US Pause Visa Applications From Zimbabwe

The Post On Sunday

HARARE — The United States announced on Thursday it would temporarily suspend all routine visa services for Zimbabwean citizens, marking the latest in a series of travel restrictions targeting several African nations.

Starting Friday, the U.S. Embassy in Harare will halt the processing of routine visas “while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe,” the embassy said in a statement. The pause is described as temporary and will exclude diplomatic and official visa categories.

This move follows the recent introduction of a pilot program requiring citizens of Malawi and Zambia to post bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for tourist or business visas. The bond is forfeited if the traveler overstays their visa in the U.S.

The pilot program, set to begin on August 20, also mandates that Malawian and Zambian visitors enter and exit the United States through one of three airports: Boston Logan, New York JFK, or Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport.

The U.S. State Department framed these measures as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to combat visa overstays and prevent misuse of the U.S. visa system.

“These actions reflect our commitment to protecting national security and public safety by maintaining rigorous visa standards,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

Since June, the U.S. has implemented travel bans affecting citizens from 12 countries, including seven in Africa, and placed enhanced restrictions on seven others. Additionally, 36 countries, most from Africa, have been asked to improve traveler vetting and address issues related to their nationals who remain in the U.S. illegally, or face potential bans.

Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia are among those countries identified as needing to improve travel document security and cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities.

The suspension of routine visa services in Zimbabwe is the latest indication of escalating visa controls under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, which critics argue disproportionately affect African nations.