Kenyans will begin paying increased costs for nonimmigrant visas (NIV) from May 30, 2023, after the United States (U.S.) Embassy revised its worldwide visa fees.

According to a statement issued by the Embassy on Wednesday, the small hikes result from increased costs linked with the services offered by consular sections worldwide.

Under the amended cost schedule, visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s) and other categories, such as student (F) and exchange visitor visas (J), would be increased from Ksh.21,824 ($160) to Ksh.25,234 ($185).

PHOTO | COURTESY US ambassador to kenya

The charge for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers in the H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories will also rise from Ksh.25,916 ($190) to Ksh.27,962 ($205), according to the Embassy.

Those seeking an E-category visa, including treaty traders, treaty investors, and treaty applicants, will pay Ksh.42,966 ($315) instead of Ksh.27,962 ($205).

The Embassy also stated that people who have already paid their annual NIV fees for the year ending October 1, 2022, will not be charged the additional amount.

"Receipts for NIV fees paid prior to October 1, 2022, will continue to be valid until September 30, 2023," according to a portion of the message.