US to reduce number of African embassies processing visa applications

The United States is expected to sharply reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that process visa applications, a move that could make travel to the US more difficult and expensive for many African applicants.

According to media reports, the US State Department plans to cut visa-processing services across the continent from around 50 embassies and consulates to just 20 designated hubs in the coming weeks.

The decision is part of the Trump administration’s wider effort to tighten immigration controls, including stricter rules for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

Visa services to be concentrated in 20 hubs

The directive was reportedly approved last week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

US diplomats, including consular officials, were informed during a conference call that Washington would scale back visa services across Africa and concentrate processing in a smaller number of regional locations.

There is not yet a confirmed date for the change, but the reduction is expected to take effect in June.

Under the new system, citizens from countries without a designated visa-processing hub would need to travel to one of the approved locations to apply for a US visa.

That could create major logistical and financial barriers for applicants, particularly in countries with limited flight connections or high regional travel costs.

Non-hub embassies to remain open

Embassies and consulates in countries that lose visa-processing services are expected to remain open, but with more limited consular functions.

They would continue to assist US citizens with services such as passport renewals and emergency support.

They may also handle special national interest cases and diplomatic visa applications, according to reports.

Wider immigration restrictions

Visa processing in Africa has already been affected by several recent restrictions, including travel bans on certain countries, new bond requirements for some applicants and public health-related limitations linked to the Ebola outbreak.

The reported reduction in visa-processing posts would add another obstacle for Africans seeking to travel to the United States for tourism, study, work, family visits or immigration.

The Trump administration has also reduced staffing at US embassies and consulates worldwide since returning to office, further limiting consular capacity in some regions.

The planned changes are likely to raise concerns among African governments, students, business travellers and families who depend on access to US visa services.