- The US will end routine visa processing in Abuja from August 1
- The policy also affects 24 other diplomatic missions across Africa
- Visa services will be centralised in regional hubs for security and efficiency
The United States will discontinue routine visa processing at its embassy in Abuja and 24 other diplomatic missions across Africa from August 1, 2026, as part of a major overhaul of its overseas consular operations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the decision, announced by the U.S. Department of State, is intended to centralise routine visa services at designated regional hubs, a move officials say will strengthen national security, improve the consistency of visa screening and reduce government spending.
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In a statement published on the department’s official website on Wednesday, the U.S. government said the restructuring reflects the administration of President Donald Trump’s commitment to prioritising American security and national interests.
According to the statement, the State Department regularly reviews its global operations to ensure resources are deployed efficiently while maintaining strict visa vetting procedures.
“The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations to advance America’s priorities as efficiently and effectively as possible,” the statement said.
It added that the revised visa process would continue to uphold rigorous security checks while aligning operational capacity with U.S. strategic objectives.
The department stressed that protecting the safety and security of Americans remains its top priority, noting that diplomatic missions worldwide will continue to provide essential consular support to U.S. citizens.
Apart from Abuja, the policy will affect U.S. diplomatic missions 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 clarified that only routine visa processing would be transferred to regional centres, while embassies and consulates in the affected countries would remain fully operational and continue providing other diplomatic and consular services.
It also assured travellers that visas already issued remain valid and are not affected by the new arrangement.
Under the revised system, applicants seeking routine U.S. visas in the affected countries will be required to use designated regional processing hubs, while local diplomatic missions continue carrying out their regular responsibilities.
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