By Sorie Sesay
The United States plans to sharply reduce the number of its embassies and consulates in Africa that process visa applications, a move that could require travelers from dozens of countries to seek visas in neighboring states, according to U.S. officials and an internal State Department memorandum obtained by the Associated Press.
Under the proposal, the number of U.S. diplomatic missions in Africa handling routine visa applications would be reduced from nearly 50 to about 20 regional hubs in the coming weeks, although a final implementation date has not been announced.
The measure is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to tighten immigration controls, reduce visa overstays and strengthen screening procedures for both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants, according to officials familiar with the plan.
Applicants from countries that are not designated as visa-processing hubs would be required to travel to another African country to complete interviews and other visa formalities. U.S. embassies in those countries would continue to provide services to American citizens, process diplomatic visas and handle emergencies, but routine visa operations would be scaled back.
The proposed hubs are expected to include major diplomatic posts such as Accra, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg. Sierra Leone is not among the locations reported to be under consideration as a regional processing centre.
The changes could increase travel costs and waiting times for visa applicants across the continent, particularly those from smaller countries that may no longer have access to routine visa services at local U.S. embassies.
The U.S. State Department has not publicly released detailed implementation plans but has said it routinely reviews overseas operations to ensure resources are aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities and security requirements.
The proposal follows a series of immigration-related measures introduced by the Trump administration, including enhanced visa vetting procedures, restrictions targeting countries with high visa overstay rates and tighter scrutiny of applicants seeking entry to the United States.
The United States maintains one of the largest diplomatic networks in Africa, with embassies and consulates providing visa, consular and diplomatic services across the continent. Any reduction in visa-processing locations is expected to have significant implications for students, business travelers, tourists and immigrants seeking entry into the United States.
