The USA in Pictures
Fifty states. One trip is never enough. But what a place to start.
Getting to the USA from Nairobi
The longest flight on this list — around sixteen to twenty hours in the air with one connection. Worth every mile.
There are no direct flights from Nairobi to the United States. The route requires one connection, typically through a Middle Eastern, European, or African hub. Most travellers fly into New York JFK (JFK), New York Newark (EWR), or Washington Dulles (IAD) as their East Coast entry point. Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA) are also popular first ports of entry depending on your itinerary. The USA has a vast domestic air network, so wherever you land, getting to your next destination is straightforward and affordable.
The most popular routing for Kenyan travellers to the USA. Emirates connects through Dubai to New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston among others. Flying into New York or Miami gives the most East Coast flexibility. Flying into Los Angeles makes more sense for West Coast and national park itineraries.
A premium option on this corridor, connecting through Doha to New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Philadelphia. The QR product on transatlantic routes is excellent — particularly in Business and Qsuites. Hamad International Airport in Doha is one of the best transit experiences in the world for a long layover.
Ethiopian Airlines has expanded significantly on the Africa–USA corridor with connections to Washington Dulles, Los Angeles, and Chicago through Addis Ababa. Often one of the more affordable options on this route and a natural choice for travellers who prefer an African carrier. Journey times are longer but the product is reliable.
KLM and its SkyTeam partner Delta offer strong connections through Amsterdam to a wide range of US cities. A good option if you want to avoid Middle Eastern hubs or are combining your US trip with a European stopover. Schiphol is one of Europe's most efficient transit airports.
New York to Los Angeles is a 5-hour domestic flight. Miami to Chicago is 3 hours. The USA is enormous, and trying to see too many cities in one trip is one of the most common travel mistakes. We generally recommend focusing on one coast or one region per visit — East Coast, West Coast, the South, or the national parks — rather than rushing across the country. Tell us which cities or experiences matter most to you in the enquiry below and we'll build an itinerary that does them properly.
Entry Requirements for the USA
What Kenyan travellers need to know — including the US visa process, which requires time and careful preparation.
Kenyan passport holders require a US Non-Immigrant B1/B2 Visa. Kenya is not on the US Visa Waiver Program. The application involves completing an online DS-160 form, paying the fee (currently USD 185, non-refundable), and attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi. Interview wait times have historically been significant — in some periods extending to several months. A successful B1/B2 visa is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries, each allowing a stay of up to 6 months. Start the process as early as possible — ideally 4–6 months before your intended travel date.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the USA. Airlines enforce this strictly at check-in. Ensure you also have sufficient blank pages for the US entry stamp and any stamps collected en route.
A US B1/B2 visa application typically requires: completed DS-160 online form, current passport and any previous passports, a passport photo meeting US specifications, the application fee receipt, your appointment confirmation, proof of employment or business ownership in Kenya, 3–6 months of bank statements, evidence of property ownership or other financial ties to Kenya, a detailed travel itinerary and hotel bookings, and a cover letter explaining your visit. Demonstrating strong ties to Kenya — clear reasons you will return — is the single most important factor in a successful outcome.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the USA without a full visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Kenya is not on the VWP list — Kenyan passport holders cannot use ESTA and must apply for a full B1/B2 visa. If you hold a second passport from a VWP country such as the UK, Germany, or Australia, you may be eligible for ESTA on that passport — speak to our team for advice.
You are already familiar with the US Dollar — it is the world's reserve currency and the one most Kenyan businesses quote international prices in. The USA ranges from very affordable (national parks, road trips, smaller cities, diners) to genuinely expensive (New York City, San Francisco, luxury hotels). Cards are accepted everywhere. Carry a small amount of cash for tips, parking, and the occasional cash-only establishment. Tips are not optional in the USA — budget 18–20% on top of restaurant bills and tip hotel, taxi, and service staff as standard practice.
New York & East Coast: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Florida & Miami: winter (December–April) is the sweet spot — well clear of hurricane season (June–November). Los Angeles: mild year-round, though June brings morning coastal fog. National Parks: May–September for peak access — book accommodation many months ahead, parks are extremely popular. New Orleans: February–May and October–November. We will match your itinerary to the right travel window.
The US visa interview wait time at the Embassy in Nairobi fluctuates and has at times extended to several months for a standard appointment. Unlike other destinations where you can apply 6–8 weeks before travel, the USA often requires 4–6 months of lead time or more. Check current wait times at ustraveldocs.com/ke before planning any travel dates or booking any flights. Do not purchase non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved. We offer full US visa assistance — DS-160 guidance, document checklist, cover letter review, and interview preparation — for clients booking their USA package through us.