June 2, 2026
The United States is set to reduce the number of embassies and consulates across Africa that can process visa applications, according to an internal State Department memo and three U.S. officials familiar with the plan.
The measure will cut the number of U.S. diplomatic missions handling visa applications from nearly 50 to just 20 in the coming weeks. While no official implementation date has been announced, the changes are expected to take effect in June.
The decision forms part of President Donald Trump’s administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls, reduce the issuance of both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, and address concerns over visitors who remain in the United States after their visas expire. The administration has also reduced staffing levels at diplomatic missions worldwide.
According to one official who participated in a conference call last Friday, U.S. diplomats and consular chiefs were informed that visa services across Africa would be scaled back substantially.
