Non-Immigrant Visas

General Information

Press Release - U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa Fees Reduced to Kshs.8,500

Press Release - Adjustment of Exchange Rate Will Affect Kenya Non-Immigrant Visa Fees as of February 1, 2008

A non-immigrant visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission for temporary visit; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.

With few exceptions, applicants for visas must appear personally for an interview before a visa may be issued. Interviews are by appointment only. Note: Appointments once booked cannot be cancelled or changed.

ATTENTION:
Any applicant who obtains a visa appointment under false pretenses will be denied entry for their interview.
 

The Consular Section has waived all appointments for American Chamber of Commerce corporate members for Business travel ONLY. For more information please contact the American Chamber of Commerce.

The Visa section will only consider request for expedited appointments for the following reasons:

• Emergency medical treatment for applicant as well as any persons desiring to travel in support (for example parent caring for child).
• Family emergency such as death.

For expeditious appointment please call 363 6491

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the United States under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa.

If you qualify for a visa, the Consular Section will return passports and visas two days after the interview, excluding Fridays. Occasionally, however, we will be unable to do so due to circumstances and technical issues beyond our control.

Pickup time for visas is 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except the last Wednesday of the month. Please bring with you the coloured pickup ticket and cashier's receipt showing that you have paid the issuance fee when you pick your passport.

Please be informed that submission of fake documents or misrepresentation of facts in any way could render you permanently ineligible for a Non-immigrant visa to the United States of America.

Since no assurance regarding the issuance of non-immigrant visas can be given in advance, final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable air tickets should not be made until you are approved and have the visa in hand.

Important note: Wait times for an interview can vary. We suggest that applicants bring reading material to occupy themselves while they wait for their interview. The Consular Section also has vending machines that accept Kenyan Shillings in coins. We advise that applicants bring coins if they think that they might want to avail themselves of snacks or drinks from the vending machine.