Kenya
United States
United States visa for Kenyan citizens
Entry requirement
Kenyan citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at ke.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Kenya
The United States has 1 mission in Kenya, with its embassy in Nairobi.
US visas issued to citizens of Kenya
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 16,356 | 11,496 |
| Student (F, M) | 2,158 | 1,751 |
| Exchange (J) | 1,035 | 1,058 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 843 | 1,049 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 1,908 | 2,869 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 1,482 | 1,263 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 517 | 516 |
| Other | 12 | 2 |
| Total | 24,311 | 20,004 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 63.3% | 68.2% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 20,004 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Kenya, the 57th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 57%, transit and crew visas 14% and student visas 9%. That is 18% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (24,311).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Kenya received 5,999, 35% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 68.2% for citizens of Kenya in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 63.3%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Kenya anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Kenya.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Kenya
United StatesKenya Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Kenya visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Kenya to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long Kenyan citizens can stay in the United States
How long Kenyan citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Kenyan citizens apply
In Kenya, applications go to the US embassy in Nairobi, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Kenyan citizens
Cuba admits Kenyan citizens visa-free. Canada and Mexico require Kenyan citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Kenya
Before flying to Kenya, US citizens must obtain an ETA online; stays of up to 90 days are allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kenyan citizens need a visa for the United States?
Kenyan citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in Kenya?
The US embassy in Kenya is in Nairobi.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Before flying to Kenya, US citizens must obtain an ETA online; stays of up to 90 days are allowed.
Can Kenyan citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Kenyan citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.