So you’ve exhausted all the must see and must visit places in Kenya– and are now looking to expand your travels beyond our borders!!
Or you’re deeply madly in love with Malia Obama and are looking for ways to declare your undying love face to face?
True story!
That’s where your US Tourist B1/B2 Visa comes in!
In this post, I show you how to get that US Visa with your Kenya passport!
But first, a disclaimer:
This post is based on my own personal experience which could vary from one person to another. Kindly use this as a guide. As much as I try to keep it as accurate as humanly possible, I take no responsibility for inaccuracies, mistakes or errors. US visa requirements change from time to time and some of the information here may be outdated by the time you will be reading it. I also give no guarantee that you will be issued a visa by following my advise. Visa issuance is at the sole discretion of the officer who will handle your case.
This post includes a step-by-step guide, a list of the US visa requirements for Kenyan citizens, interview tips for the US embassy in Kenya, and I also try to answer some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
I know you’ve probably heard of all the horror stories from people who’ve been denied a US visa and wondering if you’ll be next on the statistics.
Well, because of the large number of illegal immigrants from Kenya, and other ‘shit-hole‘ countries, the US Government is very strict with their border controls.
In the meantime though, we are going to focus on the positive side of things.
I mean, there’s as many people who get their US visa approved, as there are who get their visa denied.
So, it’s not really that bad.
Besides, if you get denied this time, you could always go back and apply another time.
What's Covered in This Article
When and where to apply for a US Tourist visa in Kenya
‘It’s always advisable to start your US visa application process as soon as you have confirmed your travel plans.
Personal recommendation is at least 2 months in advance of you intended travel date to the US, for two main reasons.
First, it gives you ample time to book your air ticket early on and increases your chances of getting cheaper flights.
Second, according to a recent announcement from by US embassy in Nairobi, the waiting time for an interview was increased to 30 days.
So, starting the application process at least 2 months out gives you ample time to secure a visa appointment date at the US embassy and you don’t miss out on your deadlines.
You must appear in person for an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya located at United Nations Ave, Gigiri, Nairobi.
Step-By-Sep Guide of Applying for a US Tourist Visa in Kenya
Fill out the DS-160 form
Create an account at the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center website and then accurately, carefully, and truthfully fill out the the with your travel information by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website.
You can preview a sample DS-160 here before beginning your online application.
- Have your passport, information about prior U.S. visas you have had, if any, your photo which meets these photo requirements, and any other documents relevant to your intended trip to the US with you. You will need information in those documents to fill out the application.
- On completing and submitting the application, the system will generate a unique ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page;
- Note this number as you will need it for the next step.
Pay your U.S. Visa Application Fees via M-Pesa
-
STEP 1
Choose “Pay Bill” from the M-Pesa options menu
STEP 2
Enter CSC’s M-PEsa business number: 100202
STEP 3
Enter the unique MRV fee receipt number provided on the PDF generated on the Web site
STEP 4
Enter the amount to paid, provided on the PDF generated on the Web site (currently the US visa processing fee for non-immigration US$160.00 which is paid in Kenya shillings
STEP 5
Enter your M-Pesa PIN
STEP 6
Review your transaction details to ensure all of the information is correct
STEP 7
Save the confirmation details for possible future inquiries
Schedule a US visa interview appointment
- Create an account on the U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment and Information system on this page.
- The information you enter here on the U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment and Information system must match your passport and DS-160 Number application. Any discrepancy will result in delays in the return of your documents.
- You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:
- Your passport details,
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page;
- information from your most recently issued U.S. visa (Visa Issuing Post Name, Visa issue date, and Visa expiration date)
- You will receive an e-mail on the address you provide.
- Click on that e-mail to activate your account.
- Log into http://kenya.usvisa-info.com and enter the MRV fee receipt number applicable to schedule the application interview appointment on line.
- Select your preferred appointment date from the online calendar.
Attend your US Embassy interview appointment
Arrive at least 15 minutes but no more than 30 minutes before their appointments.
Be prepared to explain to the consular officer in your interview:
- The purpose of the trip
- how long they intend to remain in the United States, and
- how you will cover the costs of the trip.
Visa officers will generally seek information about your binding obligations – such as family ties or employment – that would compel you to return home after your trip to the United States.
Although the officer may not request documentation, bring all relevant paperwork to provide if requested.
Documents to bring to your US embassy appointment:
- A printed copy of your appointment letter
- Your DS-160 confirmation page only
- One recent passport sized photograph (2” x 2”):
- When you submit your visa application online, you are also required to upload a photograph. Please click here for photo guidelines.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
- All your other supporting documents.
- Everyone, bring any of the following documents in your possession as proof that you have to established deep social and economic ties in Kenya and that you have reason to come back:
- Land title deeds
- Apartment shareholder certificates
- Car log book
- NSE stocks share certificate,
- Apartment lease contract, etc.
- ONLY children under 18:
- Present each parent’s passport and visa (if they hold one),
- the child’s original birth certificate, and the parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable).
- If two parents are listed on the birth certificate, both must appear at the visa interview and give consent for their child to travel to the United States.
