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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Matthew Lee and Sam Mednick

US to drastically slash the number of embassies in Africa that can process visas

Trump - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The State Department plans to drastically slash the number of U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa that can process visas for foreigners seeking to come to the United States.

The almost 50 U.S. embassies and consulates that are processing visa applications will be reduced to 20 in the coming weeks, according to three U.S. officials and an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. There is not yet a set date for the change, but it is expected in June, according to the officials, who were not authorized to comment to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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