Kenyans residing in the United States will face an additional USD 45 fee at airport security starting February 2026 if they lack a REAL ID or other approved identification. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration introduced the measure to minimize delays from inadequate documentation. Travelers can avoid the charge by obtaining a compliant ID or using a U.S. passport.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs announced on December 8, 2025, new rules requiring air travelers without a REAL ID to pay a USD 45 fee for alternative identity verification via the TSA Confirm ID system. This policy, effective from February 1, 2026, aims to streamline security processes by encouraging passengers to carry proper documents, thereby reducing checkpoint delays.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that adheres to federal security standards, featuring a distinctive marking to indicate compliance. For Kenyans legally living in the U.S., this could increase travel costs, especially for frequent domestic flyers who have not yet upgraded their IDs.
To bypass the fee, the department recommends using a valid U.S. passport book or passport card as alternatives for domestic flights. The passport card, a compact wallet-sized document, proves U.S. citizenship and costs less than the full passport book; it supports air travel within the U.S. and land or sea trips to places like Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean nations, but not international flights. The passport book, with its visa pages, offers broader utility for global travel, including returns to Kenya, though at a higher price.
Obtaining a REAL ID varies by state but generally involves an in-person visit to a Department of Motor Vehicles office for first-time applicants. Required documents include proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency, along with a photo and modest processing fee. Renewals may occur online or by mail in some states, while minors under 16 need parental accompaniment.
This development underscores the importance of documentation compliance for expatriates navigating U.S. travel regulations.