WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department plans to drastically slash the number of US embassies and consulates in Africa that can process visas for foreigners seeking to come to the United States.

The almost 50 US embassies and consulates that are processing visa applications will be reduced to 20 in the coming weeks, according to three US officials and an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press.

There is not yet a set date for the change, but it is expected in June, according to the officials, who were not authorised to comment to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity.