U.S. Consulate Changes in Africa and the Caribbean: What U.S. visa applicants and American citizens living abroad need to know

Woman conducting a Visa Interview

Whether you are currently applying for a U.S. visa or residing overseas as an American citizen, keeping informed about consular updates is crucial. Numerous U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa and the Caribbean have recently experienced major operational changes. These alterations are impacting processing times, the availability of appointments, and access to essential consular services.

In this post, we analyze the recent updates from Ghana, Nigeria, Haiti, and South Africa, and discuss their implications for individuals dealing with the U.S. immigration system from overseas.

Ghana: Delays and a New Pre-Screening Requirement

In Ghana, the U.S. Embassy in Accra is facing significant backlogs, with visa appointments—particularly for visitor and student visas—being scheduled as far out as late 2025. Although consular services have officially resumed, the demand greatly exceeds the available resources, resulting in delays becoming commonplace.

A new pre-screening interview process has also been introduced. Before the main consular interview, applicants must now complete a preliminary screening, during which consular staff assess basic eligibility and documentation. While the stated goal is to prioritize qualified cases and avoid unnecessary interviews, this added step has effectively extended the timeline for many applicants. It’s important to treat this pre-screening with the same level of preparation and seriousness as the main interview.

Nigeria: Two Interviews Required and Expanded Waivers

In Nigeria, both the Lagos and Abuja consulates have implemented a new two-stage interview process for most nonimmigrant visa applicants. The first appointment now focuses on document completion and a general readiness review. The second appointment, held at a later date, is the formal visa interview with a consular officer. While this system was introduced to improve efficiency, it often leads to longer overall processing times and requires additional planning, especially for those traveling long distances for their appointments.

On a brighter note, Nigerian consulates have broadened the interview waiver program for specific visa renewals. Those renewing visas in categories such as B1/B2 (visitor), F (student), and certain employment-based visas may now be eligible to renew without an interview, provided their previous visa was issued in Nigeria, expired within the past 48 months, and they have no record of immigration violations. This expanded waiver is a beneficial option for eligible travelers aiming to bypass the lengthy interview scheduling process, although final approval remains at the consular office's discretion.

Haiti: Complete Suspension of Consular Services

In Haiti, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has temporarily halted all standard consular services because of increasing political unrest and security risks. This halt affects all processing of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, passport services, and non-emergency support for U.S. citizens. Although some emergency assistance is still available, it is very limited and often managed through other regional posts, with the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic being the most frequently involved.

For those applying for visas, this implies either waiting for operations to restart or seeking to transfer their cases to consulates in more secure areas. In certain situations, individuals might need to consider humanitarian options or request expedited processing under special circumstances. U.S. citizens in Haiti are encouraged to register with the State Department’s STEP program and stay in touch with the embassy for updates on security and evacuation.

South Africa: Growing Uncertainty Around Consulate Operations

In South Africa, although no official closures have been declared, escalating political tensions have heightened worries about possible disruptions to U.S. consular services. The U.S. government has elevated its travel advisories for the area and has already put in place extra security measures for consulate staff and visitors in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria.

While consular appointments are currently being upheld, applicants should remain vigilant for potential last-minute closures or reductions in service. Individuals with urgent immigration issues might consider backup options, like applying at alternate consulates in neighboring countries if the situation deteriorates.

Moving Forward: How to Prepare in a Time of Change

If you're overseas and waiting for a visa decision—or assisting a family member with the process—the evolving consular procedures can be daunting. With increased screening requirements in Ghana, extended timelines and dual appointments in Nigeria, complete suspensions in Haiti, and uncertainty in South Africa, it's evident that preparation and legal advice are more crucial than ever.

At our firm, we work with clients around the world to navigate these shifting requirements. Whether you need help rescheduling an interview, exploring expedited options, transferring a case, or simply understanding how these changes affect your situation, we’re here to provide clear, experienced guidance every step of the way.

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Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only and does not create an Attorney-Client relationship. This post should not be taken as legal advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to an attorney for legal advice.