The US will halt routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from August 1, 2026, shifting services to regional hubs.
US Ends Routine Visa Processing in Abuja, 24 Other African Missions
Washington is pulling the plug on routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts, including Abuja, effective August 1, 2026. According to a US Department of State statement cited by PUNCH Online, the shake-up centralises visa services in regional hubs to tighten security, cut costs, and standardise screening.
Other affected posts span Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Freetown, Harare, Lusaka, Windhoek and more. The State Department stressed embassies remain fully operational, continuing other consular duties, and that already-issued visas stay valid. Applicants in affected countries will now route routine visa requests through designated regional hubs instead of local missions.
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