The United States has suspended most visa services in Zimbabwe “until further notice,” the U.S. Embassy in Harare said on Wednesday, citing unspecified concerns with the government. The embassy said the pause is not a travel ban and that existing visas remain valid.
According to a State Department notice, the suspension took effect on Aug. 7 and applies to all categories except most diplomatic and official visas. Zimbabwe’s government did not immediately comment.
The move comes amid broader U.S. measures intended to curb visa overstays and misuse. The Trump administration has also paused visa processing in Niger and, starting this week, will require some applicants from Zambia and Malawi to post bonds of up to $15,000. Zimbabwe recorded a 10.57% overstay rate in 2023, U.S. data show.
The halt is already disrupting travel plans. Harare resident Angella Chirombo said her 18-year-old son, accepted to Michigan State University on scholarship, was awaiting a visa interview when services were paused. Some families are considering appointments at U.S. embassies in neighboring countries, she said, but many cannot afford the added costs.
