---
title: United States visa for citizens of Kenya
description: "Citizens of Kenya need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/kenya
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United States visa for citizens of Kenya

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.*

Official application site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ke/en

## 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

- **Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)** (Travel): Must contain at least one blank visa page.
- **DS-160 confirmation page** (Supporting): Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
- **Appointment confirmation letter** (Supporting): Printed from UStraveldocs after scheduling interview.
- **Passport-sized photo (5x5 cm, white background)** (Supporting): Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.
- **Visa application fee receipt (MRV fee)** (Financial): Pay online via UStraveldocs or at designated bank.
- **SEVIS/I-20 fee receipt (if student or exchange visitor)** (Financial, optional): Only for F, M, J visa applicants.
- **Bank statements (last 3–6 months)** (Financial, optional): To show sufficient funds for travel.
- **Employment letter or pay slips** (Employment, optional): To demonstrate ties to home country.
- **Travel itinerary / flight bookings** (Travel, optional): Not mandatory but helpful.
- **Hotel reservation or invitation letter** (Travel, optional): Proof of accommodation.
- **Previous U.S. visas (if any)** (Travel, optional): Include expired passports containing old visas.
- **Marriage certificate / birth certificates of family in U.S.** (Supporting, optional): If visiting close relatives.
- **Criminal record certificates / police clearance** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ke/en)

## More

- [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states)
- [Every destination for Kenya passport holders](/visa/passport/kenya)