US to Slash Number of African Embassies Processing Visas from 50 to 20, Kenya Remains a Key Hub

Thousands of Africans seeking to study, work, visit or migrate to the United States could soon face longer journeys and higher costs after Washington unveiled plans to drastically reduce the number of embassies and consulates processing visa applications across the continent.

Under the proposed changes, the number of US diplomatic missions in Africa handling routine visa applications will be cut from nearly 50 to just 20, according to reports by the Associated Press citing US officials and an internal State Department memo.

The changes are expected to be rolled out this month as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown.

The directive, reportedly approved by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is aimed at tightening immigration controls, reducing visa overstays and strengthening security screening for both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants.

US officials say the move will allow resources to be deployed more efficiently while maintaining rigorous vetting standards for those seeking entry into the United States.

For many Africans, however, the changes could create a major new hurdle.

Applicants from countries that will lose routine visa services may be forced to travel across borders to attend interviews and complete application procedures at designated regional hubs. Immigration observers warn that the added travel costs, accommodation expenses and logistical challenges could make the visa process significantly more difficult for many people.

While visa services will be centralised, US embassies and consulates in countries that are not selected as hubs will remain open. Their focus will largely shift to services for American citizens, including passport renewals, emergency assistance, diplomatic visas and a limited number of special cases.

Kenya is expected to play a pivotal role in the new arrangement.

The US Embassy in Nairobi has been listed among the 20 designated visa-processing hubs that will continue handling all categories of applications. Other hubs include locations in Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg, Kampala and Kigali.

The move is likely to increase demand for appointments at the US Embassy in Nairobi, particularly from applicants in neighbouring countries that may no longer have access to routine visa processing services.

The latest policy is part of a series of immigration measures introduced under the administration of Donald Trump. Previous measures have included tighter visa vetting procedures, travel restrictions affecting several countries and efforts aimed at reducing immigration and visa overstays.

Although US officials have indicated that the changes are expected to take effect in June, no exact implementation date has been announced.

For thousands of African travellers planning to visit the United States, the shake-up could soon mean that securing a visa begins with an additional journey before the journey itself.

The United States government plans to significantly reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that process visa applications, a move expected to affect thousands of travellers seeking to visit, study, work, or migrate to the US.