US Shock for Kenyan Travelers: Trump’s New Visa Rule Adds Ksh32,500 Extra >> What You Must Know

Kenyans who are planning to visit the United States may soon have to pay much more for their visas. A new rule introduced under former U.S. President Donald Trump will bring an extra cost of Ksh32,500 ($250) on top of the normal visa application fees. 

The new charge is called the “Visa Integrity Fee” and is part of a law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This law was signed by Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, during his administration. The U.S. government says the fee is meant to ensure that visa holders follow immigration rules. 

According to Forbes, the new fee will apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants. That includes Kenyan tourists, students, business travelers, and workers who apply for visas like B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, and J-1. These are some of the most common visa types Kenyans apply for when traveling to the U.S. 

The Visa Integrity Fee will officially start being charged from October 1, 2025. This marks the beginning of the U.S. fiscal year 2025, which runs until September 30, 2026. So if you are planning a trip after that date, prepare to pay more. 

Currently, a tourist visa to the U.S. costs around $185 (about Ksh24,000). When you add the new $250 fee, the total rises to Ksh56,500. If you are applying for a work visa, the total cost could be even higher. This increase will affect many Kenyans, especially those seeking education or job opportunities in America. 

There’s more bad news. The $250 fee is only a base amount. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security may increase it in the future depending on inflation and other factors. So, the cost could go even higher over time. 

Also, all travelers must pay for Form I-94 processing, which is now $24 (Ksh3,120), up from the previous $6. This means the full visa cost for a Kenyan visitor could easily cross Ksh60,000. 

However, citizens from certain countries like the UK, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea won’t have to pay the Visa Integrity Fee. These nations are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Unfortunately, Kenya is not among them, and most African, Latin American, South American, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries are also excluded. 

While the new Visa Integrity Fee is mandatory and cannot be waived, the U.S. says it can be refunded, but only under strict conditions. If a visitor follows all U.S. immigration rules, they could receive their Ksh32,500 back when their visa expires. 

But getting a refund might not be easy. Experts say one small mistake, like overstaying your visa by even one day, can cause the refund to be denied. Other reasons for losing your refund could include breaking any rules tied to your visa type. 

The U.S. government says this new fee is a type of security bond. If you respect all the rules, you get your money back. If not, the U.S. keeps the fee. It’s meant to encourage visitors to follow the law during their stay. 

This policy is causing concern among Kenyans who regularly travel to the U.S. Many fear the increased costs will lock out genuine travelers who already struggle to afford visa fees. Students and job-seekers could be the most affected. 

As the date of October 1, 2025 approaches, travelers are advised to prepare financially and also understand the full list of visa rules. Following the law will now not only protect your stay in the U.S. but also decide if you get your Ksh32,500 back. 

For now, it is clear that traveling to the U.S. will become more expensive for Kenyans, and only those who are ready to follow every rule may benefit from a possible refund. The new Trump-era rule is already making headlines, and its effects will be felt by thousands across Kenya.