The US stops processing most visas in Zimbabwe due to “government concerns”
The United States has halted the majority of visa services in Zimbabwe, referencing “Concerns with government,” which has resulted in numerous travel plans being disrupted.
The United States has announced the suspension of most visa processing in Zimbabwe until further notice, citing unspecified concerns regarding the government, as stated by its embassy in Harare on Wednesday.
The embassy stated on X: “We have paused routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.” It emphasized that the action was not a travel ban and that current visas continue to be valid.
A notice on the US State Department’s website indicates that the suspension commenced on August 7 and is applicable to all visa categories, with the exception of most diplomatic and official visas.
The authorities in Zimbabwe have not yet provided a response to the decision.
The development arises in the context of a range of wider restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on various African nations. Washington has contended that the measures aim to reduce visa overstays and misuse. In 2023, Zimbabwe had an overstay rate of 10.57%, as reported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Alongside Zimbabwe, the United States has suspended visa processing in Niger and implemented new requirements for applicants from Zambia and Malawi, who may now be required to pay bonds of up to $15,000 for certain visitor visas.
The abrupt stop has thrown a wrench into the plans of numerous Zimbabweans, especially students. Angella Chirombo, a resident of Harare, shared that her 18-year-old son, who had obtained a scholarship to study at Michigan State University, was awaiting a visa interview when the suspension was declared.
“He should have been in school by now.” “I covered all the other expenses and was just waiting for the visa to purchase the tickets,” she stated.
Chirombo noted that although some parents were considering the option of scheduling interviews at US embassies in nearby countries like Zambia and Namibia, financial limitations rendered that choice challenging. “I currently lack funds and I’m uncertain about how to acquire the necessary money.” “A significant number of students have been impacted,” she stated.
The suspension is anticipated to exacerbate US-Zimbabwe relations, which are already characterized by enduring tensions regarding governance and human rights concerns.
