Washington d.c.: The United States (US) State Department has announced plans to cease the issuance of visas at 24 embassies and consulates across Africa, beginning August 1, 2026. This strategic move affects diplomatic missions in key cities such as Abuja, Bamako, Banjul, and Brazzaville, among others.
According to Ghana Web, the affected embassies and consulates include those in Abuja, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, and Freetown. The decision is part of a broader security measure aimed at enhancing the US government's visa processing protocols. Applicants in these countries will be redirected to designated regional hubs for their visa services.
The State Department has clarified that the suspension of visa services will not result in the closure of the affected embassies or consulates and will not impact valid US visas. The changes aim to streamline security screening processes, reduce government expenses, and ensure more consistent visa handling across the continent. In Nigeria, for instance, visa issuance will be centralized at the US mission in Lagos.
Visa services will continue to operate in other African missions not on the affected list, including Accra, Lom©, and Nairobi. The department reassures that the embassies and consulates still operational will offer comprehensive services to applicants.
The full list of unaffected US missions includes strategic locations such as Lagos, Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, and Cape Town, ensuring that crucial diplomatic operations remain uninterrupted across the continent.