Starting in mid-2026, the United States government will halt visa issuance from Libreville, Gabon, as part of a sweeping immigration control measure announced by the Trump administration. This decision affects travelers from several African nations, drastically reducing the number of countries authorized to process U.S. entry visas.
Fewer African countries to process U.S. visas
Under the new policy, only around 50 African countries will retain the authority to issue U.S. visas—a sharp decline from the previous 100+ nations eligible. The move is framed as a strategy to curb irregular migration flows into American borders.
Logistical hurdles for Gabonese applicants
Gabonese citizens and residents planning trips to the U.S. will now be required to travel to neighboring countries to submit their visa applications. The nearest eligible embassies will be located in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lomé, Togo. This shift introduces significant travel and accommodation costs for applicants.
Financial burden on travelers
The operational changes mean travelers must now factor in flight expenses, potential visa service fees, and extended stays abroad—all before even arriving in the United States. For many, this policy will transform a straightforward application process into a costly and time-consuming ordeal.