Kenya passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Kenya

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visitor Visa

Citizens of Kenya need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required

How to apply

1
Complete online visa application (DS-160)
Fill out the DS-160 form on the CEAC website and print the confirmation page with barcode.
2
Pay the MRV visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable fee online via UStraveldocs or at an approved bank in Kenya.
3
Schedule an interview appointment
Log into UStraveldocs Kenya, create an account, and select an appointment slot at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
4
Attend biometrics appointment (if required)
Visit the embassy at the scheduled time for fingerprinting and photograph.
5
Attend visa interview
Appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi on the appointed date with all supporting documents.
6
Wait for visa processing
Processing time varies; you can track status online via the CEAC portal.
7
Collect passport with visa
Passport is returned via pickup from designated location or courier service as chosen during application.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Must contain at least one blank visa page.
Travel itinerary / flight bookings
Optional
Not mandatory but helpful.
Hotel reservation or invitation letter
Optional
Proof of accommodation.
Previous U.S. visas (if any)
Optional
Include expired passports containing old visas.

Financial

Visa application fee receipt (MRV fee)
Pay online via UStraveldocs or at designated bank.
SEVIS/I-20 fee receipt (if student or exchange visitor)
Optional
Only for F, M, J visa applicants.
Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Optional
To show sufficient funds for travel.

Employment

Employment letter or pay slips
Optional
To demonstrate ties to home country.

Supporting

DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Appointment confirmation letter
Printed from UStraveldocs after scheduling interview.
Passport-sized photo (5x5 cm, white background)
Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.
Marriage certificate / birth certificates of family in U.S.
Optional
If visiting close relatives.
Criminal record certificates / police clearance
Optional
Only if requested by consular officer.

Good to know

Visa interview wait times may be long; plan several weeks ahead.
Any false information can lead to permanent ineligibility for U.S. visas.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country (e.g., lack of employment, family, or property)

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, and assets in Kenya.

Past immigration violations or overstay

Disclose any history honestly and provide explanation if applicable.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double‑check all DS-160 entries before submission.

FAQ

Do citizens of Kenya need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Kenya need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa.

How long can citizens of Kenya stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Kenya?

Government fee: $185.

What documents do citizens of Kenya need for the United States?

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Appointment confirmation letter; Passport-sized photo (5x5 cm, white background); Visa application fee receipt (MRV fee); SEVIS/I-20 fee receipt (if student or exchange visitor); and 7 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ke/en

Sources

ustraveldocs.com

Plan your trip to the United States

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for United States.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides