Morocco Joins Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Other African Countries in Facing Major Visa Delays and New Travel Bans to US in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 6, 2025

Morocco has joined Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Zambia, and other African countries in facing major visa delays and new travel bans to the US in 2025, disrupting immigration processes. These countries are now grappling with significant disruptions as the US immigration system struggles to manage growing backlogs and delays. As wait times for visa interviews extend to over two years in some consular posts, students, professionals, and families seeking to travel, work, or reunite are finding it increasingly difficult to secure timely approvals. The introduction of new travel bans and stricter policies has only added to the challenges, intensifying uncertainty for African nationals hoping to enter the US. This article explores the reasons behind these disruptions and the far-reaching effects they have on immigration from African countries to the US.

Nigeria: A Visa Crisis Looms

Nigeria faces a growing immigration crisis as delays in US visa processing continue to mount. With the backlog of cases in US consular posts like Abuja stretching to over two years, Nigerian nationals are struggling to secure timely interviews for travel, work, or family reunification. The immigration court backlog adds to the strain, with millions of cases unresolved and a growing wait time for applicants. For Nigerian students, professionals, and families, the uncertainty around visa approvals has made it difficult to plan crucial life events. In addition, rising visa fees and increased scrutiny further complicate matters, leaving many applicants unsure about their chances of securing a US visa in the near future.

Ghana: The Growing Wait for a Green Light

In Ghana, the immigration process has become a bottleneck for thousands hoping to travel to the US. The consular backlog at the US Embassy in Accra has led to wait times exceeding two years for visa interviews. This disruption is particularly harmful to students planning to attend US universities, as well as professionals and families seeking to reunite. With the ongoing delays, Ghanaians face a growing sense of uncertainty about their future travel plans. The added pressure of rising visa costs and stricter documentation requirements only intensifies the challenge, making it increasingly difficult for applicants to navigate an already slow and complicated immigration system.

Zimbabwe: Stranded in Visa Limbo

Zimbabweans are experiencing a visa nightmare, with the US Embassy in Harare suspending routine visa services since August 2025. This suspension has left many applicants in a state of uncertainty, unable to secure interviews or progress their visa applications. The situation is especially dire for students, who face the risk of missing out on educational opportunities due to delayed visa approvals. With the backlog growing and no clear timeline for resumption of normal services, Zimbabwean families looking to reunite and professionals seeking work in the US are caught in a waiting game that’s stretching their patience and financial resources.

Morocco: The Ripple Effect of Stricter US Policies

Moroccans are increasingly feeling the effects of stricter US immigration policies, even though Morocco hasn’t been directly targeted by travel bans. With consular posts in Morocco experiencing longer wait times for interviews, many applicants face severe delays in securing US visas. The extension of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) delays, coupled with rising visa fees and heightened scrutiny, is making it harder for professionals and students to travel. The uncertainty surrounding visa processing has forced many to reassess their plans, adding stress to travelers who already face challenges in obtaining timely approvals for their journeys to the US.

Ethiopia: Long Delays and Lingering Uncertainty

Ethiopia is grappling with significant disruptions in its visa process, with US consular services in Addis Ababa reporting lengthy delays of up to two years. This has created a growing backlog for Ethiopians seeking visas for tourism, education, or family reunification. The delay is further compounded by the ongoing challenges in the US immigration courts, where millions of cases remain unresolved. Ethiopian students planning to study in the US and workers seeking opportunities abroad now face an uncertain future, as they must deal with the complexity of extended wait times and the potential for changes to visa regulations and processing fees.

Zambia: A Financial and Logistical Burden

Zambians are finding themselves caught in the crosshairs of US immigration delays, with visa interviews now taking over two years to schedule. The consular backlog, coupled with stricter documentation requirements and rising visa fees, has created a massive barrier for many Zambians hoping to travel or immigrate to the US. For those seeking student, tourist, or work visas, the delay is frustrating, especially as they face the added financial burden of paying higher fees for processing. The ongoing disruptions are forcing 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 Disruptions: African Countries Facing Visa Delays, Backlogs, and Travel Bans in the US Immigration System

Conclusion

Morocco has joined Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Zambia, and other African countries in facing major visa delays and new travel bans to the US in 2025, significantly disrupting immigration processes. The ongoing challenges with consular backlogs, extended wait times, and heightened scrutiny are creating significant barriers for individuals from these nations. As a result, applicants seeking to travel, work, or reunite with family members in the US are facing increased uncertainty and frustration. These disruptions, fueled by policy changes and resource limitations, have left African nationals uncertain about their ability to navigate the US visa process in the near future.