Starting August 1, 2026, U.S. visa applicants in Madagascar will be required to travel to Johannesburg, as the consulate in Antananarivo will cease processing these applications.
This date was announced by the U.S. Department of State as part of a reorganization of its visa issuance services in Africa, consolidating them into regional hubs. Consequently, the Antananarivo office will no longer handle visa requests, forcing applicants to travel to the regional hub in Johannesburg, South Africa, to submit documents and pay fees.
The Department of State justifies this decision as a long-standing practice to strengthen national security by standardizing screening and verification procedures. The move also aligns with the “America First” policy, aiming to optimize operational resources.
This change raises concerns regarding accessibility and financial burden for Malagasy applicants, who must now account for international travel costs, including flights and accommodation, in addition to visa fees. This could pose a significant barrier for students and small entrepreneurs.
Diplomatically, the Department of State clarified that this reorganization does not affect the operations of embassies in the affected countries or the essential work they continue to perform on behalf of the American people.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-20 05:57:07 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/etats-unis-fin-des-traitements-de-visa.html