Updated 2 November 2026
A US visa from Kenya for tourism or business (the B1/B2 visitor visa) costs a $185 application fee, which you can pay by M-Pesa, cash or card through the official US visa scheduling site for Kenya. You fill in the DS-160 form online, pay the fee, book an interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi and attend with your passport and DS-160 confirmation. The fee is non-refundable, works for one application and expires 365 days after you pay it.
Updated November 2026 from the US Embassy in Kenya’s visa pages and the official US visa information and appointment service for Kenya (ais.usvisa-info.com). Check both before you pay, as rules change.
US visa from Kenya: fees
| Visa type | Application (MRV) fee |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 visitor (business, tourism, medical treatment) | $185 |
| C transit, D crew, F and M students, J exchange visitors | $185 |
| H, L, O, P, Q, R work-related visas | $205 |
| K fiancé(e) or spouse of a US citizen | $265 |
| E treaty trader or investor | $315 |
Extra fees can apply. Students and exchange visitors pay a separate SEVIS fee. A reciprocity (issuance) fee may also be charged depending on nationality and visa type. US law passed in 2025 also created a separate visa integrity fee charged when a visa is issued, so check the fee page for what applies on the day you are approved.
How to pay from Kenya
- M-Pesa: choose Pay by M-Pesa on the payment page after creating your account.
- Cash: print the cash payment slip and pay at the listed bank. It can take up to two business days to register before you can book.
- Credit card: pay online on the payment page.
The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, can be used for one application only and expires 365 days after purchase. A fee paid in Kenya cannot be used to book in another country.
How to apply for a US B1/B2 visa from Kenya
- Fill in the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa form and upload a photo that meets the US requirements. Print or save the confirmation page with its barcode.
- Create an account on the official appointment site for Kenya (ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ke), add your details and pay the $185 fee.
- Book your interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi once the payment registers.
- Attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter and supporting documents.
- Collect your passport through the courier option chosen in your account if the visa is approved.
Apply in your country of nationality or residence. The embassy warns that applying outside it can make it harder to qualify, and fees are not refunded.
Can I skip the interview?
The State Department’s interview waiver rules were tightened in 2025. Most first-time adult applicants must now attend an in-person interview. Waivers are mainly for diplomatic and official visa applicants and for people renewing a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months before the new application. To qualify you must also apply in your country of nationality or residence, have never been refused a visa (unless it was overcome or waived) and have no apparent ineligibility. Consular officers can still ask anyone to come in.
Interview wait times and expedited appointments
Wait times for B1/B2 interviews in Nairobi change often. Check the State Department’s visa appointment wait time tool before planning travel. If you have an urgent need, such as a medical emergency, a funeral or a significant event within 10 days of the first available slot, you can request an expedited appointment after booking the earliest available date. Applicants refused an ESTA can also ask.
Third parties cannot get you a faster appointment or guarantee a visa. The official site says all such claims are fraudulent.
Documents to carry to the interview
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
- DS-160 confirmation page and appointment confirmation.
- Proof of income and funds: recent bank statements and payslips.
- Proof of ties to Kenya: employment letter, business registration, title deeds or family.
- Trip details: invitation letter, conference registration or itinerary.
- Old passports with previous US or other visas.
The officer mainly wants to see that you will return to Kenya. Our proof of funds guide explains how to present bank statements.
Common reasons for refusal
Most B1/B2 refusals are under section 214(b) of US immigration law: the officer was not convinced you will return home. Strong ties, a clear travel purpose and honest, consistent answers matter more than any single document. You can reapply, but you must pay a new fee each time.
Studying or travelling elsewhere?
Students need an F-1 visa, not a B visa. Compare options in the Canada student visa and UK student visa guides, and check any agent with how to verify a study abroad agent.
Sources
- US Visa Info Kenya: visa fees and payment
- US Embassy in Kenya: visas and interview waiver update
- US State Department: travel.state.gov
Frequently asked questions
How much is a US visa from Kenya?
The B1/B2 visitor visa application fee is $185. Work visas such as H and L cost $205, and K visas $265. Other fees may apply at issuance.
Can I pay the US visa fee with M-Pesa?
Yes. The official Kenya appointment site lets you pay by M-Pesa, cash or credit card.
Is the US visa fee refundable if I am refused?
No. The fee is non-refundable, covers one application and expires 365 days after payment.
Do I need an interview for a US visa from Kenya?
Most first-time applicants do. Interview waivers mainly apply to renewals in the same category within 12 months of expiry, for applicants with no past refusals.
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