The United States has suspended the processing of most visas in Zimbabwe until further notice, citing unspecified concerns with the government, its embassy in Harare announced on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on X, the embassy said: “We have paused routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.” It stressed that the move was not a travel ban and that existing visas remain valid.
According to a notice published on the US State Department’s website, the suspension took effect on August 7 and applies to all visa categories except most diplomatic and official visas.
Zimbabwean authorities have yet to respond to the decision.
The development comes amid a series of broader restrictions under the Trump administration targeting several African nations. Washington has argued that the measures are intended to curb visa overstays and misuse. Zimbabwe recorded an overstay rate of 10.57% in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In addition to Zimbabwe, the United States has also paused visa processing in Niger and introduced new requirements for applicants from Zambia and Malawi, who may now be asked to pay bonds of up to $15,000 for some visitor visas.
The sudden halt has disrupted the plans of many Zimbabweans, particularly students. Harare resident Angella Chirombo said her 18-year-old son, who had secured a scholarship to study at Michigan State University, had been waiting for a visa interview when the suspension was announced.
“He was supposed to be in school already. I paid for everything else and was waiting for the visa so I could buy tickets,” she said.
Chirombo added that while some parents were exploring the possibility of booking interviews at US embassies in neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Namibia, financial constraints made that option difficult. “I don’t even have money right now and I don’t know where to get this money. There are so many students that have been affected,” she said.
The suspension is expected to further strain US-Zimbabwe relations, already marked by longstanding tensions over governance and human rights issues.
Melissa Enoch
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