State Department Cuts Africa Visa-Processing Posts to 20 From Nearly 50
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 1
State Department Cuts Africa Visa-Processing Posts to 20 From Nearly 50
11 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 1
Nearly 30 U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa will stop routine visa processing in coming weeks, leaving 20 regional hubs under a directive approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The June shift is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to curb immigration and visa overstays while concentrating staff and screening resources at fewer posts.
Citizens in non-hub countries will have to travel to one of the 20 approved sites for most visa applications, adding cost and logistical hurdles across the continent.
Non-hub consular sections will remain open for U.S. citizen services, emergency requests, diplomatic visas and special national-interest cases, but not full visa operations.
The cut follows other restrictions already affecting African applicants, including travel bans, bond requirements of up to $15,000 and Ebola-related disruptions.
How will new visa hurdles affect U.S. economic and strategic goals in a rising Africa?
With Ebola closing new visa hubs, what is the contingency plan for applicants across the continent?