From 2026, Nigerians, citizens of South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, and several other African countries will face higher application fees, stricter documentation requirements, and longer processing times under a new U.S. travel visa program.

The revised program, announced by the U.S. government, comes in response to rising visa demand across Africa and growing security concerns.

According to Travel and Tour World, it will affect thousands of travellers seeking entry into the United States for tourism, work, study, and exchange programs.

“South Africans currently enjoy the advantage of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows them to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism.

“For longer stays, they rely on visas such as the B1/B2 tourist visa, the H-1B work visa, student visas in the F and M categories, and J exchange visitor visas.

“These visas come with durations ranging from a few months to several years depending on the program”, it added.

It reported that most applications are processed in Pretoria, with some handled at the consulate in Cape Town, and waiting times typically range between two and six weeks.

While South Africans benefit from visa-free access for short visits, they too will face higher charges and tighter procedures for longer-stay visas once the new program takes effect.

Nigerian and Kenyan citizens, who do not enjoy the same waiver privileges, already undergo full application processes before travelling.

Nigeria remains one of the largest sources of U.S. visa applications in Africa, resulting in long waiting periods at the embassy in Abuja and the consulate in Lagos, often stretching from three to twelve weeks.

Applicants are required to show proof of ties to Nigeria, such as family, property, or employment, to demonstrate their intent to return.

According to the report, Kenyan citizens face a similar process in Nairobi, with wait times ranging between three and eight weeks, while also needing to provide evidence of financial stability and home-country ties.

“Both countries are expected to see even longer wait times and higher costs once the new framework is implemented.

“Other African nations, including Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, and Senegal, will also be affected by the new policy.

“Their citizens currently rely on the same range of U.S. visas, including tourist, student, work, and exchange categories, but they are not part of the Visa Waiver Program.

“Applicants must provide extensive documentation proving they intend to return home after their stay”, the report said.

With processing delays already stretching between two and eight weeks in some countries, the changes will further extend waiting times and increase the financial and administrative burden on applicants.

It also mentioned that at present, U.S. visa costs vary across categories, as the B1/B2 tourist visa is issued for six months with the possibility of a six-month extension and carries a $160 application fee.

The same fee applies to student visas, which are valid for the duration of the academic program.

“The H-1B work visa for skilled professionals costs between $190 and $460, depending on the petition type and is valid for three years with the possibility of an extension.

“The J exchange visitor visa, also at $160, can last from one to five years depending on the program.

“Some applicants are required to pay additional issuance fees ranging from $50 to $200 depending on their country of origin”, it added.

With the new visa regime, these baseline costs are set to increase, alongside demands for more comprehensive supporting documents.

It emphasised that the implications are significant as African students and academic institutions may face disruptions as stricter documentation and longer wait times complicate admissions and enrollment timelines.

“Businesses that depend on professional exchanges, training, and project-related travel could also be affected.

“For tourists, higher costs and lengthier waits may put U.S. travel out of reach for many middle-class Africans who previously considered the U.S. a viable destination”, it reported.

It further noted that the updated U.S. visa program underscores Washington’s attempt to balance growing demand for entry with heightened security concerns.

With African nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia ranking among the fastest-growing sources of visa applicants, travellers are now advised to plan far ahead, prepare more thorough documentation, and expect longer processing times as the new system takes effect in 2026. (BusinessDay)