U.S. Embassy Extends Visa Validity For Zimbabwean Crew But Says Apply Outside The Country

U.S. Embassy Extends Zimbabwe Crew Visas But Bans Local Applications

The U.S. Embassy in Harare has issued a significant update for Zimbabwean air and sea crew, extending the validity of their visas while maintaining a ban on visa applications within the country. The embassy announced on X that the validity period for C1/D visas has been doubled; however, all applications must still be processed at U.S. missions outside of Zimbabwe.

This mixed message has sparked confusion and debate online, with many questioning the logic behind the new rules.

What The New Visa Rules Mean For Crew

In a post on X dated August 27, 2025, the official account for the U.S. Embassy in Harare, @USEmbZim, made a significant announcement. The statement outlined the specific changes for a key group of travellers.

The embassy wrote:

“Important update: The validity of C1/D (transit/crew member) visas for Zimbabwean applicants has been extended to 24 months with multiple entry. Applications for C1/D visas may be submitted at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of Zimbabwe at this time.”

This means a successful applicant’s visa will now be valid for two years, up from the previous 12 months, and they can enter the US multiple times within that period. The cost of a C1/D visa application is approximately US$185 (R3,330).

Embassy Services Remain On Pause In Harare

Despite this positive news for crew members, the broader visa situation for other Zimbabweans remains unchanged. The embassy’s announcement reiterated its ongoing suspension of most services within the country.

The same post from @USEmbZim clarified the wider context, stating:

“The U.S. Embassy in Harare continues the pause on routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services.”

This continuation of the long-standing pause means that the vast majority of Zimbabweans seeking to travel to the US for tourism, business, or immigration cannot book appointments or submit applications within their home country.

Public Reaction And Lingering Confusion

The announcement quickly garnered attention online, prompting questions about the rationale behind the policy. One social media user directly questioned the embassy’s logic, highlighting a perceived inconsistency.

A user with the handle @Arumlily92 quoted the embassy’s tweet and asked:

“When you consider why they have suspended visa applications for Zimbabweans, its confusing why they still allow Zimbabweans to submit applications from other countries? Is the fact that i travelled to submit the application in another country a remedy? Very odd”

This sentiment reflects the confusion many people feel. The policy allows a Zimbabwean national to apply for a specific visa category at a U.S. embassy in a neighbouring country, such as South Africa, but not in their own capital city. The financial and logistical burden of international travel to apply for a visa remains a significant hurdle for applicants.

The embassy has not publicly detailed its reasons for maintaining the pause on routine services within Zimbabwe or for making an exception for crew member visa applications made abroad.