Why Washington is reducing visa processing across Africa

Author: Al Jazeera staffPublished on: June 5, 2026Country: United States

World / International

Why Washington is reducing visa processing across Africa

The US plans to centralize visa processing in Africa, cutting the number of embassies and consulates handling applications from about 50 to roughly 20. Routine visa interviews would be moved to regional hubs such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Accra, and Dakar. The plan does not change who qualifies for a visa but where applicants must go. Experts suggest the move aims to standardize decision-making, strengthen fraud detection, and address staffing pressures.

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