Morocco has joined a growing list of African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Zambia, facing major delays in US visa processing in 2025. The backlog in US consular services and the introduction of stricter policies are making it increasingly difficult for African travelers to secure visas for work, study, or family reunification.

Applicants across the continent are now waiting months, and in some cases over two years, for visa interviews. Students hoping to study in the US, professionals seeking career opportunities, and families planning reunions are all affected by these delays. Rising visa fees and increased scrutiny have added further challenges, leaving many uncertain about their travel plans.

In Nigeria, visa processing delays at the Abuja consulate have created a mounting backlog, forcing applicants to postpone travel or career plans. Ghanaian nationals face similar delays at the US Embassy in Accra, with interview wait times stretching beyond two years. In Zimbabwe, routine visa services at the US Embassy in Harare have been suspended since August 2025, leaving many stranded and unable to progress their applications.

Moroccan applicants, while not directly targeted by travel bans, are feeling the ripple effects of stricter US policies. Longer interview wait times, delays in Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), and rising fees are making it harder for professionals and students to travel to the US.

Other African countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Zambia, are also experiencing visa processing delays and extended waiting periods.

The combination of consular backlogs, resource constraints, and policy changes is creating a challenging and uncertain environment for African nationals. Many are being forced to delay important life decisions, while the timeline for normalization of visa services remains unclear.