File image of the US Embassy in Nairobi.

Kenyans seeking to travel to the United States will soon face higher visa application costs following the introduction of a new $250 (Ksh32,280) Visa Integrity Fee by the US government.

The surcharge, which takes effect on October 1, 2025—the beginning of the US fiscal year 2026—will be charged in addition to existing visa fees.

According to the US State Department, the fee will apply to most non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist (B1/B2), student (F and M), temporary work, and exchange visitor (J) visas.

Only applicants under diplomatic visa categories A and G, as well as travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries such as Canada, Japan, and most European Union states, will be exempt.

With the added cost, the total visa fee will exceed $435 (approximately Ksh56,200)—a significant burden for many Kenyans, particularly from lower-income backgrounds.

However, the State Department noted that applicants who leave the US within five days of their visa’s expiration or adhere fully to the visa conditions may be eligible for a refund of the surcharge.

Tougher Student Visa Screening

The fee hike comes barely a month after the US government rolled out enhanced screening measures for foreign students applying for visas to study in America.

In a statement dated June 19, the State Department announced that the new measures will involve an in-depth review of applicants’ social media activity, requiring them to make their profiles public as part of the vetting process.

“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to national security,” the department stated.

The stricter screening will apply to those seeking F, M, and J non-immigrant visas, which cover international students and exchange visitors.

Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring only individuals who pose no threat to the safety of American citizens or national interests are granted visas.

“The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying do not intend to harm Americans and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought,” the statement added.