Visa relief for Kenyans as US Embassy amends changes

The United States Embassy in Nairobi  announced on Monday 25 July that they had made changes to the visa application process following concern by Kenyans.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Embassy outlined new measures to facilitate smoother travel to the states while keeping Kenyans informed.

The updated webpage, will display current visa interview wait times while also emphasising that fees that are non refundable, allowing Kenyans to make an informed decision before submitting their application.

The US Embassy has also instituted a visa renewal process that does not require an in-person interview for certain applicants. Kenyans renewing visitor (B1/B2 category) or student visas (F category) whose visas expired less than one year ago may be eligible to renew without an interview.

In yet another change the Embassy will offer expedited appointments for emergency situations, including the death of an immediate family member, the need to travel for urgent medical care and for students whose program starts in less than 30 days and will suffer irreparable harm, such as the loss of a scholarship, if they cannot travel.

Initially applicants had to wait for more than a year as the next available dates for a visitor visa appointment in Nairobi were set for June 2024.

 "U.S. Embassy Nairobi recognises the significant challenges and frustrations this poses for Kenyans planning to visit the United States for business and tourism," read the statement in part.

 According to the statement the U.S. Embassy Nairobi has doubled the number of daily interviews and plans to add additional staff and increase capacity over time to ensure smoother operations.