The United States restructured its visa processing system in Africa on Tuesday. The State Department cut the number of embassies and consulates that handle full visa applications from nearly 50 to 20 designated regional hubs. Officials implemented the change under a directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the plan last week. The move formed part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration oversight. U.S. officials stated that the restructuring aimed to improve resource allocation and strengthen security vetting for visa applicants.
Three U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity told the Associated Press that the consolidation would take effect in June.
Applicants from across Africa now travel to one of the 20 hubs for complete visa processing. The selected locations include Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Accra in Ghana, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Lagos in Nigeria, Nairobi in Kenya, Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, and Kampala in Uganda.
Other sites on the list cover Dakar in Senegal, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and Yaounde in Cameroon. Non-hub embassies continue limited operations such as passport renewals for U.S. citizens and emergency services.
The centralization requires many visa seekers to travel longer distances. This development adds potential costs and logistical challenges for applicants. However consular sections in non-hub countries still assist with special national interest cases and diplomatic visas.
The State Department emphasized that the policy maintains high standards for vetting while reducing operational spread.
The restructuring followed existing travel restrictions and health-related pauses in visa services. Observers noted that the plan aligned with ongoing administration priorities to limit overstays and manage migration flows. The 20 hubs now serve as primary points for both immigrant and non-immigrant visa interviews across the continent.
