The US Embassy has raised its fees for processing a number of visa applications for tourists, students and travellers in Kenya and other countries across the world.

Those intending to visit the US for business or tourism will now be expected to part with $185 (approximately Sh25,200), an increase from $160 (about Sh22,500).

In a press release on Wednesday, the US State Department said the significant increase in the cost of processing US visa will come into effect from May 30, 2023.

“Visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s) and other categories such as student (F) and exchange visitor (J) visas will increase from $160 to $185. The fee for certain petition-based non-immigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q and R categories) will increase from $190 to $205,” read the statement in part.

It went on, “The fee for a treaty trader, treaty investor and treaty petitioner in a specialty occupation (E category) will increase from $205 to $315.”

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The US State Department says the decision was made following a research with the revised visa application processing fees set to be applied to services offered in all US consulates across the globe.

However, the higher prices will not affect persons who had already paid the existing lower NIV fees once the new visa processing costs come into effect.

“All NIV fee payments made on or after 1 October 2022 will be valid for 365 days. Receipts for NIV fees paid before 1 October 2022 will continue to be valid until 30 September 2023,” continued the statement.