US stops routine visa processing in Abuja, 24 other African countries

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Editor

The United States government has announced that routine visa processing at its embassy in Abuja and 24 other diplomatic missions across Africa will end from August 1, 2026.

The decision is part of a wider plan to reorganise its overseas consular operations.

The US Department of State said the change is intended to centralise routine visa services in regional hubs to improve security, reduce government spending and ensure consistent visa screening, vetting and adjudication.

In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, the department said the move is in line with the administration of President Donald Trump, which places priority on America’s interests and security.

“The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations to advance America’s priorities as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes a visa process that maintains rigorous standards of security screening and vetting and aligns resources and operational capacity with America’s national interests.

“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department will continue to provide Americans with appropriate consular services and assistance at diplomatic posts around the world,” the statement read.

The affected diplomatic posts are in Abuja, Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Juba, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Maseru, Mbabane, N’Djamena, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek.

The State Department said the change applies only to routine visa processing and does not affect the operation of the embassies and consulates.

It added that all diplomatic missions will continue to provide consular services and carry out their regular responsibilities on behalf of the United States.

The department also said visas that have already been issued remain valid.

The United States regularly reviews its diplomatic operations around the world to reallocate resources and improve consular services.

Under the new arrangement, applicants in the affected countries will access routine visa services through designated regional processing hubs, while embassies and consulates will continue to provide other diplomatic and consular services.

The Tribune