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Tag: African countries

  • US Plans Major Visa Processing Shake-Up Across Africa

    The United States is planning a major restructuring of its visa-processing operations across Africa, with reports indicating that the number of embassies and consulates handling visa applications could be reduced from nearly 50 to just 20 locations.

    The proposed move, approved by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is expected to affect visa services across the continent in the coming weeks.

    20 African Cities Selected as Visa Hubs

    According to reports citing US officials and an internal memo, the decision was communicated to American diplomats and consular chiefs during a conference call held on May 29.

    Under the proposed arrangement, visa-processing services will be concentrated in 20 designated hubs across Africa.

    The selected locations include Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dakar, Kampala, Kigali, Kinshasa, Lomé and Yaoundé, among others.

    Other approved centres include Abidjan, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Luanda, Malabo, Monrovia, Port Louis and Praia.

    Implementation Date Yet to Be Confirmed

    Although the restructuring plan has reportedly received approval, US authorities have not officially announced when the changes will take effect.

    The proposal is expected to reshape visa application procedures for travellers across several African countries, particularly in locations that may lose direct visa-processing services.

    Part of Wider Diplomatic Changes

    The reported decision comes months after the administration of US President Donald Trump reportedly recalled ambassadors from more than two dozen countries, with African nations among the most affected.

    Observers say the latest development could further alter the US diplomatic footprint across the continent, particularly in the area of consular services and visa administration.

  • Togo Removes Visa Requirements for All African Nationals, Allows 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

    The government of Togo has announced the removal of visa requirements for citizens of all African countries travelling into its territory for short stays, in a sweeping policy aimed at strengthening continental integration.

    The decision was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued by Togo’s Ministry of Security via its official X account.

    30-Day Visa-Free Entry Approved

    According to the statement, all African nationals holding valid national passports can now enter Togo without a visa for a period of up to 30 days.

    The government said the policy is designed to promote ease of movement, regional cooperation, and stronger ties across African countries.

    “Togo takes a historic step in strengthening African integration,” the ministry said.

    It added that the country’s leadership remains committed to positioning Togo as a hub of openness and opportunity within the continent.

    Travel Declaration Still Required

    Despite the visa waiver, authorities clarified that travellers must still complete an online travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival.

    The requirement, they said, is to ensure proper entry documentation and security tracking for incoming visitors.

    Push for African Integration

    The policy places Togo among a growing list of African nations easing travel restrictions to encourage intra-African mobility, trade, and tourism.

    Rwanda has also implemented a similar visa-free arrangement for African nationals in recent years.

    In response, Nigeria has begun rolling out a 30-day visa exemption for Rwandan citizens, signaling a broader shift toward more open travel policies across the continent.