Short alert · May 18, 2026
Visa Operations Paused in Juba, Kinshasa, and Kampala
Key takeaway
On May 18, 2026, the Department of State announced a temporary pause of all visa operations at U.S. embassies and consulates in Juba, South Sudan; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Kampala, Uganda, citing Ebola-related operational concerns.
On May 18, 2026, the Department of State announced a temporary pause of all visa operations at U.S. embassies and consulates in Juba, South Sudan; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Kampala, Uganda, citing Ebola-related operational concerns.
A post-level pause affects scheduling, interviews, document submission, and visa issuance at those locations. It does not necessarily change eligibility law, but it can delay cases tied to those posts.
Applicants with appointments or pending cases at affected posts should monitor official post and DOS updates before traveling. Third-party scheduling changes may lag behind official announcements.
Who may be affected
Visa applicants scheduled at or assigned to Juba, Kinshasa, or Kampala posts.
What to do next
- Check the official DOS pause page and your post’s website before travel.
- Save appointment confirmations and any cancellation notices.
- Do not assume rescheduling happens automatically—follow post instructions.
- If you already interviewed, preserve all consular documents and CEAC screenshots.
- Contact counsel before changing travel plans tied to a pending visa.
What to do next
- Save the full notice, receipt, envelope, and any deadline exactly as written.
- Write a short timeline with dates, agency names, court or facility names, and prior filings.
- If ICE, court, detention, an RFE, NOID, denial, or a close deadline is involved, start intake and mark the issue urgent.
Sources
Need help understanding your notice or deadline?
Start intake with the notice, deadline, A-number or receipt number if available, and the safest callback number. The firm reviews the request before confirming next steps.