- Those who are now single parents must provide a court order confirming that they are the sole guardian of the child.
- If the certificate of birth was issued by the Republic of Kenya, the court order should be obtained from the Children’s Court of the High Court of Kenya.
- The legal guardian must present court documents indicating permission to travel with the child.
- If you’re a student:
- Carry your latest school report cards, transcripts or degree certificates
- Also bring evidence of financial support such as sponsor’s monthly bank statements, etc.
- If you’re employed:
- Carry an introduction letter on your employer’s letterhead,
- last 3 month’s pay slips,
- last 6 months’ personal bank statements,
- your business card, etc.
- If you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or self-employed:
- Bring your business registration certificate,
- KRA income tax return confirmation document print out – Check the e-mail you used to submit your tax returns. A confirmation slip is usually sent here as soon as you submit the returns.
- Printed screenshots of your freelancer platform profile/earnings page,
- PayPal deposits statement showing how you deposit to PayPal,
- your last 6 months’ business bank statements,
- your last 6 months’ personal bank statements.
- Previous visitors to the U.S.– If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status.
- Everyone, bring any of the following documents in your possession as proof that you have to established deep social and economic ties in Kenya and that you have reason to come back:
You will know your visa results immediately
If your visa is approved, documents will be couriered to you after 2 working days at your choice of DHL pick-up location (Yippee yippe yay!)
Interview Tips for the US Embassy Visa Interview
Here are 7 tips to help you nail the US embassy visa interview:
1) Dress decently
I’m not saying you be all dolled up and all.
Be decent.
Looks can betray or impress.
I remember there was once this guy who went to the embassy looking like a yo-yo with sagging trousers and a cap facing backwards.
He was denied a visa and the reason given was that he was already in”America”.
In fact one look at him, he’d pass for someone already in one of the hoods of Eastern Queens or The Bronx.
Of course, there could have been other reasons why his visa was denied, but I’d rather not know officially, for sure, that my visa is denied because of something that I had control over.
2) Be yourself
The US interview usually can last from as little as 2 seconds, to as long as 10 minutes.
There’s no formula as to how long an interview lasts.
It all depends on your individual circumstance and your interviewer.
Therefore, it’s up to you to use the 2 seconds or 10 minutes you get, to your advantage.
Right from how you walk from your seat up to the moment you get to the visa counter.
Walk with your head high up. Smile confidently. Talk confidently.
Remember, all that the interview is supposed to do is to convince the visa officer beyond any reasonable doubt, that you will be coming back to Kenya at the end of your visit.
Period.
Actually, by the time you get to the interview counter, the visa officer pretty much has all your information.
Remember you entered it all on the application form.
Plus there’s Google.
And Facebook.
And Whatsapp.
And the internet never forgets.
So if you truly intend to come back to Kenya, all your supporting documents are in order, and you honestly filled out your visa application form, you have nothing to fear.
Take it easy.
It’s never that serious.
3) A little courtesy goes a long way
Kindly note that to be granted a visa, or not, is at the sole discretion of the interviewer.
So do not argue with the visa officer, or display arrogance or disrespect.
If you don’t hear a question or don’t understand, feel free to seek clarification.
I remember when I was once at interview and the officer asked me how to pronounce my then organization’s name.
As its an organization with French name, I politely asked the office whether she wanted the French pronunciation or the broken Kenyan pronunciation of the name.
She asked for both!
4) Resist unnecessary over – answering or over-talking
Wewe jibu tu maswali umeulizwa.
Achana na kiherehere mingi.
If you’re asked “why do you want to go to the US?” If you’re going for vacation, simply answer “I want to go to the US for vacation”.
Sio “Oh, my brother is there, so I will visit him, then probably we will go to see his friend’s grandmother’s sister while we’re at it’.
Just answer the question directly, in one sentence.
If the officer needs clarification, he/she will ask.
5) Say the truth
Polite reminder – you are not the first person to ever be interviewed at the US embassy.
Believe you me, these officers know all the tricks in the book.
And they can see through your lies.
Just because your cousin-in-law succeeded with a lie doesn’t mean you will too or that they conned the officer. May be the officer just chose to overlook it.
This is particularly a serious issue if it’s not your first time at the embassy or if you’ve previously been denied a visa.
I remember the first time I applied for a US visa was way back in 2001 here in Nairobi. I was asking for a visa to visit my then boyfriend/fiance – aki the things we do for the ‘good life’ – story for another day.
So fast forward to 2011.
I am making another application for a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa at the US embassy in Kabul. Afghanistan.
The only question the officer chooses to ask me?
“How did things go with dude xxxx?”
I promise, I couldn’t even remember what that dude’s name was… but they had all that info. At a different embassy. In a different city, different country, and different continent!
Thank God I was with my current dude at the interview, so I guess huyo mjamaa alisoma lable akaona tu aachane na hiyo story juu anaeza leta balaa… lol!
My fren, these guys have records.
Hata usithubutu ma uwongo inconsistent huko!
6) Be consistent with your answers
Now, this is not only just for the purpose of your current interview, but also for the future.
So for instance, I got my current 5 year US visa in 2015. So the next earliest time I plan to step back to a US embassy will be 2021.
