American Citizen Services Kenya

Due to a technical issue, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi will not be able to accept credit cards until April 26, 2014. We apologize for any inconvenience.

INFORMATION MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

U.S.Embassy Nairobi
November 20, 2013

Outreach Events in Kisumu & Mombasa

This message is to remind U.S. citizens in Kenya that the U.S. Embassy's consular section will be conducting outreach and providing limited consular services during upcoming events in Kisumu and Mombasa.

On Friday, November 22, 2013 U.S. citizens in the Kisumu area are invited to attend a coffee & tea reception with Ambassador Robert Godec at the Imperial Hotel from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Before the reception, consular personnel will be available for two hours (from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) to provide routine ACS services such as passport application acceptance, notarial services and Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) services.

In addition, consular personnel will be in Mombasa at the Tamarind Village, which is located at Cement Silo Road, Nyali on Monday, November 25, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The ACS Chief will be available for routine ACS services such as passport application acceptance, notarial services and Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) services. We will not be able to discuss visa applications during this outreach. If you are interested in any ACS service, please indicate which service you will request.

In order to gauge interest, we are asking that you please RSVP by Thursday, November 21, 2013. If you plan to attend, please email us back at [email protected] with your full name and we will add you to the approved list.

We look forward to meeting with you in Kisumu and Mombasa!

INFORMATION MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

U.S.Embassy Nairobi
October 18, 2013

Town Hall Meeting

The U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Robert F. Godec, invites all U.S. citizens in Kenya to a Town Hall to discuss the recent attack at Westgate mall and the current security situation.

Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Time: 1:00 p.m.; entry will begin at 12:30
Where: “Tate House”, Kyuna Road, Spring Valley, Nairobi (map included in attachment)
Please note that parking at the venue is very limited. Consider taking a taxi, carpooling or asking your driver to drop you off and return once the event is finished.

RSVP: Please send your complete name to Christine Lusk at [email protected] All attendees must RSVP no later than Monday, October 28 to ensure that their names are added to the guest list. On the day of the event, please be sure to bring a U.S. passport to clear security. Light refreshments will be available.

We look forward to your attendance and answering your questions. Speakers will include Ambassador Godec, the Consul General, the Regional Security Officer and the Political Counselor. A question and answer period will follow the presentations.

All U.S. citizens in Kenya are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Kenya and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the ACS Nairobi page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes, and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6451 or via email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0) 20-363-6170

Providing assistance to U.S. citizens is our top priority

INFORMATION MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

U.S.Embassy Nairobi
October 11, 2013

Upcoming Embassy and ACS Unit Closures

This message is to inform the general public that the U.S. Embassy will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2013 in honor of Columbus Day. The Embassy will also be closed on Monday, October 21, 2013, in honor of Mashujaa Day. In addition, the American Citizen Services Unit will be closed for routine services on Wednesday, October 16, 2013.
All U.S. citizens in Kenya are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Kenya and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the ACS Nairobi page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes, and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6451 or via email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0) 20-363-6170

Providing assistance to U.S. citizens is our top priority

SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

U.S.Embassy Nairobi
October, 10, 2013


This message is to inform U.S. citizens in Kenya that the U.S. Embassy has decided to lift the travel ban to Mombasa for USG personnel effective immediately. The ban was imposed last Friday, October 4, as a result of the violence in Mombasa following the shooting of a prominent Muslim cleric on October 3. That violence has now subsided and the need for the ban no longer remains. The Embassy also decided to lift the ban on USG TDY personnel traveling to Kenya effective October 15. This ban was imposed immediately after the Westgate attacks for operational considerations, which have now eased.

