25 African Cities Lose US Visa Services Amid State Department Restructuring

The United States has suspended or significantly reduced non-immigrant visa processing services in 25 African cities, a move that is expected to affect thousands of travelers seeking business, tourism, study, medical, and exchange visas.

The decision follows a broader State Department consular restructuring aimed at consolidating visa operations, addressing staffing shortages, expanding centralized processing, and strengthening security screening procedures. While U.S. officials say the affected embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and essential American citizen services, many routine visa appointments have been halted or transferred to regional hubs.

According to officials familiar with the changes, applicants from several African countries will now be required to schedule interviews in neighboring countries or designated regional consular centers, potentially increasing travel costs, waiting times, and administrative burdens for students, entrepreneurs, tourists, and families.

The restructuring affects a range of consular posts across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa, though the State Department has not publicly released a single comprehensive list identifying all 25 cities in one announcement. In several cases, visa operations have been temporarily suspended pending staffing reviews, while other locations have shifted to limited appointment availability focused on diplomatic, emergency, or humanitarian cases.

Impact on travelers

Travel agencies, education consultants, and business groups across Africa have expressed concern that the changes could disrupt:

• Student visa applications for the upcoming academic year.
• Business travel linked to trade, investment, and technology partnerships.
• Medical travel for patients seeking treatment in the United States.
• Tourism and family visits, especially for applicants who must now travel long distances for interviews.

Universities in the United States that recruit African students are also monitoring the situation closely, as additional travel requirements could create financial and logistical obstacles for prospective students…Read more

Get the latest news of our Loveworld News from our Johannesburg Stations and News Station South Africa, LN24 International