
Application Steps
- Complete DS-160 Online
Fill out the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov. Upload a compliant photo (5x5cm, white background). Save your confirmation barcode.
- Pay the Visa Fee
Pay $185 (non-refundable) via M-Pesa or bank deposit. Keep the receipt.
- Book Interview Appointment
Schedule at usvisa-info.com/en-ke. You need the DS-160 barcode and payment receipt.
- Attend Interview at US Embassy Nairobi
Location: United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi. Bring passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, and supporting documents. No phones, bags, or electronics allowed inside.
- Wait for Processing
Most B1/B2 decisions are made same day. If approved, your passport with visa is returned via courier (2-5 days).
Required Documents (B1/B2 Visitor)
- Valid Kenyan passport (6+ months validity)
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Interview appointment letter
- Passport-sized photo (5x5cm, white background)
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Employment letter or business documents
- Property documents (title deeds, logbooks)
- Invitation letter (if visiting someone)
- Travel itinerary (do not buy tickets before approval)
- Previous travel history (old passports with stamps)
US Embassy Nairobi
Address
US EmbassyUnited Nations Avenue, Gigiri
P.O. Box 606, Village Market 00621
Nairobi, Kenya
Interview Tips
- Be honest and concise: Answer questions directly and truthfully
- Show strong ties to Kenya: Employment, property, family, and business demonstrate you will return
- Know your purpose: Be specific about what you will do in the US and for how long
- Financial proof: Show you can afford the trip without working in the US
- Arrive early: Be at the embassy 15-30 minutes before your appointment
- No electronics: Leave phones, laptops, and bags outside (use Embassy nearby lockers)
- Dress professionally: First impressions matter
Direct Flights: Kenya to US
| Route | Airline | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (NBO) - New York (JFK) | Kenya Airways | Daily | ~15 hours |
| Nairobi (NBO) - Washington DC (IAD) | Kenya Airways (via Accra) | 3-4x weekly | ~18 hours |
Connecting flights via London (BA/KQ), Amsterdam (KLM), Dubai (Emirates), and Doha (Qatar) also popular.