Now, that’s a really long long time.
Can you imagine if at the 2015 interview I ‘successfully’ lied about something and got the visa. Then come 2021 when I go back to the embassy they ask me the same thing then niseme the opposite.
Nitado?
Sema kuchanganyikiwa.
I remember hearing the story of this guy who once applied for a US study visa and was denied.
After a couple years, he went back to the US embassy, this time to apply for a tourist visa.
At the interview, he was asked “Have you ever had the desire to study in the United States?”
“Never!” Akajibu.
Mwanaume na kiherehere yake , he went further and broke Rule #4 above too!
“In fact I have always loved Kenyan universities so much…”
And just like that, he was given the pink slip.
‘I’m sorry. I cannot give you a visa today. In your previous application, you had requested for an F1 student visa.”
Visa. Denied.
7. Do your homework
I repeat, do your homework.
Like I said before, the reason you’re being asked to attend a physical interview at the US embassy – other than for fingerprinting – is to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that you are going to do what you’re requesting a visa for, and that at the end of it all, you will return back to Kenya.
Period.
Always keep that at the back of your mind at all times.
In fact, don’t even think that the officer asks you those questions because they don’t know the answer.
Half the time, they already have the answers to the questions they’re asking you. So it’s just a matter of corroborating the it.
Therefore, you cannot for example say you want to go and tour California when you don’t know even a single tourist attraction there.
Boss, eka bidii. Changamka and make Google your friend.
If you’re going to the US as a tourist, please prepare even a ka basic itinerary for the visa application and plan out your stay there.
This goes hand in hand with the need to be realistic.
You can’t claim to want to go to the US for tourism and yet you’ve never even bothered to go hata hapa tu Nairobi National Park, au Amboseli ujionee Mount Kilimanjaro ama ma elephants.
I remember an incident that happened about 3 years ago when people from my church went to apply for visas to attend an international church gathering – General Conference Session – in San Antonio Texas.
Now, in the Seventh Day Adventist church, there is a bible guide with daily lessons that we are encouraged to study and then share in church on Sabbath days. It’s popularly known as the lesson quarterly.
So, expectedly, if you’re a serious Adventist to the extent of ku kimbiza kanisa US, you should at the bare minimum, be studying your lesson quarterly or at least even flip through and have a rough idea of what it’s all about.
Acha huyu masa afike embassy aulizwe what is the title of that quarter’s title.
Unfortunately, she didn’t know.
Alinyimwa visa pap!
If attending something like a church function, at least educate yourself on basics like your church pastor’s name, where your church headquarters is, etc.
FAQS About US Tourist Visa
1) Do I need to ‘show money’?
Yes and No.
It depends on your particular situation.
I have applied for a US visa on multiple occasions and I have only been asked for the bank statement once. That was way back in 2001.
I know other people who’ve been asked to show money, and still been denied a visa even though they had hefty balances on their bank accounts.
Having said that, I still highly recommend that you have some reasonable balance and transactions in your bank statements over the past 6 months just in case they ask you to ‘show money’.
(READ MORE: Guide on to SHOW MONEY for visa application)
2) What if my visa is denied?
No worries, you can always re-apply!
After all, it’s not like you were vying for a slot to enter heaven!
Na hata ukinyimwa, si utarudi tuuu kwa hao.
Ama ulichoma kwenu ukienda huko!
3) Is there a wait period as to when I can re-apply for a US visa?
No!
You can apply as many times as you wish.
However, if you are found to be dishonest, you can be banned for up to 10 years before being allowed to make another application.
I remember an Ethiopian girl who once lied about her mother being dead or something.
When they discovered her, she was told never to step in any US embassy office for the 10 years.
She reapplied after the 10 years had lapsed and she was fortunate enough to get the visa.
4) Is the US visa fee refundable my visa is not approved?
Nope.
5) What could make my visa be granted on re-application?
If the circumstances that warranted your initial denial have changed or improved.
For example, if you were unmarried then, you now have a wife and 7 children.
Or if you didn’t know the name of your church pastor, you now do.
6) How long is the validity of the US Visa for Kenyans?
It could range from 1 week single entry visa up to 5 years Multiple Entry Visa!
In the past, pre-Obama presidency, the longest validity period of a US non-immigrant visa for Kenyans was 1 year max. But as soon as wuod Kogelo became president, it was pushed to the current 5 years.
It depends on various factors: whether it’s your first time to be granted a visa, purpose of your trip, who’s the sitting president, and most important, how ‘generous’ your visa interviewing officer is.
You’ll only know once you get your passport back.
I remember the first US visa I ever got was for 3 weeks, and it was annotated. I was for attending an Accountant’s conference in Colorado.
That was about 10 years ago.
7) Do I need to get travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not compulsory when applying for a US visa in Kenya.
However, for peace of mind, I recommend that you get covered.
With travel, nothing is certain.
Personally I never travel without one. I am currently insured by World Nomads whom I highly recommend.
What is the United State Embassy in Kenya Address?
United Nations Avenue Nairobi
P. O. Box 606 Village Market
00621 Nairobi, Kenya
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