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The United States is set to drastically reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that handle visa applications, a move that could complicate travel plans for many Africans wishing to visit the U.S.
According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the U.S. State Department plans to decrease the number of diplomatic missions processing visas from nearly 50 to just 20 in the upcoming weeks.
The initiative is part of the President Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement strategy.
The decision, which has received approval from U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is anticipated to be implemented later this month, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed.
AP sources indicate that this plan was communicated to U.S. diplomats and consular staff during a conference call last Friday, as detailed in an internal memo from the State Department.
The reduction is aligned with President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration controls, limit both immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuances, and reduce instances of visa overstays by foreign nationals entering the U.S. on temporary visas.
The administration has also cut staffing levels at various U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe.
Under the new structure, full visa processing will be centralized in 20 designated regional hubs across Africa.
Cities expected to maintain comprehensive visa-processing services include Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dakar, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kampala, Kigali, and Yaoundé.
The inclusion of Accra ensures that Ghana remains a pivotal location for U.S. visa applications on the continent.
While embassies in countries not designated as hubs will still operate, their services will be greatly restricted.
They will continue to assist U.S. citizens and manage emergency consular services, diplomatic visas, and specific cases considered in the U.S. national interest, however, routine visa processing will largely be redirected to the hubs.
The planned reduction follows a series of immigration-related measures introduced by the Trump administration over recent months.
Washington has enacted travel bans on several nations, tightened visa screening protocols, and imposed new requirements for certain applicants.
Additionally, U.S. authorities are looking into ways to enhance visa vetting processes and address issues related to visa overstays.
These changes come as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico, an event expected to lead to a significant increase in visa applications from football fans across Africa and beyond.
Last year, Reuters reported that U.S. officials were considering additional staffing and technological enhancements to manage the anticipated surge in visa demand associated with the tournament.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong