The U.S. Embassy in Kenya has announced changes to its visa collection process, effective from April 7, 2025.
Previously, visa applicants would collect their passports and supporting documents directly from the U.S. Embassy offices.
However, under the new system, BLS International, a global visa outsource provider, will now handle the distribution of all approved visa documents.
In an email sent to a visa applicant and seen by The Kenya Times, the U.S. Embassy stated, “Please be informed that from April 7, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya has changed the document delivery provider, and there is a change to the location where you will pick up your passport and any supporting documents.”
BLS International is a preferred partner for Embassies and Governments across the world.
US Embassy in Kenya Shifts Visa Collection to BLS International
Applicants will receive an email notification once the visa is approved, sent to the address they provided when scheduling their appointment or receiving the document courier-in instructions.
The email will also include the shipping reference number, pick-up location, and instructions on how to pick up your document(s).
The pickup location will be BLS Kenya, and applicants will be required to present proof of identity when collecting their documents.
“Once you receive the courier email notification plan to go to the BLS location and you must prove your identity by bringing the documents listed on the following link: https://ais usvisa-info.com/en-ug/niv/information/courier,” read the email in parts.
“Do not go to the BLS location if you have not received an email with the shipping reference number and the required proof of identity.”
The BLS Kenya office, located at Eldama Park, Westlands, will serve as the new pick-up point for applicants.
“It can take up to 5 business days from the date your visa application was approved for your documents to be ready for pick up,” the email read further.
Also Read: South Sudan Bows to Pressure After US Revoked Visas for All Passport Holders
New Visa Pick Up Location
According to the information in the email, an applicant will pick up his/her documents at the following location:
“Courier Facility: BLS Kenya
Address: Eldama Park, Westlands, 1st Floor, Block A, Top of I&M Bank, Corner of Eldama Ravine & Peponi Rd, Nairobi
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 16:00.”
For those who find the default pick-up location inconvenient, there is an option of changing the document delivery location for an additional fee
While this new arrangement offers convenience for many, it also raises questions about the future of consular services whether this is the first step toward more outsourced services for the US Embassy in Kenya.
Also Read: US Govt to Monitor Kenyan Social Media Accounts Before Visa Approval
Applying for US Visa
A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport.
However, certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by US immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel.
For short-term visits to the United States (such as tourism, business, education, and more), you can directly access the online application form (DS-160).
For immigrant visas, which are issued to foreign nationals intending to live and work permanently in the U.S., you can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website for the relevant forms.
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