2007 Press Releases

Embassy announces new visitor procedures

March 12, 2007

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi announces the following changes to arrival times and to items that may be brought on the premises.

Arrival Times

Effective immediately persons with appointments for a visa interview at the Consular section should appear no earlier than 30 minutes prior to, or 30 minutes after the appointment time. For example, if your appointment is at 8:00 a.m. you should not present yourself before 7:30 a.m. or after 8:30 a.m.

Items Prohibited on the Premises

Visitors to the Embassy or the Consular section may no longer bring the following items into the Embassy buildings:

• Aerosol or pump sprays (includes perfumes, hairsprays, bug sprays etc.)
• Liquids of any kind
• Loose Powders (baby powder, face powder etc)
• Food items

The following items will be permitted after X-ray and screening by the local guards:

• Diapers
• Baby Wipes
• Medication in pill form
• External Pacemaker Devices
• Lipstick/Lip Balm
• Small amounts of hand sanitizer
• Toothpaste/gel
• Ladies compacts with pressed powder

If visitors bring prohibited items with them to the Embassy, they will be held at the guard booth until the visitor's departure from Embassy grounds. Items may not remain overnight in the guard booths and will be disposed of on a daily basis if not claimed by the visitor on the same day.

Exception for Immediately Required Medications

Liquid medications and syringes will not be permitted but arrangements can be made with the guard for Embassy and Consular section visitors if the medication is required for immediate use while waiting in the Consular section or visiting in the Embassy.

Cellphones/Cameras/Laptops/Recording Devices

As always, the following items are still prohibited anywhere on the entire U.S. Mission to Kenya premises:

• Mobile Telephones
• Cameras
• Recording Devices
• Other Electronic Devices such as Laptop Computers and PDAs