AP: Abuja Out, Lagos In as US Slashes Number of Visa-processing Embassies in Africa from 50 to 20

The United States is set to significantly reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa responsible for processing visas. Nearly 50 locations will be consolidated into just 20 designated "hubs" in the coming weeks, according to U.S. officials and an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press.

Among the remaining hubs are Lagos, Nigeria; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Accra, Ghana; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. However, the U.S. embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, may cease visa processing, requiring Nigerians seeking U.S. visas to travel to Lagos, the country's commercial center. The specific date for this change is not yet set but is expected in June.

This consolidation is part of the Trump administration's wider strategy to curb immigration. The move aims to limit both immigrant and non-immigrant visas and address the issue of individuals overstaying their temporary visas. The administration has also reduced personnel at diplomatic missions globally.

U.S. diplomats were informed of the scaling back of visa services across Africa during a conference call last week. The directive, approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will limit consular operations in non-hub countries, though these offices will still assist U.S. citizens with passport renewals and emergency requests. This change could present significant travel challenges and costs for citizens in non-hub countries who must now travel to one of the 20 approved sites for visa applications.