However, U.S. citizens in Kenya are reminded to review the Department’s recently revised Travel Warning dated September 28th, regarding ongoing threats in Kenya, including in the coastal city of Mombasa. U.S. citizens can access that Travel Warning either through the embassy’s website – nairobi.usembassy.gov – or via the Department’s website – travel.state.gov
All U.S. citizens in Kenya are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Kenya and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the ACS Nairobi page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes, and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6451 or via email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0) 20-363-6170

Providing assistance to U.S. citizens is our top priority

Please view our Emergency Message that we sent out to all registrants registered with STEP on 10/4/2013 below:

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens - Unrest in Mombasa
U.S.Embassy Nairobi | October 4, 2013
There are reports of demonstrations, some of them violent, and police action in Mombasa following the shooting of a prominent Muslim cleric overnight near the city of Mombasa. Areas in Mombasa with reported violence include the central business district, Manjengo, Makadara, Bondeni and Ngomani. Youth have also blocked the Mombasa-Malindi road in the Kisauni district of Mombasa. There is the potential of further demonstrations and violence. The Embassy has restricted travel by official Americans to Mombasa. We strongly encourage all American citizens to avoid these areas and exercise caution near or around large gatherings. We encourage American citizens to avoid travel in and around Mombasa and to minimize time on the road until the situation stabilizes. We encourage American citizens in Mombasa to stay tuned to local media sources for more information.

All U.S. citizens in Kenya are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Kenya and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the ACS Nairobi page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes, and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6451 or via email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0) 20-363-6170

Providing assistance to U.S. citizens is our top priority!

SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

U.S.Embassy Nairobi
September 28, 2013

KENYA TRAVEL WARNING

In case you missed it, we are resending the below travel warning to make sure all U.S. citizens in Kenya are aware of the latest security-related information

1. In light of the recent attack on a Nairobi shopping mall, the U.S. Department of State has reissued its Travel Warning of July 5, 2013, which warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya. U.S. citizens in Kenya, and those considering travel to Kenya, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing and recently heightened threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime in some areas. The levels of risk vary throughout the country.

2. On September 21, 2013, suspected members of the Al Shabaab terrorist organization, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, attacked the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, killing scores of innocent people, both Kenyan and foreign, and wounding many others. The siege at the mall continued for several days and five U.S. citizens were confirmed injured in the attack.

3. The U.S. government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats aimed at U.S., Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya, including in the Nairobi area and in the coastal city of Mombasa. Terrorist acts can include su***de operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Although the pursuit of those responsible for previous terrorist activities continues, many of those involved remain at large and still operate in the region. Travelers should consult the Worldwide Caution for further information and details.

4. Kenya initiated military action against al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabaab by crossing into Somalia on October 16, 2011, and on June 2, 2012, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) whereby it formally joined the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Kenyan troops within AMISOM are now actively pursuing al-Shabaab in southeastern Somalia. In response to the Kenyan intervention, al-Shabaab and its sympathizers have conducted retaliatory attacks against civilian and government targets in Kenya.

5. In the past year and a half, there have been numerous incidents involving shootings, gr***des, or other explosive devices in Kenya in addition to the attack described above. More than two dozen of these attacks occurred in North Eastern Province, mainly in Dadaab, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera. Four attacks occurred in Mombasa. Twelve gr***de and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks have occurred in Nairobi, illustrating an increase in the number of attacks and an advance in the sophistication of attacks. Targets included police stations and police vehicles, nightclubs and bars, churches, a mosque, a religious gathering, a downtown building of small shops, and a bus station. One of the deadliest attacks occurred in Nairobi on November 18, 2012, when an IED detonated on a passenger bus in Eastleigh, killing ten.

6. Seventeen people were killed and about 50 people were injured in an attack on July 1, 2012, with two simultaneous assaults on churches in Garissa. Additionally, Kenyan law enforcement has disrupted several terrorist plots, which resulted in the discoveries of weapons caches and other dangerous materials, and the arrests of several individuals.

7. Multiple kidnappings of Westerners have occurred in Kenya. In September 2011, a British woman was kidnapped and her husband murdered at a coastal resort near the Kenya-Somali border. The British hostage was released in March 2012 after payment of ransom. In October 2011, a French national was kidnapped from a private residence on the popular tourist destination of Lamu Island on Kenya's north coast. She died while in captivity in Somalia. Also in October 2011, two Spanish nationals working for a NGO were kidnapped in a Dadaab refugee camp, in northeastern Kenya. They are still being held. On June 29, 2012, four international aid workers (from Canada, Pakistan, Norway, and the Philippines) were kidnapped in Dadaab. All were rescued on July 1, 2012.

