US Makes U-turn on Visa Applications for Kenyans without e-Passports

The United States has temporarily suspended its decision to deny visas to Kenyans holding old generation passports.

On Tuesday, the US Embassy in Nairobi announced that Kenyans without e-passports would have their applications for visa rejected.

“We can only place a US visa in a new passport. You may make an appointment with your current passport but you will need to obtain an e-passport before we can issue a visa,” an Embassy spokesperson said.

"Those with valid visas but in old passports will not be allowed into the US unless they carry with them e-passports."

In a statement on Wednesday, the Embassy says Kenyans who are yet to acquire digital passports will still be allowed to apply for US visas. 

“Visa applicants may apply for a US visa with a non-digital Kenyan passport. We will place a US visa in a non-digital passport until further notice. Holders of current US visas do not need to take any action,” the Embassy says.

The Embassy has not explained why the decision has been rescinded but it may be linked to the numerous complaints raised by Kenyans online.

Kenyans said they are experiencing difficulties in acquiring the new travel documents.

The digital passport, which is embedded with an electronic chip, is part of global efforts to curb travel fraud by making it difficult to produce a fake passport.