The United States has temporarily suspended all visa services at its embassies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Uganda due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. The suspension began on 18th May 2026 and covers all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories — including tourist, business, student, exchange visitor, and all other standard visa services.
The affected embassies are:
- US Embassy Kinshasa (DRC)
- US Embassy Juba (South Sudan)
- US Embassy Kampala (Uganda)
No resumption date has been announced. Officials describe the pause as temporary and state that new appointment dates will be issued when regular operations resume.
No New Visa Appointments Available
Visa applicants currently cannot book appointments at any of the three affected US embassies. Candidates whose previously scheduled appointments were cancelled have already been notified by the US Department of State. Anyone planning to travel to the United States from these countries — for study, tourism, employment, or immigration purposes — should expect delays.
Why the US Is Suspending Visa Services
US officials have linked the decision directly to public health and security concerns arising from the Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa. The State Department stated that visa processing must continue to meet stringent health and security requirements, which cannot be fully maintained under current outbreak conditions. The suspension aligns with broader measures being implemented globally, including enhanced border screening and health checks related to Ebola containment.
Existing US Visas Remain Valid — But Entry Restrictions Apply
The suspension does not cancel or revoke any existing US visas. However, holding a valid visa does not guarantee entry to the United States at this time.
Travellers who have been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within the past 21 days will face US entry restrictions — even if their visa remains valid. The suspension primarily affects new visa bookings and ongoing visa processing at the affected embassies.
No Refunds for Cancelled Visa Appointments
The US government will not provide refunds for cancelled visa interviews caused by the suspension. Instead, affected applicants will have their appointments rescheduled once embassy services resume. Non-immigrant visa application fees remain valid for one year from the date of payment, so applicants only need to rebook their interview within that window — the actual interview can take place later.
Who Is Most Affected
The suspension could create significant disruptions for:
- Students intending to begin programmes at US academic institutions
- Tourists with upcoming travel plans
- Business travellers
- Families awaiting immigrant visa processing
- Exchange programme participants
What Affected Applicants Should Do
- Monitor official updates from the US Department of State and the affected embassy websites regularly
- Do not rebook appointments independently — wait for official rescheduling instructions from the embassy
- Confirm that your non-immigrant visa application fee is still within its one-year validity period
- If you have recently visited the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda, check US entry restriction guidelines before attempting to travel
Conclusion
The United States’ temporary suspension of visa services at its embassies in the DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda is a public health precautionary measure with no confirmed end date. Affected applicants — from students to families to business travellers — should check embassy communications regularly for updates on when services will resume and how rescheduled appointments will be handled. All other aspects of valid existing US visas remain unchanged, though entry restrictions apply to recent visitors from the affected countries.