Applying for a non-immigrant visa to the United States just got a bit more complicated this week after the U.S. Department of State announced sweeping new changes on September 6.
Effective immediately, all non-immigrant visa applicants must now schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. This effectively puts an end to a practice known as “third-country stamping” where one could go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in a neighboring country that has a shorter wait time.
If you had a booking prior to September 6, 2025, it is not affected but any new booking you make must follow the new rules.
It is not uncommon for someone in South Africa or Kenya, which have busy U.S. embassies, to fly to Zambia or Rwanda for a visa interview. That option is no longer available.
The only exception will be for those countries where routine U.S. visa services are not available. For Africa, the exceptions affect six countries, and the State Department has designated alternative consulates for them:
Libya → Apply in Tunis, Tunisia.
Niger → Apply in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Somalia → Apply in Nairobi, Kenya.
South Sudan → Apply in Nairobi, Kenya.
Sudan → Apply in Cairo, Egypt.
Zimbabwe → Apply in Johannesburg, South Africa.
If you book a visa appointment at the wrong location your visa fees are non-refundable.
Diplomats and applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement are exempted from the new rules.
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