US visa photo Kenya: DS-160 600×600 max 240KB, Embassy Nairobi Gigiri. https://www.pixid.studio/guide/us-visa-photo-kenya

🇰🇪 Kenya → 🇺🇸 US visa · Last verified: May 2026

US Visa Photo Requirements for Kenyan Applicants — DS-160 & Embassy Nairobi (2026)

600×600 px Max 240 KB DS-160 Embassy Nairobi

Quick answer: Upload 600×600 px JPEG, max 240 KB, square 2×2 in framing on DS-160. Interview at US Embassy Nairobi (United Nations Avenue, Gigiri). Bring one print if your appointment letter requires it.

Official sources: travel.state.gov · ustraveldocs.com/ke

US visa DS-160 digital photo for Kenyan applicants at Embassy Nairobi
DS-160 is digital-first — 600×600 px under 240 KB, not eCitizen 35×45 mm.

Use this page if…

  • Kenyan applying for a US non-immigrant visa via DS-160 from Kenya.

Do not use this page for: Kenya passport photo guide renewal, applicants outside this origin country, or generic sizing without VFS context — see general US visa photo guide or Kenya passport photo guide.

US visa from Kenya is digital-first: DS-160 needs a square 600×600 px JPEG under 240 KB. A Kenya passport print at 35×45 mm will not upload — export the square file first, then print one 2×2 copy only if your embassy letter requires it.

US Embassy — Nairobi

After DS-160, schedule interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi.

CentreAddress / areaNotes
Embassy NairobiUnited Nations Avenue, Gigiri, NairobiNon-immigrant visa interviews
DS-160 portalceac.state.govDigital photo upload before scheduling

US Embassy Kenya · travel.state.gov

Photo specification

RequirementSpecification
Digital size600×600 pixels (square)
Physical equivalent51×51 mm (2×2 inches)
File formatJPEG
Max file size240 KB
Head height50–69% of image height
BackgroundPlain white or off-white
Recency≤ 6 months
GlassesNot permitted

DS-160 requires square 600×600 digital upload — not Kenya eCitizen 35×45 mm. Using a passport photo file will fail the portal.

Printed photo or digital upload?

Digital upload is primary. DS-160 blocks submission without a compliant JPEG. Export 600×600 under 240 KB via PixID. One printed 2×2 copy may be required at interview.

Document photo compliance checks — background, head size, and framing
Visa centres check measurable rules — crop, background, and head height — not whether the photo is flattering.

What usually goes wrong in Kenya

  • Using eCitizen 35×45 mm instead of square 600×600
  • File over 240 KB from phone original
  • Grey studio background instead of white
  • Uploading before fixing shadows

Print for interview if required

Print one 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) copy if your Gigiri appointment letter asks for it.

PixID — $4.99

PixID checks crop, background, and file size for US visa rules — without altering your face. $4.99, money-back guarantee.

See also

Frequently asked questions

What size for US visa photo in Kenya?
600×600 px JPEG — square, max 240 KB.
Where to interview?
US Embassy Nairobi, Gigiri.
Print or digital?
Digital on DS-160; print may be required at interview.
Can I use Kenya passport photo?
No — eCitizen uses 35×45 mm; US requires square 600×600.
Glasses allowed?
No for US visa photos.
How to schedule?
Complete DS-160 first, then book via ustraveldocs.com/ke.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance.
Why does DS-160 reject my photo file?
Common causes: file over 240 KB, not square 600×600 px, or shadows on the background. Export from PixID at DS-160 size before you submit the form.

US visa from Kenya — DS-160 600×600 digital

Create Your Photo — $4.99

Verified against U.S. Department of State photo requirements.