Traveling to the United States from Kenya is a goal for many people, whether it’s for tourism, business, studies, medical treatment, or visiting family. One of the most common questions applicants ask is how much is a visa from Kenya to the USA and how the payment process works.
Understanding how much the visa fee in Kenya is, how to pay it correctly, and what happens after payment is crucial. Many applicants face delays or confusion simply because they are unsure about the correct fees or how to pay for U.S. visa fees in Kenya.
At ChrisTrip Visas and Travels, we help Kenyan travelers understand the U.S. visa fees clearly and guide them through the application process the right way.
Understanding U.S. Visa Fees from Kenya
The cost of a U.S. visa from Kenya depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Most applicants fall under non-immigrant visas, which cover tourism, business, study, and temporary work.
The U.S. visa fee is paid before booking your embassy appointment, and it is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. This makes it very important to apply correctly from the start.
How Much Is Visa Fee in Kenya for the USA?
Below are the common U.S. visa fees paid by applicants in Kenya:
1. B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourism & Business)
This is the most common U.S. visa for Kenyans traveling for holidays, visiting family, or attending short business meetings.
- Visa fee: USD 185
- Applies to tourism, business, medical visits, and conferences
2. Student Visas (F1, M1)
For Kenyans going to study in the United States.
- Visa fee: USD 185
- Additional SEVIS fee applies (paid separately)
3. Exchange Visitor Visa (J1)
For exchange programs, internships, and cultural exchange visits.
- Visa fee: USD 185
- SEVIS fee may also apply depending on the program
4. Work Visas (H, L, O, P, Q)
For applicants who have secured employment in the U.S.
- Visa fee: USD 205
Visa fees are set by the U.S. government and may change, so it’s always advisable to confirm the current rates before payment.
How to Pay for U.S. Visa Fee in Kenya
Many applicants are unsure how to pay for the U.S. visa fee in Kenya, yet this step is mandatory before booking your interview appointment.
Accepted Payment Methods in Kenya
U.S. visa fees in Kenya are paid through approved bank payment channels as instructed on the official U.S. visa application website. The process usually involves:
- Creating a profile on the U.S. visa appointment system
- Generating a payment reference number
- Paying the visa fee at designated banks or approved payment platforms
- Keeping the payment receipt for appointment booking
The payment must reflect correctly in the system before you can proceed to schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
We guide our clients through this process to avoid errors that can delay appointment booking.
Important Things to Know About U.S. Visa Fees
Before making payment, keep the following in mind:
- The U.S. visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable
- Payment is valid for a limited time to book your appointment
- Incorrect payment or wrong visa category selection can cause delays
- You must attend the interview in person at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi
Understanding these details helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make When Paying U.S. Visa Fees
Many applicants encounter problems due to small but avoidable errors, such as:
- Paying for the wrong visa category
- Using incorrect personal details when generating payment references
- Losing payment receipts
- Waiting too long to book an appointment after payment
Professional guidance helps ensure the payment process is done correctly the first time.
How ChrisTrip Visas and Travels Helps with the U.S. Visa Applications
At ChrisTrip Visas and Travels, we do more than just explain fees. We support you throughout the entire application journey.
How We Help:
- Clear guidance on how much visa from Kenya to USA costs
- Step-by-step assistance on how to pay for U.S. visa fee in Kenya
- Accurate DS-160 form guidance and review
- Appointment booking support at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi
- Interview preparation tips and document checklist
- Flight assistance and travel planning after approval
Our goal is to help you apply confidently and avoid unnecessary delays or losses.
Apply for Your U.S. Visa with Confidence
Knowing how much the visa fee in Kenya is and understanding the payment process is a crucial part of applying for a U.S. visa. When done correctly, it sets the foundation for a smooth application experience.
At ChrisTrip Visas and Travels, we understand how important your U.S. travel plans are. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, study, business, or work, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact ChrisTrip Visas and Travels today for expert assistance with your U.S. visa application from Kenya and let’s help you get it right from the start.
