U.S. visa overhaul leaves Lome among 20 key processing hubs in Africa

Politics

Wednesday, 03 June 2026 12:55

U.S. visa overhaul leaves Lome among 20 key processing hubs in Africa

(Togo First) - Lome is set to remain a key hub in the U.S. consular network in Africa. The Trump administration plans to cut by nearly half the number of African embassies and consulates handling U.S. visa applications, according to information reported by the Associated Press. Of roughly 50 currently operational missions, only 20 would continue to process all visa categories, including the post in Togo.

Under the proposed plan, Lome would join Abidjan, Accra, Dakar, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg among the hubs designated to handle the full range of visa applications across the continent.

A reshaping of the U.S. consular network

The move is part of the immigration agenda pursued since Donald Trump's return to the White House. Washington has in recent months introduced a series of measures aimed at tightening control over migration flows, including stricter visa issuance procedures, enhanced vetting requirements and bonds of up to $15,000 for certain African applicants.

The decision comes as the U.S. Embassy in Lome has already taken on a larger regional role. Since the suspension of certain American consular services in Burkina Faso in 2025, Burkinabe applicants have been directed to Togo for certain visa services.

For nationals of countries that will no longer host full visa-processing services, applications will require travel to one of the 20 designated hubs.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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