Harare / Washington, Aug. 7, 2025 – The U.S. Department of State has announced a temporary suspension of all routine visa services for citizens of Zimbabwe, effective Friday, as diplomatic channels work to address “concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.” Most diplomatic and official visa categories remain exempt from the pause.

This move follows closely on the heels of a new visa bond initiative targeting applicants from Malawi and Zambia. Under the pilot program, applicants for tourist or business visas must post bonds of up to $15,000, which will be forfeited if they overstay their authorized period in the U.S. The Zimbabwe pause forms part of a broader enforcement strategy under President Trump’s second term, which emphasizes stricter vetting, limits on visa overstays, and heightened documentation requirements for travelers from Africa. In June, the administration imposed full bans on citizens of 12 countries and increased restrictions on seven others, while urging 36 additional nations – including Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia – to bolster their traveler screening processes or face further U.S. travel curbs.

According to the State Department, these measures aim “to prevent visa overstay and misuse,” reflecting ongoing efforts to protect national security and public safety through immigration controls.

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