U.S. to move routine visa processing from Abuja to regional hubs starting August 1

The United States has announced a major overhaul of its visa operations across Africa, confirming that routine visa services at its embassy in Abuja and 25 other diplomatic posts will be transferred to designated regional processing hubs beginning August 1, 2026.

The policy, unveiled by the U.S. Department of State, is aimed at strengthening national security, reducing government expenditure, and creating a more uniform system for screening, vetting and adjudicating visa applications across the continent.

In a statement, the department said the restructuring reflects the Trump administration's broader effort to streamline overseas operations while prioritising the interests and safety of American citizens.

"The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations in order to advance America's priorities as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes a visa process that maintains rigorous standards of security screening and vetting and aligns resources and operational capacity with America's national interests.

"The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department will continue to provide Americans with appropriate consular services and assistance at diplomatic posts around the world."

Under the new arrangement, routine visa services will no longer be processed in Abuja. Instead, applicants from affected countries will be required to schedule appointments and pay visa fees at designated regional visa hubs. Nigeria's U.S. Consulate in Lagos has been listed among the locations that will continue to provide full routine visa processing services.

Other diplomatic posts affected by the realignment include Antananarivo, Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Juba, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Maseru, Mbabane, N'Djamena, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek.

The State Department stressed that the changes do not amount to embassy or consulate closures. It said all affected diplomatic missions will remain operational and continue providing consular assistance to American citizens and carrying out other diplomatic responsibilities. Existing valid U.S. visas are also unaffected by the policy. Applicants with appointments at impacted posts are expected to receive further guidance from the State Department.