Published November 6, 2025
Morocco, along with Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Zambia and other African countries, faces significant visa delays and a new travel ban to the United States in 2025, disrupting entry procedures. These countries are currently facing significant disruption as the U.S. immigration system struggles to manage increasing detentions and delays. With wait times for visa interviews stretching over two years at some consulates, students, professionals and families seeking to travel, work or reunite are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain timely approval. The introduction of new travel bans and stricter policies will only increase the challenges, creating greater uncertainty for African nationals wishing to enter the United States. This article explores the reasons behind this disruption and its broader impact on immigration to the United States from African countries.
Nigeria: the looming visa crisis
Nigeria is facing a growing immigration crisis as delays in processing U.S. visa applications worsen. With more than two years of unresolved cases at U.S. consulates like Abuja, Nigerians are struggling to secure timely interviews for travel, jobs and family reunions. Millions of cases remain unresolved in immigration courts, increasing waiting times and adding to the burden on applicants. For Nigerian students, professionals, and families, uncertainty around visa approvals makes it difficult to plan important life events. Additionally, rising visa fees and increased scrutiny have further complicated the issue, leaving many applicants uncertain about their chances of obtaining a U.S. visa in the near future.
Ghana: More people waiting for green lights
Immigration procedures in Ghana have become a bottleneck for thousands of people seeking to travel to the United States. Consular operations at the U.S. Embassy in Accra have been disrupted, resulting in wait times of more than two years for visa interviews. This disruption is especially harmful not only to students planning to attend U.S. universities, but also to professionals and families seeking reunification. As delays continue, Ghanaians face increased uncertainty about their future travel plans. The added pressure of rising visa costs and stricter documentation requirements only adds to the challenge, making it increasingly difficult for applicants to navigate an already slow and complex immigration system.
Zimbabwe: stuck in visa limbo
The US Embassy in Harare has ceased regular visa operations from August 2025, leaving Zimbabweans experiencing a visa nightmare. The suspension has left many applicants in a state of uncertainty, unable to secure interviews or process visa applications. The situation is particularly dire for students, who face the risk of missing out on educational opportunities due to delays in visa approvals. With a growing backlog and no clear timeline for resuming normal services, Zimbabwean families hoping to reunite and professionals seeking jobs in the United States are caught in a waiting game where their patience and financial resources are at their limits.
Morocco: Ripple effects of US policy tightening
Although Morocco is not directly targeted by the travel ban, Moroccans are increasingly feeling the effects of America’s stricter immigration policies. Many applicants are facing significant delays in securing U.S. visas due to long interview wait times at Moroccan consulates. Extended delays for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), as well as rising visa fees and increased scrutiny, are making it difficult for professionals and students to travel. The uncertainty surrounding visa processing is forcing many to reconsider their plans and increasing stress for travelers already facing challenges in obtaining timely approval to travel to the United States.
Ethiopia: long delays and lingering uncertainty
Ethiopia is facing major disruptions to its visa process, with U.S. consular services in Addis Ababa reporting long delays of up to two years. This has led to a growing backlog of Ethiopians seeking visas for tourism, education and family reunification. Delays are compounded by millions of cases remaining unresolved and ongoing challenges in U.S. immigration courts. Ethiopian students planning to study in the United States and workers seeking opportunities abroad now face an uncertain future as they must navigate complexities such as extended wait times and potential changes to visa regulations and fees.
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Zambia: financial and logistical burden
Zambians have been targeted by U.S. immigration delays, taking more than two years to schedule a visa interview. In addition to consular backlogs, stricter documentation requirements and rising visa fees are major barriers for many Zambians wishing to travel to or immigrate to the United States. This delay is frustrating for those seeking student, tourist, or work visas, especially as they face the additional financial burden of paying high processing fees. The ongoing disruption has forced Zambian applicants to delay important life decisions, with little clarity on when the system will return to normal or how long the waiting game will last.
Widespread disruption: African countries face visa delays, detentions and travel bans in U.S. immigration system
conclusion
Morocco, along with Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Zambia and other African countries, are facing significant visa delays and a new travel ban to the United States in 2025, greatly disrupting immigration procedures. Ongoing challenges such as consular backlogs, longer wait times, and increased surveillance pose significant barriers for individuals in these countries. As a result, applicants seeking to travel, work, or reunite with family in the United States face increased uncertainty and frustration. These disruptions, fueled by policy changes and resource constraints, have left African nationals uncertain about their ability to navigate the U.S. visa process in the near future.
