Reduction of Visa Processing Embassies in Africa

The U.S. State Department is reportedly set to significantly cut the number of embassies in Africa that handle visa applications for immigrants trying to enter the United States.

At present, there are 50 U.S. embassies and consulates across Africa capable of processing visa and related applications. However, the Trump administration is expected to reduce this number to just 20. This move is aimed at tightening visa protocols and limiting the number of immigrants permitted entry into the U.S.

This update was shared during a conference call involving U.S. diplomats and their staff stationed in Africa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the new directive approved last week, which focuses on consolidating visa application centers into approximately 20 strategic locations throughout the continent.

Visa applications from Africa are not only facing challenges locally but are also under scrutiny in other regions. The Trump administration has added more areas to its visa restrictions list, increased application fees significantly, and imposed limitations on regions impacted by the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

While the State Department does not plan to shut down the remaining 30 consulates, the range of services available to immigrants and visitors from those locations will be restricted.

The department has stated it will continually assess its policies to ensure that taxpayer resources are utilized in alignment with U.S. priorities, striving for efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining strict security and vetting standards in its visa processes. The focus will also be on matching funding and operational capabilities with national interests.

The 20 embassies and consulates that will continue to process visa applications include locations such as Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Accra in Ghana, and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, among others like Cape Town, Dakar, and Nairobi.