The United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, has announced that it will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, due to a public holiday. According to a notice released on October 9, the closure is in observance of Columbus Day, a historical public holiday that commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
During the closure, all routine consular and administrative services will be temporarily suspended. This includes non-immigrant and immigrant visa interviews and application processing, passport renewals and issuance, notarial services, and scheduled appointments. The embassy confirmed that regular activities and all services offered will resume on Tuesday, October 13.
The US Embassy's closure on Columbus Day affects various services, including routine visa processing, passport renewals and issuance, notarial services, and scheduled appointments. However, emergency assistance for US citizens, including urgent safety, security, and welfare services, will remain available via 24-hour emergency hotlines.
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the second Monday in October. It recognizes the contributions of Americans of Italian descent and marks the beginning of European colonization in the Americas. The day is celebrated with parades, cultural festivals, and community gatherings in cities with large Italian-American populations.
In some states and municipalities, Columbus Day is replaced or supplemented with Indigenous Peoples' Day, which honors Native American resilience and history. Communities hold educational programs, traditional dances, art exhibits, and cultural ceremonies to recognize the contributions and experiences of Native Americans.
As a federal holiday, Columbus Day affects various government offices and services, including federal government offices and agencies, the US Postal Service, Federal Reserve banks, and most major commercial banks. The holiday also impacts local departments, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, and regional municipal buildings.
The US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, will resume its regular activities and services on Tuesday, October 13. US citizens and foreign nationals can access routine consular and administrative services on the resumption day. The embassy's announcement aims to inform the public about the temporary closure and the available alternative arrangements.
Key points
- The US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Columbus Day.
- All routine consular and administrative services will be temporarily suspended during the closure.
- Emergency assistance for US citizens will remain available via 24-hour emergency hotlines.
