Full list: US to discontinue visa services in Abuja, 24 other African cities

The United States is set to significantly alter its visa operations across Africa, discontinuing routine visa services at its embassy in Abuja and 24 other diplomatic posts effective August 1, 2026. This strategic realignment, announced by the U.S. Department of State, involves consolidating services into regional hubs.

The State Department stated that this move is part of an effort to enhance national security, reduce government expenditure, and implement more consistent screening, vetting, and adjudication standards. The administration emphasized that this realignment advances U.S. priorities efficiently and effectively, prioritizing the safety and security of Americans.

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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.

While routine visa services will cease in locations such as Asmara, Bamako, Brazzaville, and Harare, among others, the U.S. embassies and consulates in 20 other African cities, including Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi, will continue to offer these services. The realignment does not impact the operational status of any affected embassies or the validity of currently issued U.S. visas.

The changes will affect immigrant visa categories including immediate relatives, family preference, employment-based, and diversity visas. The Department noted that similar realignments to regional hubs have already proven successful in other parts of the world. Visa suspensions and bond requirements for certain nationalities remain in place.

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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.