United States entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi before you travel. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before travel. Apply at the US embassy or consulate in Kenya — the process includes an interview and takes several weeks. Start early.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your US host. Officers may ask where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. No fixed amount is required, but showing $100–$200 per day helps. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or ESTA for Kenyans
Kenya is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. You must get a visa from the embassy before you fly. No exceptions.
Interview slots fill fast
New appointment slots open at 10 AM Nairobi time daily. Check the appointment system early — slots for the next month can fill within hours.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the online visa application. Takes about 45 minutes. Save the barcode number — you'll need it for the next step.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay $185 at any Equity Bank branch in Kenya using the payment slip generated from the US visa appointment website. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com), create an account, and book a slot at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. Slots open daily at 10 AM Nairobi time.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy (United Nations Avenue, Gigiri) 15 minutes early. No bags, phones, or electronics allowed — use the storage lockers outside. Submit your documents and answer questions honestly.
5
Collect your passport
If approved, your passport with visa will be ready in 3-5 business days. You can pick it up at the embassy or have it delivered via DHL for an extra fee.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (KES 23,680)
Standard visa for tourism or business; must apply at US embassy in Nairobi.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (KES 23,680)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$350 USD (KES 44,800) SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
For full-time study at accredited US institution; requires I-20 form.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$460 USD (KES 58,880) filing fee + other costs
For specialty occupations; employer-sponsored with annual lottery.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$350 USD SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Requires admission and I-20 form. Allows part-time on-campus work.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree. Employer-sponsored with annual cap and lottery.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) and create 10 jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
For approved exchange programs including work-and-travel, internships, and research. Requires sponsor approval.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (KES 23,680) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years typically. | $185 USD (KES 23,680) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (KES 47,360) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to visa revocation and future inadmissibility. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to Kenya35%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation15%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. However, if you have a valid US visa or are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you may transit without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with ESTA approval may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Kenya). Must show valid International Certificate of Vaccination.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile, dengue)Low risk
Risk varies by region and season; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk increases with street food or poor hygiene.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications; biometrics appointments available.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
From application to passport collection, expect 3-6 weeks. The DS-160 takes 45 minutes, interview wait times are 2-4 weeks, and visa processing after approval takes 3-5 business days.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (about KES 24,000). You pay this before the interview, regardless of whether the visa is approved or denied.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Kenyan passport holders. You must obtain a visa from the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi before traveling.
You can reapply at any time, but you must pay the $185 fee again. There's no waiting period, but you should address the reason for denial (e.g., stronger ties to Kenya) before reapplying.
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no transit waiver for Kenyan passport holders.
No. The visa is for a specific duration (usually up to 6 months for B-2). Overstaying can result in a ban from re-entering the US for 3 or 10 years.
Your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, one photo, and any supporting documents like an employment letter, bank statements, or property deeds. Keep them in a clear plastic folder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.