Kenyans seeking to travel to the United States must now disclose all their social media accounts as part of an intensified visa screening process, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has announced.
In a statement released on Friday, the embassy stated that all applicants for the DS-160 visa a non-immigrant visa for those traveling temporarily for tourism, business, studies, or medical treatment must include their social media usernames or handles for every platform they have used in the past five years.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form,” read the statement. “Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit.”
The embassy warned that failure to provide this information, or the omission of any accounts, may result in visa denial or disqualification from future visa applications.
This new directive comes as part of broader efforts by the U.S. Department of State to bolster national security. In June 2025, the department unveiled more stringent screening protocols aimed at preventing illegal immigration and deterring individuals deemed a threat to U.S. public safety.
Among the changes is a requirement for visa applicants who have set their social media profiles to private to switch them to public, allowing U.S. authorities to conduct deeper background checks and online presence reviews. The department noted that these measures apply specifically to F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications, which include students and exchange visitors.
“The State Department is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the June statement read. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”
The move is in line with the immigration policies championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has consistently called for tighter border controls and stricter vetting of visa applicants. These measures were highlighted during his 2024 re-election campaign as part of his commitment to combat illegal immigration.
