The United States government has announced it will stop routine visa processing at its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, starting August 1, 2026. This decision affects not only the Nigerian capital but also 24 other diplomatic missions across Africa, according to multiple reports (businessday.ng). The move marks a significant shift in how the U.S. handles visa applications in the region.
Under the new policy, routine visa processing for Abuja and 24 other African cities will be relocated to regional hubs, as stated by The Cable. This change aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency, though details on the exact locations of these hubs remain unclear. The decision was also confirmed by PunchNG, which noted the end of routine visa services at the Abuja embassy.
The shift is part of a broader strategy to centralize visa processing, reducing the administrative burden on embassies. However, the impact on travelers and diplomatic relations remains to be seen. The U.S. has not provided further clarification on the reasons behind the decision or the specific locations of the new regional hubs.
