Kenyans planning to travel to the United States are now facing stricter visa application rules after a new directive was issued by the US Embassy in Nairobi.
According to a fresh advisory released on Friday, July 25, applicants must now list all social media usernames or handles they’ve used over the last five years when filling out their visa forms.
This move, introduced under the administration of former US President Donald Trump, is part of a broader effort to increase background checks and curb illegal immigration.
The embassy has clearly stated that anyone applying for a visa must truthfully declare all their digital footprints, including social media usernames, email addresses, and telephone numbers—failure to do so could result in immediate rejection of the visa application and possible blacklisting from ever entering the US.
“Applicants must list all social media handles they’ve used in the past five years on the DS-160 visa form,” said the US Embassy in its notice. “If you leave out this information or provide false details, your visa may be denied and you may become ineligible for any future US travel documents.”
However, there is a bit of relief for applicants—while the US authorities want to see your social media activity, they are not requesting passwords, and consular officers cannot access or alter your online accounts. The focus is purely on ensuring the information provided aligns with what is publicly visible and consistent with your application.
Interestingly, this policy has been in place since 2019, but enforcement has grown stricter in recent months. This latest announcement comes just two days after the US government also issued a separate warning against the use of fake travel documents and immigration fraud.
In that notice, the embassy emphasized that any attempt to use fraudulent paperwork, lie on a visa application, or try to enter the US illegally could lead to a permanent ban.
“We are stepping up efforts to eliminate visa fraud. Anyone caught will not only lose their visa privileges but may also face criminal charges,” the US warned. “A country without secure borders cannot guarantee national safety.”
The message is loud and clear: if you’re a Kenyan planning to visit the US, make sure every piece of information in your visa application is accurate, especially your online history. The embassy is watching closely, and even a small mistake could cost you the opportunity of a lifetime.
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