The United States has temporarily halted all visa services at its embassies in three African nations: South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The pause took effect on May 18, 2026, and covers both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including those for tourists, business travelers, students, and exchange visitors.
Reason for Suspension
The Department of State cited the ongoing Ebola outbreak as the reason for the suspension. Officials stated that the visa process must uphold the highest standards for American public health and safety. Affected applicants have already been notified, and no new visa appointments can be scheduled at the three embassies until further notice.
Impact on Current Visas and Appointments
According to a notice on the State Department website, currently valid visas remain unaffected by this pause. Applicants who had existing appointments will have them rescheduled once operations resume. The embassy websites will be updated when appointment scheduling restarts.
Nonimmigrant visa application fees remain valid for 365 days from the date of receipt issuance. Applicants must schedule their interview within that period, though the actual interview can take place after the 365-day cutoff as long as scheduling was completed on time. The State Department confirmed that no refunds will be issued for appointments affected by the pause; those appointments will simply be rescheduled when services restart.
Canada Also Imposes Restrictions
In a related development, the Canadian government has announced a 90-day suspension of immigration documents for residents of the same three African nations. The decision follows the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rising risks in Uganda and South Sudan. The temporary border measure takes effect on May 27 at 23:59 EDT. Even travelers with previously approved visas, electronic travel authorizations, or permanent resident papers will not be allowed to enter Canada during this period.
Officials also plan to pause all new application decisions for residents of the affected countries. A second measure will start on May 30 at 23:59 EDT and remain until August 29, 2026. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act who have been in these regions within the previous 21 days must quarantine for 21 days upon arrival, even if they show no symptoms.
Nigeria's Lassa Fever and Meningitis Situation
Previously, Nigeria recorded 1,035 confirmed cases of Lassa fever out of 8,569 suspected cases, resulting in 174 deaths across 28 states and 129 local government areas as of October 13, 2024. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also reported 380 confirmed cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis out of 4,915 suspected cases, with 361 deaths in 24 states across 174 local government areas during the 2023/2024 season.
