US to Reduce Visa Processing Centres Across Africa, Retains Lagos as Regional Hub

The United States government is set to significantly scale down visa-processing operations across Africa, reducing the number of embassies and consulates handling visa applications from nearly 50 to just 20 designated regional hubs.

According to an internal State Department memo cited by the Associated Press (AP), the restructuring forms part of broader efforts by Washington to streamline consular operations and tighten immigration controls.

The directive was reportedly approved by Marco Rubio and communicated to American diplomats and consular officials during a conference call held last week.

Under the arrangement, Lagos will remain one of the continent’s key visa-processing centres alongside locations in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania, Rwanda, Cameroon and several other countries. 

The designated hubs include Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Addis Ababa, Dakar, Kampala, Kigali, Yaoundé, Monrovia, Luanda, Lomé, Praia, Port Louis and Lagos among others.

The changes are expected to take effect this month, although US authorities have yet to announce a formal implementation date.

While embassies and consulates in countries excluded from the list will remain operational, their services will largely be limited to assisting American citizens, handling emergency consular matters and processing diplomatic or special-interest visas. 

The development could have far-reaching implications for travellers across Africa, many of whom may now be required to travel to neighbouring countries to complete visa interviews and application processes.

Immigration analysts say the policy may increase travel expenses, prolong application timelines and create additional logistical challenges for prospective visitors seeking entry into the United States.

The move comes amid a broader tightening of immigration measures under the administration of Donald Trump, including expanded travel restrictions and stricter visa screening requirements affecting several countries.

For Nigeria, the retention of Lagos as one of the continent’s major visa-processing hubs is expected to reinforce its position as a key diplomatic and commercial gateway within the region.