Us visa policy change impacts gabonese travelers by 2026

Starting in late June 2026, the United States government will halt visa issuance from several African nations, including Gabon, as part of a new policy aimed at curbing irregular migration flows. This sweeping adjustment will reduce the number of eligible countries from roughly 50 to just a handful across the continent.

Under the updated framework, applicants from Gabon will no longer be able to apply for U.S. entry visas locally. Instead, they must travel to neighboring countries such as Cameroon (Yaoundé), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), or Togo (Lomé) to complete their visa applications. The policy applies uniformly to all residents of Gabon, regardless of nationality.

The logistical and financial burden on travelers is expected to rise significantly. Beyond visa application fees, applicants will now face additional costs for international flights and extended stays in the destination country while awaiting processing. This decision comes as part of broader measures to strengthen border security and streamline visa administration across high-risk regions.