8. Following a series of security incidents attributed to violent extremists, including al-Shabaab, the Government of Kenya announced on December 13, 2012 that all urban refugees (primarily Somalis) should relocate to refugee camps. This directive is being challenged in court and is not currently being enforced; however, U.S. citizens of Somali descent should be aware that they may encounter interruptions in their travel due to increased police scrutiny based on this directive. It is very important to carry at all times proof of identity and legal status in Kenya (i.e., valid visa). If you are detained by police or immigration officials, you should request to speak to someone from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.

9. As a result of these recent events and threats, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to the North Eastern Province, including the cities of El Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, and Liboi. U.S. Embassy personnel are also restricted from traveling to the coastal area north of Pate Island, including Kiwavu and north to Kiunga on the Kenya/Somalia border.

10. Although these restrictions do not apply to travelers not associated with the U.S. government, U.S. citizens in Kenya should take these restrictions into account when planning travel. The Embassy regularly reviews the security of these areas for possible modification.

11. Clashes occasionally occur in and around Isiolo and Moyale and in 2012 there were numerous instances of sporadic violence and protests elsewhere in the country. Rioting occurred in Mombasa shortly after a local Muslim cleric with alleged ties to al-Shabaab was killed in a drive-by shooting, resulting in the deaths of three policemen and four church burnings. Demonstrations in Kisumu (Western Kenya) following the murder of two prominent Kenyan citizens in October 2012 turned violent, leaving at least four protestors dead. More than 160 people were killed in clashes in late 2012 between two communities in Tana River County, in Kenya's Coast Province. While this violence is not directed at foreigners, protests and ethnic clashes are unpredictable. U.S. citizens are advised to check conditions and monitor local media reports before traveling to these areas.

12. There are no restrictions on U.S. embassy employee travel to Kenya's most popular tourist destinations such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo, Lamu Island, Hell's Gate, Samburu, Mount Kenya, Malindi, and Nairobi. Travelers should keep informed of local developments by following local press, radio, and television reports prior to their visits. Visitors should also consult their hosts, including U.S. and Kenyan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers.

13. Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings, gr***de attacks, home invasions and burglaries, and kidnappings can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. U.S. citizens, including U.S. Embassy employees, have been victims of such crimes within the past year.

14. U.S. citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in crowded public places such as clubs, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, restaurants, bus stations, and places of worship. U.S. citizens should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events. U.S. citizens should use commonsense precautions at all times, to include the following practices: avoid crowded transportation venues; visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas only during daylight hours; use well-marked taxis and be sure to lock vehicle doors and keep windows up; lock all lodging doors and windows; carry minimal amounts of cash and credit cards; do not wear jewelry which attracts undue attention; know emergency phone numbers; do not resist or antagonize armed criminals; and always be aware of your surroundings. These measures can help ensure your travel to Kenya is safe and enjoyable.
All U.S. citizens in Kenya are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Kenya and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the ACS Nairobi page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes, and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6451 or via email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0) 20-363-6170

US Embassy: Update on Shooting Incident at Westgate - Due to the ongoing situation at Westgate Mall, all persons are advised to avoid public venues in Nairobi; shelter in place at their homes or other safe location; and continue to monitor local media.

US Embassy Nairobi is receiving reports of an ongoing shooting incident at Westgate Mall. Police are on the scene and the mall is locked down. Please stay away from the area.

Embassy of the United States of America
Nairobi, Kenya
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Fire at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
August 7, 2013

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens that this morning, August 7, a large fire broke out at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Emergency services are on the scene. Officials have not determined the cause of the fire and are currently investigating. The airport is closed to all flights until further notice. It is unclear if there are casualties. JKIA authorities and the Kenyan government are reporting that incoming flights are being diverted to Mombasa or Eldoret. Please contact the relevant airline for flight information. Nairobi’s Wilson Domestic Airport remains open. We encourage U.S. citizens to monitor local news and social media for further updates. For emergency assistance, please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6863 or via email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0)722-515-083.

All U.S. citizens in Kenya are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Kenya and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the ACS Nairobi page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes, and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6622 or via email at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0) 20-363-6170.

articles | Embassy of the United States The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of Claire Clube, Bess Rosenzweig and Harro Trempenau, who passed away on July 25 in a plane crash in Aberdare National Park. Ms. Claire Clube, 49, and Ms. Bess Rosenzweig, 22, were dual U.S. and British citizens...