Us tightens visa rules from Gabon in 2026 crackdown on illegal immigration

Starting in late June 2026, the United States will halt visa issuance from several African nations, including Gabon, as part of a sweeping immigration policy overhaul. This abrupt change reduces the number of eligible countries in Africa from around fifty to just a fraction of that total.

Washington’s rationale is clear: curbing undocumented migration flows into the country. Travelers from Gabon seeking entry to the U.S. will now be required to apply in person at embassies in neighboring nations such as Cameroon (Yaoundé), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), or Togo (Lomé).

The logistical and financial burden on applicants is expected to rise sharply. Beyond the visa fee itself, travelers must now account for international travel expenses and potential accommodation costs in the host country, significantly inflating the total expense of obtaining a U.S. entry permit.