The United States government has confirmed that routine visa processing will no longer be available at its embassy in Abuja and 24 other diplomatic missions across Africa starting August 1, 2026.
According to the US Department of State, visa services will instead be handled through regional hubs as part of a broader effort to tighten security, eliminate unnecessary government spending, and standardise visa screening, vetting and decision-making procedures.
The department said the restructuring aligns with President Donald Trump’s administration’s goal of ensuring US operations overseas are more efficient while prioritising the safety and interests of Americans.
In its statement, the State Department said:
«“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 affected missions include those in Abuja, 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.
Despite the changes, the State Department emphasised that all affected embassies and consulates will remain operational and will continue providing diplomatic and consular services.
