Egypt Joins South Africa, Morocco, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zambia in the Process of Receiving Major Delays in Visa: How?

In recent months, Morocco has become one of the nine African countries facing significant delays in U.S. visa processing. This includes delays for various visa categories, including B1/B2 visas, student visas, and business travel. The U.S. embassy in Casablanca, along with other embassies across Africa, has been struggling with a surge in applications and more stringent security protocols. These delays are causing frustration for travelers seeking to visit the U.S. for business, education, tourism, and family visits. As we move into the holiday season and into early 2026, these delays are expected to worsen due to the high volume of applications.

Countries Affected by U.S. Visa Delays

In addition to Morocco, several other countries in Africa are experiencing similar visa processing challenges. These include:

• Uganda
• Egypt
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Ethiopia
• Zambia

All of these nations have faced increased wait times for U.S. visas, primarily affecting first-time applicants. These delays have been exacerbated by the growing demand for visas and stricter security measures that have been put in place following global events and geopolitical shifts.

Causes of U.S. Visa Delays

The delays in visa processing have multiple causes, with the increase in visa applications being one of the key factors. As more people from Africa seek to travel to the U.S. for education, business, and tourism, the demand for visa services has surged. At the same time, tighter security protocols have been implemented to address concerns over safety and potential security risks, which has resulted in a more thorough vetting process.

Additionally, the U.S. visa restrictions introduced for certain countries, including Morocco, have further contributed to the delays. These restrictions affect both the B1/B2 visas and other visa categories, making the application process more complicated and time-consuming for travelers from these nations.

Impact on First-Time Applicants and Business Travelers

The delays are especially affecting first-time B1/B2 visa applicants, students, and business travelers. For first-time applicants, the waiting periods are significantly longer, with some experiencing delays of several months. Business travelers and those looking to visit family in the U.S. have also been facing increased wait times, impacting their ability to plan trips and meet deadlines for work or family events.

The holiday season exacerbates the issue, as many travelers attempt to apply for U.S. visas in advance of the busy travel period. This results in even longer delays at the U.S. embassy as they deal with a backlog of applications.

Regional Impact: Other Countries Facing Similar Delays

As with Morocco, other African countries are facing similar visa processing issues. The U.S. embassy in Nigeria is one of the busiest in Africa, and it has also been grappling with delays, particularly for first-time applicants. The situation is made more complicated by new security vetting procedures and partial restrictions on visa issuance that are set to take effect in January 2026.

In Egypt and Uganda, the embassies have also been experiencing significant delays due to the rising number of applications. In Egypt, both Egyptian nationals and third-country nationals applying through Egypt have faced extended wait times. Uganda is seeing similar challenges, especially with students and business travelers seeking visas.

South Africa has faced comparable delays, with applications from both tourism and business sectors experiencing long processing times. Additionally, there have been reports that Afrikaner applicants have been prioritized, leading to even longer wait times for other applicants.

New Visa Restrictions and Their Impact

The new visa restrictions that will come into effect in January 2026 will further exacerbate the delays. Countries like Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Zambia are now included in the list of nations facing partial restrictions on U.S. visas. These restrictions primarily target the B1/B2 visa category and have added another layer of complexity to the already strained visa processing system.

With these new rules in place, applicants from these countries will face even more obstacles in obtaining the necessary visa clearance. This could potentially discourage travelers from applying or cause them to seek alternative visa options.

What Does This Mean for U.S. Visa Applicants in Africa?

The delays in U.S. visa processing are part of a larger trend across Africa, where demand for U.S. visas continues to rise. With more people seeking to travel to the U.S. for business, education, and tourism, the bottleneck is expected to continue well into 2026. For applicants, this means longer wait times, increased uncertainty, and potential travel disruptions.

As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are advised to apply for their visas early to avoid disruptions and ensure that their travel plans are not impacted. For those seeking to visit the U.S. during peak travel periods like the holiday season, applying well in advance is essential.

How Travelers Can Navigate These Challenges

Travelers seeking U.S. visas are encouraged to stay informed about changes to visa regulations and processing times. It is advisable to check the U.S. embassy’s official website for the latest updates on visa processing times and requirements. Applicants should also be prepared for additional documentation requests, which may further delay the process.

It is also recommended that travelers submit applications early and be flexible with their travel dates. Those experiencing significant delays may also want to explore other visa categories or consider seeking professional advice to ensure their applications are processed efficiently.

Conclusion: A Growing Challenge for U.S. Visa Applicants in Africa

As Morocco joins the growing list of African countries facing extended U.S. visa delays, the situation highlights the challenges that travelers across the continent are facing in obtaining U.S. visas. With stricter security measures, rising application volumes, and new visa restrictions, delays are expected to continue in the coming months, especially during high-demand periods like the Christmas holiday season.

For travelers in Morocco and other affected nations, it is essential to stay informed about the latest updates and apply for visas well in advance to avoid disruptions. While these delays are a growing concern, they also underscore the increasing demand for travel to the U.S. from Africa, a testament to the continent’s growing global connectivity.

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