US Embassy to remain closed on January 1 for new year’s day

The U.S. Embassy in Kenya has announced that it will be closed on Thursday, January 1, in observance of the New Year’s Day public holiday.

In a brief notice to the public, the embassy stated that all routine services, including visa processing and consular appointments, will be suspended for the day.

Normal operations are expected to resume on the next working day, and the embassy urged visitors to plan accordingly.

Members of the public with urgent matters are advised to take advantage of the embassy’s online services where possible.

Emergency assistance for U.S. citizens, however, will remain accessible through established emergency contact channels during the closure.

As 2025 comes to a close, the U.S. Embassy extended warm wishes to Kenyans and the international community, expressing hope for a happy, safe, and prosperous New Year.

This announcement follows the embassy’s usual practice of observing official U.S. public holidays, as well as select Kenyan public holidays, in line with diplomatic norms.

Such closures are routinely communicated in advance to minimise disruption to visitors and applicants.

The embassy also reminded the public to monitor its official communication platforms, including its website and social media channels, for the latest updates on operating hours, holiday schedules, and service availability.

Doing so ensures that individuals seeking consular or visa services can plan their visits effectively and avoid inconvenience.

By providing these updates in advance, the embassy emphasises its commitment to maintaining transparent communication with the public while ensuring that critical support for U.S. citizens remains available throughout holiday periods.