Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press
The United States plans to significantly reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that process visa applications, according to media reports.
The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten the issuance of both immigrant and non-immigrant visas and address concerns over visa overstays.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the US State Department has approved a directive that would reduce full visa-processing operations in Africa to 20 designated hubs. The decision was reportedly communicated during a conference call with US diplomats, including consular chiefs, last Friday.
Currently, around 50 US embassies and consulates across Africa process visa applications. Under the proposed changes, that number is expected to be reduced to 20 in the coming weeks.
There is no confirmed implementation date, but the changes are expected to take effect in June.
Visa processing in Africa has already been affected by travel restrictions on certain countries, a requirement for some applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000 (€12,891), and more recent restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak.
Under the new system, applicants from countries without a designated processing hub may be required to travel to one of the 20 approved locations to apply for a visa, potentially increasing travel costs and logistical challenges.
Embassies and consulates that are not selected as hubs are expected to remain open but with limited consular services. They will continue assisting US citizens with passport renewals and emergency consular requests, while also handling diplomatic visas and certain cases deemed to be in the national interest.
The Trump administration has also reduced personnel at US embassies and consulates in several locations worldwide since returning to office.