The United States has stated that routine visa processing at its embassy in Abuja and 24 other diplomatic posts in Africa will cease from August 1, 2026, as part of a larger restructuring of its overseas consular activities.
The US Department of State explained that officials intended the centralisation of routine visa services in regional hubs to boost national security, cut government spending, and ensure consistent visa screening, vetting, and adjudication.
According to a statement on the US Department of State website spotted by our correspondent Online on Wednesday, the restructuring aligns with President Donald Trump’s administration’s strategy to prioritize America’s interests and security.
“The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations in order 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.
Aside from Abuja, the change affects diplomatic posts in 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 noted, however, that the policy shift alters only routine visa processing and leaves the operational status of the affected embassies and consulates unchanged.
Read Also: US Moves to Tighten, Reduce Visa Operations Across Africa
Backstory…
Nigeria consistently ranks among the African countries with the highest demand for U.S. visas, with thousands of Nigerians applying each year for education, tourism, medical treatment and business travel.
The measure affects the U.S. Embassy in Abuja alongside 24 other American missions on the continent, although emergency services, diplomatic visas and certain priority categories are expected to continue.
The move is likely to increase waiting times for thousands of applicants seeking tourist, student, business and other non-immigrant visas.
Read Also: US Issues Strong Warning to Nigerians on Overstaying Visits, Threaten Immigration Sanctions
