The United States will stop routine visa processing at its embassy in Abuja from August 1, 2026, as part of a major overhaul of its consular operations across Africa.
The decision, announced by the US Department of State, affects the embassy in Abuja and 24 other diplomatic missions on the continent. According to the department, routine visa applications will instead be handled through designated regional processing hubs.
The restructuring is intended to strengthen national security, reduce operating costs and improve consistency in visa screening, vetting and adjudication.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, July 29, the State Department said the changes are in line with President Donald Trump’s administration’s emphasis on protecting US interests.
“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.
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“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.
Other diplomatic missions affected by the policy are located 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 the new arrangement applies only to routine visa processing and does not affect the overall operations of the affected embassies and consulates.
It added that the missions will continue to provide consular assistance and carry out their diplomatic responsibilities as usual.
The department also assured travellers that visas already issued remain valid and are not affected by the policy.
Under the new system, applicants from countries affected by the change will be directed to regional visa processing centres for routine applications, while US embassies and consulates will continue to provide other diplomatic and consular services.