Tanzania, June 2 -- The United States is reportedly planning to significantly reduce the number of its embassies in Africa that process visa applications, in a move expected to tighten oversight of entry permits and reshape consular services on the continent.

According to the Associated Press, the proposal would cut the number of visa-issuing embassies from about 50 to around 20, forcing applicants in some African countries to travel to neighbouring states to access visa services.

If implemented, the changes are expected to increase both the cost and waiting time for visa applicants, particularly those in countries without designated processing centres.

The reported reforms form part of a broader US government effort to streamline over...