The U.S. Embassy in the capital, Harare, announced that the United States has halted the processing of most visas in Zimbabwe until further notice, citing unspecified concerns.
In a post on (X), the embassy said: “We have temporarily suspended routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.” It stressed that the move does not constitute a travel ban and that current visas remain valid.
According to Reuters, the government of the southern African nation did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The suspension took effect on August 7, according to a notice published on the U.S. State Department’s website, which stated that the measure applies to all visa services except most diplomatic and official visas.
President Donald Trump’s administration has imposed travel restrictions on several African countries, saying the move aims to prevent visa overstays and misuse. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that Zimbabwe had a visa overstay rate of 10.57% in 2023.
Starting this week, the U.S. will also require visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to pay bonds of up to $15,000 for certain visitor visas. The Trump administration has likewise suspended visa processing in Niger.
Angela Chirumbu, a Harare resident, said her 18-year-old son had secured a scholarship for a bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and was awaiting an interview for a visa when the procedures were suspended.
“He was supposed to be at school already. I paid all the other fees and was just waiting for the visa to be able to buy the tickets,” she said, adding that other parents are considering booking appointments at U.S. embassies in South Africa, though she cannot afford the travel costs.