US Embassy Says Zimbabwe Visa Pause Is Not A Travel Ban
The United States Embassy in Harare has clarified that its recent decision to pause routine visa services in Zimbabwe does not amount to a travel ban. The clarification comes after widespread concerns following Washington’s announcement earlier this month.
Embassy issues clarification
On 20 August 2025, the Embassy used its official X account to explain the situation.
In a statement, the Embassy said:
“We have paused routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.
This is not a travel ban
We will provide updates on resuming visa services as soon as there is a change.”
The message sought to assure Zimbabweans that individuals with valid visas could still travel to the United States.
Background to the pause
The pause follows a wider decision by the US government earlier in the month. On 8 August 2025, the US State Department announced that routine visa applications from Zimbabwe would be temporarily halted.
According to Al Jazeera, the measure was introduced “while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.”
The State Department further stated:
“The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.”
Zimbabwe was one of 36 countries told to improve travel documentation and address the status of nationals residing in the US without legal status.
Wider restrictions across Africa
Zimbabwe’s case is part of broader immigration measures introduced under President Donald Trump.
On 8 August 2025, Washington also revealed a pilot programme affecting Malawi and Zambia. Under the programme, applicants for tourist or business visas must pay bonds of US$5,000 (R92,000), US$10,000 (R184,000), or US$15,000 (R276,000). The bond would be forfeited if an applicant overstayed their visa.
Applicants from Malawi and Zambia were also directed to enter and exit through specific airports in the United States, including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston’s Logan International Airport, and Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC.
The State Department said the policy was designed to prevent visa overstays and misuse.
In June 2025, Washington also introduced travel bans on citizens from 12 countries, seven of them African, and extended restrictions to seven more nations, three of them in Africa.
The US has demanded that 36 countries, the majority in Africa, strengthen their vetting systems or face restrictions on their citizens visiting the United States.
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The post “Not A Travel Ban”: US Embassy Clarifies On Pause On Visa Services In Zimbabwe appeared first on iHarare News.
