On August 1, the United States began a major reorganisation of its visa operations in Africa. Routine processing at 25 diplomatic posts is being transferred to 20 regional hubs, concentrating consular officers, screening resources and adjudication in a smaller number of cities.
For East Africa, the immediate consequences are clearest in Burundi and South Sudan. Routine non-immigrant visa applicants from both countries are now directed to Kampala, while immigrant visa applicants—including spouses, children and other relatives of Americans—must process through Nairobi.
