US to Realign Routine Visa Processing Across Africa from 1 August
The U.S. Department of State has announced a major restructuring of its visa operations across Africa, with routine visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and 24 other diplomatic posts ending from 1 August 2026 as part of a regional hub system.
According to the State Department, applicants seeking routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visas in the affected countries will no longer complete their visa processing at those embassies. Instead, they will be required to schedule appointments and attend interviews at designated regional visa hubs across the continent. The change is aimed at improving efficiency while strengthening security screening and visa adjudication standards.
For Nigeria, this means routine visa services will no longer be processed at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. However, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has been designated as one of the regional visa hubs and will continue to provide routine visa services. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja will remain open, continuing to offer American citizen services and limited consular services.
The State Department also clarified that existing valid U.S. visas remain unaffected, and travellers with scheduled appointments at impacted locations will receive further guidance by email.
What this means for Nigerian travellers.
Travellers planning to apply for a U.S. visa should review the latest guidance before booking appointments. Nigerian applicants who would have used Abuja for routine visa applications should now expect to complete the process through the designated visa hub in Lagos. In contrast, applicants in other affected African countries may need to travel to their assigned regional processing post.
Whether you’re travelling to the United States for business, education, tourism, or to visit family, Afari Travels & Tours can help you stay up to date on the latest visa requirements. From visa assistance and international flight bookings to accommodation, personalised itineraries and corporate travel management, we’re committed to making your journey seamless and stress-free.
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