U.S. Tightens Visa Rules: Most Kenyan Applicants to Face Mandatory In-Person Interviews from September 2
The United States government has announced stricter visa application rules that will affect thousands of Kenyan travelers seeking entry under non-immigrant categories.
Starting September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, will be required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies. The move marks a significant shift in visa procedures, which had previously allowed many individuals to qualify for interview waivers.
However, there are a few key exceptions.
Applicants under diplomatic or official travel categories, including A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1, will not be required to attend interviews. These groups generally include government officials, diplomats, and employees of international organizations, whose roles are deemed critical to maintaining diplomatic relations.
In addition, individuals renewing their B-1 (business), B-2 (tourist), or B1/B2 combination visas within 12 months of expiration may also qualify for an interview waiver, provided they were at least 18 years old when their previous visa was issued and meet all renewal conditions set by the U.S. Department of State.
Renewal applications under this exemption must be submitted in the applicant’s country of nationality. For Kenyan citizens, that means applying directly through the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
Despite the outlined exemptions, the U.S. consular officer still retains the right to request an in-person interview from any applicant, regardless of their eligibility for a waiver.
The new directive replaces the earlier Interview Waiver Update that had been in effect since February 18, 2025.
Kenyans are urged to frequently check the U.S. Embassy website for the latest updates on visa application procedures and operational status.
This announcement comes amid broader efforts by the U.S. to tighten immigration controls. Earlier in July, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a stern warning against attempts to bypass visa requirements, stressing that fraudulent activities could lead to a lifetime ban.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 23, the embassy reiterated that any Kenyan found engaging in dishonest practices to secure a visa risks permanently forfeiting their opportunity to travel to the United States.
