United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Kenya citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Kenyan citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, interview process, and strategies to improve your chances. With interview wait times of approximately 29 days, early preparation is essential.
US Tourist Visa for Kenyan Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Kenya citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States
Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form
Recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements
Documents proving you have sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income in Kenya
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Kenya after your visit
Details of your planned visit to the United States
In-person interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi
Application Process
The US tourist visa application requires completing an online form and attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi.1
1. Complete DS-160 Form
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) at ceac.state.gov. This comprehensive form covers your personal information, travel history, employment, and security questions. Save frequently and print the confirmation page with barcode.3
2. Pay Application Fee
Pay the $185 non-refundable visa application fee.2 Payment options include:
- Safaricom M-Pesa
- Cash payment at designated locations
- Credit card through Pesapal
3. Schedule Interview
Create an account at ais.usvisa-info.com and schedule your interview appointment at the US Embassy in Nairobi.1 Current wait times are approximately 29 days for B1/B2 visas.4
4. Attend Interview
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, and all supporting documents. The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes. If approved, your passport will be ready for collection within a few days.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Visa Application | $185 |
| Visa Issuance Fee | None for Kenyans |
The $185 fee is non-refundable regardless of visa outcome.2 If your visa is refused, you will need to pay again if you reapply.
What You Need to Prove
The consular officer must be satisfied that you:3
- Have a clear purpose for visiting the United States
- Intend to stay temporarily and will leave before your authorized stay expires
- Have strong ties to Kenya that will compel you to return
- Can afford the trip without needing to work illegally
- Have no immigration violations or criminal history that would make you inadmissible
The burden of proof is on you to establish that you qualify for the visa.
Processing Times
The visa process timeline from Kenya typically involves:4
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| DS-160 completion | 1-2 hours |
| Interview wait time | ~29 days |
| Interview to decision | Same day (usually) |
| Passport return | 3-5 business days |
Administrative processing may add several weeks or months in some cases. You will be notified if your application requires additional review.
After Your Visa is Approved
If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. The visa validity (usually 10 years) shows how long you can use it to seek entry. It does not determine how long you can stay.
At the US port of entry:
- Present your passport with visa to the immigration officer
- You may be asked about your travel purpose and plans
- The officer will stamp your passport and provide a Form I-94
- Your authorized stay period will be noted on the I-94
If Your Visa is Refused
Most refusals are under Section 214(b), meaning you did not establish strong enough ties to Kenya. If refused:
- Review the refusal reason provided by the consular officer
- Address the weakness identified in your application
- Gather additional evidence of your ties to Kenya
- Reapply when your circumstances have genuinely changed
There is no formal appeal process for B1/B2 visa refusals. Each application is evaluated independently, so a previous refusal does not automatically mean future refusal.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Failure to Prove Ties to Kenya
The most common reason for refusal. Applicants cannot convince the consular officer they have strong enough reasons to return to Kenya after their visit.
How to avoid: Document your ties thoroughly: stable employment, property ownership, family dependents, business interests, and financial obligations in Kenya.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds or demonstrate the financial means to afford the trip without working illegally in the US.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with consistent income. Your balance should comfortably exceed estimated trip costs. Avoid unexplained large deposits.
Unclear Purpose of Visit
The travel purpose is vague, illogical, or the applicant cannot clearly explain why they want to visit the United States.
How to avoid: Have a clear, specific reason for your trip. If visiting family, bring invitation letters. If tourism, have a reasonable itinerary.
Poor Interview Performance
Nervous, evasive, or inconsistent answers during the interview raise doubts about the applicant's true intentions.
How to avoid: Practice answering common questions. Be confident, concise, and honest. Do not memorize scripted answers.
Previous Immigration History
Previous overstays, visa violations, or refusals in the US or other countries create concern about compliance with immigration rules.
How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. Explain what has changed in your circumstances since then.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. The actual length of stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry and stamped on your Form I-94. You must leave before your authorized stay expires.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and a permanent ban from entering the US.
How long is the visa interview wait time in Kenya?
The current wait time for B1/B2 visa interview appointments in Kenya is approximately 29 days. Wait times can fluctuate based on demand and embassy capacity, so check the official website for current times.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Kenyans?
The non-refundable application fee for a B1/B2 visitor visa is $185. This fee must be paid before scheduling your interview appointment. Payment can be made via M-Pesa, cash, or credit card through Pesapal.
How long is the B1/B2 visa valid?
B1/B2 visas for Kenyan citizens are typically issued for 10 years with multiple entries. However, validity may vary based on individual circumstances. The visa allows multiple trips, but each stay is limited to the period authorized at entry.
What happens during the visa interview?
The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your travel purpose, ties to Kenya, financial situation, and previous travel. Answer clearly, honestly, and concisely. Bring all supporting documents.
What if my visa is refused?
If refused, you will be told the reason under Section 214(b) of the Immigration Act, meaning you did not establish sufficient ties to Kenya. You can reapply with stronger documentation, but there is no appeal process.