LUSAKA - Routine United States visa applications for Zambian nationals and residents will be processed through South Africa from August 1, 2026, following changes to U.S. visa operations in Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says it has been formally notified by the United States Embassy in Lusaka that routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services for Zambian nationals and residents will be transferred to the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg.
The move is part of a broader realignment of U.S. visa processing operations in Africa. The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that, effective August 1, routine visa services in Lusaka and several other African posts will be transferred to designated regional visa hubs, with Johannesburg listed among the hubs providing routine visa services.
The changes are expected to affect students, business travellers, tourists and other Zambians applying for routine U.S. visas.
The Ministry said it is engaging the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka to better understand the new arrangements and ensure that accurate information is provided to affected applicants.
However, the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka will remain operational. The U.S. Department of State says the changes do not involve the closure of the embassy, which will continue providing American Citizen Services and limited non-immigrant visa services, including cases considered to be in the national interest of the United States.
The Ministry has advised people with pending applications or scheduled appointments to follow instructions issued directly by U.S. authorities and rely on official U.S. Government communication channels for information about appointments, visa fees and application procedures.
The U.S. Department of State has also advised applicants affected by the change to check their email for specific instructions regarding appointments at posts where routine visa processing is being discontinued.
The Ministry said the administrative changes do not affect the longstanding diplomatic relations between Zambia and the United States, adding that Government remains committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The statement was issued in Lusaka by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Principal Public Relations Officer Eva Hatontola Chanda.