The United States has reduced the number of visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa, while retaining Lagos as one of its key regional visa hubs.

According to an internal State Department memo, the number of African posts handling visa applications will be cut from nearly 50 to 20, in a major restructuring of consular services across the continent.

Despite the broad reduction, Lagos in Lagos remains on the list of designated hubs where full visa processing will continue, alongside cities such as Accra, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Johannesburg.

Officials say the move is part of efforts to centralize visa operations, improve efficiency, and tighten immigration screening processes, particularly for non-immigrant and immigrant visa categories.

The restructuring means applicants from countries without designated hubs may need to travel to regional centres like Lagos for visa interviews and processing, potentially increasing travel costs and processing delays.

The development has sparked concern among some applicants across Africa, as the consolidation could place additional pressure on remaining visa centres while also reshaping travel flows on the continent.

For Nigeria, however, Lagos retaining its status reinforces its position as a major diplomatic and travel gateway in West Africa.

Authorities say the changes will be implemented in the coming weeks as part of a wider overhaul of U.S. consular operations in Africa.